Mountain Hemlock

Tsuga mertensiana

Physical Characteristics

Tsuga mertensiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 45 m (147ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Shoots Edible Uses: Tea Inner bark - raw or dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[161]. It is best used in the spring[172]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[183]. A herbal tea is made from the young leaves and shoot tips[172, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Poultice The bark is astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic[21]. A tea made from the inner bark or twigs is helpful in the treatment of influenza, colds, kidney or bladder problems, and also makes a good enema for treating diarrhoea[21, 257]. It can also be used as a gargle or mouthwash for mouth and throat problems or externally to wash sores and ulcers[21]. The powdered bark can be put into shoes for tender or sweaty feet or for foot odour[21]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used to treat burns[257]. The warm gum obtained from the trunks has been used as a dressing on cuts[257].

Known Hazards

None known