General appearance:
The Moutain Hemlock, as the name suggests, grows primarily at high elevation. It is easily distinguished by its drooping leader. The cones of this species are oblong with thin scales that are purplish-red when young, turning brown with age. In comparison to the Western Hemlock the Mountain’s cones are at least double the length of the Western’s cones.
Needles:
The needles of the Mountain Hemlock are bluish-green and have a light stomatal bloom on all sides. This is a function of the higher light conditions that occur at higher elevations. These needle are spirally arranged around the twig but are more dense on the upper-side. In looking down the twing the needles appear to occur in a star-like arrangement.
