No, it’s not the plant that killed Socrates.That would be the poison hemlock, a type of weed. We’re going to talk about the hemlock tree, a coniferous tree species that are a common resident of North America and Japan.Unlike the highly toxic poison hemlock, the most danger hemlock trees pose to you is if you run into one of them. Though, if you take a few hemlock needles into your hand and crush them, you’ll get a similar musty scent that is distinctly similar to that of wild hemlock plants.The hemlock tree’s signature droopy branches and sophisticated appearance make it a prized resident of many yards. The tree’s bark and wood have served humans for a long time, from building houses to making food.However, even the common species of hemlock are under threat and come under the near-threatened category. In their forest homes, the trees are a precious home and habitat to many species of both plants and animals. As the fight to save them goes on, take some time to learn more about the timeless plant.Facts About The Hemlock TreeThere is lots to learn about the hemlock tree, but first here are some fast facts that aren’t necessarily related but are interesting nonetheless!About 8-10 species of hemlock trees exist, four of which are found in North America and 4-6 in eastern Asia.The scientific name of the hemlock genus is Tsuga, which is the Japanese name for hemlock trees, which are native to Japan.Despite the name, the hemlock tree (Tsuga) is not related to poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). They share the name due to the similar odor shared by both plants.Hemlock spruce are routinely attacked by the hemlock wooly adelgid, an insect that feeds on tree sap. The insects were accidentally introduced to the continent from Japan in the 1920s.In eastern North America, The eastern hemlock or hemlock spruce (Tsuga canadensis) and Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana), in particular, are susceptible to pest infestations. In the west, the insects go after the native western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla).While the East Asian and western American species are more pest-resistant, the North American hemlock species are under threat, not just from adelgids, but also hemlock loopers, a type of moth.The hemlock tree is self-pruning. When certain leaves or twigs of the plant begin to weaken, a resin deposit begins to form at the base. The offending branches are sealed off from the rest of the tree so as to save resources like water and minerals. Eventually, the weakened branches break off through natural processes.Hemlock Tree’s IdentificationThe hemlock tree looks similar to a lot of others in the pine family. With these identification facts and good observation skills (and maybe a microscope), you might just be able to tell them apart.The crown of the hemlock tree, which is the canopy or the upper part of the tree, is conical or irregular. Irregular crowns occur mostly in Asian species of hemlock.The trees bear oval or cylindrical cones and can grow to be about 190 ft (60 m) tall.The scaly bark can be gray or brown, or anything in between. As the tree matures, the bark becomes darker. The inner bark of the tree is reddish-brown.Hemlock trees look similar to the Douglas fir tree, pine, and yew.The dark green leaves of the tree are one of its main identifying features. Hemlock leaves or flat, not round like pine leaves. Unlike pine needles which appear in clusters, hemlock leaves grow individually. Hemlock trees are also generally droopier than pines.Yews look similar to eastern hemlock but the red berry-like cones produced by yew are very different from eastern hemlock cones. Moreover, the leaves of yew trees do not have white streaks.Fir trees look notoriously similar to hemlocks. To tell them apart, look very closely at how the leaves are attached to the twigs. Fir needles grow right out of their twigs and don’t have a ‘cushioned’ base as hemlocks do.Hemlock Tree’s UsesThe beams in your house might just be made out of hemlock wood. Even if they aren’t, there are plenty of situations where hemlock comes into use.Hemlock trees are softwood species that provide good timber wood.Hemlock wood can be used in construction for roof decking, paneling, and making doors or crates.The wood is strong and sturdy and is a good choice for making beams or spans. It also looks pretty good.Western hemlock and amabilis fir (Pacific silver fir) share very similar properties, both in terms of appearance and physical characteristics. So much so that the two are often sold together as Hem-Fir.The wood is used by indigenous tribes in North America for carving small objects such as combs and spoons. The inner bark of the western hemlock tree can be mixed with snow and fish grease for baking bread.The bark of the hemlock tree is rich in a substance called tannin, which can be made into a red dye. The dye is used for tanning leather, staining and treating wood, and also for dyeing textiles.Hemlock trees do not produce resin. As a result, they take stains and finish very well. The wood is easy to sand and glue.Supposedly, the bark of eastern hemlock trees has medicinal purposes. When eaten, it is used to treat digestive disorders, diseases related to vitamin C deficiency, and diarrhea. The tannin in the bark is assumed to form a protective layering in the throat or guts when consumed accordingly. The medicinal uses of eastern hemlock still need to be properly researched, however, and none of the effects are guaranteed.Hemlocks are popularly used as ornamental trees in landscaping. The graceful and delicate trees are a welcome addition to the scenery. Hemlock Tree’s Ideal Growing ConditionsIf you’re planning to grow a hemlock tree in your yard, remember that starting the plant is usually the more difficult part.A hemlock tree is not exactly easy to grow. Choosing a spot to grow the tree can be difficult because their growth conditions aren’t like other landscape trees.Hemlocks prefer to grow their branches in the partial shade of nearby trees so they can be protected from strong winds and heat.Hemlock trees have shallow roots, so they can’t anchor themselves in the ground. They do not fare well against strong gusts of wind.Unlike fir trees, which are found in humid spots with abundant sunshine, hemlocks prefer cool, damp, and shady areas and won’t grow well if at all in drought-prone land.Lighting is not a huge problem for hemlock but it needs to have the right type of soil.The soil where hemlock grows should ideally be acidic, loamy, and well-drained. Hemlocks are not drought tolerant.
No, it’s not the plant that killed Socrates.
