Species PlantsWestern Hemlock

Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

CommonPlant
Illustration of Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

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.

Habitat
Pacific Coast and inland rainforests from California to Alaska
Diet
Seeds eaten by crossbills and siskins; old-growth branches host marbled murrelet nests
How common
Common

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