ḵwáy̓tsay (sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim)
qʷə́qʷəl̓ə (Hen̓q̓əmin̓əm)
Pollen cones bloom mid-spring, with seed cones maturing the following August to September. Variety of birds eat the seeds, while deer browse on the young foliage. Several rodent species eat the bark. Makes great nesting habitat for birds. Indigenous peoples used Western hemlock for medicine, food, dye, and to tan hides.
Apply mulch around the root zone to retain moisture. Plant in acidic, moist soil. Grows best in humid surroundings. When pruning, only trim the current season’s growth and dieback.
