General appearance:
The Western Hemlock is a shade tolerant low elevation tree which can grow up to 200 feet tall. The needle-like leaves are thin, blunt and flat, often having a dark glossy green, but can appear light green without a significant glossy sheen. There is distinct stomatal bloom on the underside of the needles. One on the best ways to distinguish the Western Hemlock is by the varying length of its needles. Thus, the name ‘heterophylla’: hetero means different and phylla means leaves. These trees, like Douglas-fir trees, are extensively cultivated for their timber.
Stomatal bloom:
Notice the stomatal bloom found in two distinct stripes on the underside of the needles.
