Family: Pinaceae.
Latin Name: Tsuga heterophylla.
Origin: Hemlock is native to the West Coast of North America reaching to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska down to Northern Sonoma County in California.
Common Names: Western Hemlock, Hemlock, Pacific Hemlock, West Coast Hemlock, Gray Fir, Silver Fir, Alaskan Pine.
The Tree (characteristics): The Hemlock tree can grow to heights ranging from 165 feet to 200 feet tall with a trunk that is 3 to 5 feet in diameter. The tree is covered in thick, strongly grooved bark that ranges from dark brown to reddish-brown in color. The leaves are flat, glossy, and soft and will grow in flat feathery sprays. They can be yellow to dark green in color. The Hemlock tree produces seed cones that are small and green to reddish-purple in color.
Appearance of Wood: The heartwood of the Hemlock tree is light reddish-brown in color. The sapwood tends to be lighter in color, yet it is not distinguished. At times, the wood will contain dark streaks that are caused by bark maggots. The grain has a coarse uneven texture yet is generally straight.
Density: Hemlock, although considered a lightweight softwood, is very strong, stiff, and shock absorbing. Average reported specific gravity ranges from .37 to .47 with an average dried weight of 29 pounds per cubic foot. Janka Hardness is 540 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: Hemlock dries well by air drying or kiln drying. The wood will remain stable with little warping or twisting. Shrinkage values reported are 4.32% radial, 7.8% tangential, 12.4% volumetric.
Working Properties: In general, Hemlock is easy to work with either hand or machine tools. The wood will glue, stain, and finish well.
Durability: Hemlock is considered non-durable and will be susceptible to insect attacks.
Uses: Hemlock can be used for dimensional lumber, construction, windows, furniture, cabinetry, paneling, veneer, plywood manufacture, wood pulp, and newsprint.
Availability: Hemlock is not listed in the CITES Appendices and is reported by the IUCN as a species of least concern.