Western Hemlock is the most shade-tolerant conifer in the Pacific Northwest and a dominant tree of old-growth rainforests from northern California to Alaska. It is the state tree of Washington. Its small cones are produced abundantly and provide important seeds for crossbills and siskins. Marbled murrelets nest on its broad, old-growth branches.
Best time to see a Western Hemlock
The best time to see a Western Hemlock is February–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,594 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Western Hemlock? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Western Hemlock sightings near you
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