Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). PA State Tree. , The Eastern Hemlock, often referred to as the Redwood of the East, is a large majestic tree that can grow 175 feet tall, 6 feet in diameter and live for hundreds of years. The oldest recorded specimen, found in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, is at least 554 years old., Extremely shade tolerant, it prefers moist, acidic soil, and is most often found streamside, and on north and east facing slopes. Its dense canopy creates a dark, cool environment that retains moisture, reduces evaporation, and supports many plants and animals., Along streams, hemlocks moderate water temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. There is a greater diversity of macroinvertebrate and aquatic insects in hemlock-dominated watersheds, and twice as many brook trout in hemlock streams., Hemlocks provide nesting, roosting, and forage for over 90 species of birds, especially warblers and flycatchers. They also provide essential shelter, bedding, and cover for ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, rabbits, turkeys, and many other animals., Woolly Adelgid , Since the 1980s, both the Eastern and Carolina hemlocks have been increasingly threatened by the invasion of the non-native hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a tiny aphid-like insect that is spread through wind, birds and other animals, and by human actions. The insects feed on the hemlock's sap and depletes the tree's nutrients, killing it in as little as 3-5 years., Impact of Hemlock Loss , HWA has resulted in the loss of many of our hemlock forests. When a hemlock dies, the break in the forest canopy allows increased light penetration on the forest floor. This reduces soil moisture, and causes streams to rise in temperature and dry up more quickly. Hardwoods and invasive species, none of which provide the same ecological functions of the hemlock, fill in the space left by the hemlocks., [Photo captions, left to right, read] , . The leaves (needles) are typically to 1/2 to 3/4 inches in length. The leaf margins are very slightly toothed, especially near the apex. The seed cones are ovoid in shape and typically measure 5/8 to 1 inch in length and 3/8 to 5/8 inch in width., . [Eastern Hemlock, no caption], . Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is easiest to detect by the presence of its white fluffy wool-like mass at the base of the underside of the hemlock needles., . Eastern Hemlock bark