What do you know about the hemlock tree?

A true hemlock is a tall pyramidal tree with purplish or reddish brown bark, slender horizontal or drooping branches, and short blunt leaves that grow from woody cushionlike structures on the twigs. Its wood is superior to that of all other hemlocks and compares favourably with that of pine and spruce.

Why are eastern hemlock trees important?

Eastern hemlocks often grow along waterways in shady, moist habitats. Foliage reaching from the forest floor to the canopy provides important habitat for wildlife. Hemlock foliage is an important source of food and shelter in eastern forests, particularly in winter when hardwood trees are dormant.

How fast do eastern hemlock trees grow?

The tree is capable of withstanding suppression for as long as 400 years. At all ages, however, eastern hemlock responds to release in both height and diameter growth. Growth rates in excess of 6.4 cm (2.5 in) per decade are possible following release either from side or overhead suppression.

Is the eastern hemlock tree poisonous?

Poison-hemlock is acutely toxic to people and animals, with symptoms appearing 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion. All parts of the plant are poisonous and even the dead canes remain toxic for up to three years.

What kind of tree is hemlock tree?

Answer: A hemlock tree is a poisonous tree with small white flowers. The poet Robert Frost, didn’t choose to use a maple, oak or a pine tree, he chose the hemlock tree and left all the beautiful trees to present his mood and feelings.

What is hemlock tree associated with?

Hemlock tree is usually associated with poison and toxicity.

Are hemlock trees valuable?

&bsp For the tree grower, hemlock in 8 foot to 16 foot length logs is worth $. 25 a board foot when brought to the saw mill. In the case of dying hemlocks, the landowner has to pay the logger to come cut the tree and haul it off, which most likely will cost him more than the value of the wood.

Are eastern hemlocks shade tolerant?

SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : Eastern hemlock is very shade tolerant [5]. Seedlings survive in as little as 5 percent of full light [14]. Individuals are able to survive several hundred years of suppression, and many show numerous growth releases and suppressions [6].

Are hemlock trees good?

Canadian hemlocks in the landscape have flat sprays of lacy evergreen foliage and graceful, pyramid shapes. Their elegance makes them excellent choices for specimen trees. However, the trees are very tolerant of shearing. This means that you can also keep them short or use them for privacy screens.

Where do hemlock trees grow best?

These conifers grow best in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 7; some species thrive in the coastal and mountain areas of the western United States, while others do best in the eastern U.S. Most hemlock species reach at least 30 feet when mature, although some dwarf varieties do …

Is hemlock a good firewood?

Although it’s classified as a softwood, hemlock can be a good firewood source as long as the wood is allowed to properly season before use.

What animals eat eastern hemlock?

Red squirrels and mice chew off the scales of the tiny hemlock cones to get at the seeds underneath. Deer will also eat hemlock foliage and twigs as high up as they can reach. Porcupines prefer hemlock and will eat the bark and chew off large twigs.