Eastern+Hemlock

General Info -A large, long lived tree, important for construction timber, and as a source of tannic acid for tanning leather. Found in cool, moist woods throughout the Commonwealth, Eastern Hemlock is the official state tree of Pennsylvania. Ruffed Grouse and Wild bturkey and songbirds find food (seeds) and a shelter in this tree. deer browse it heavily when deep snow makes food scarce.

Bark -Flaky on young trees, gray brown to red brown, thick and roughly grooved when older.

Fruit -3/4 inches long, egg shaped hanging singly from the tips of twigs. Under each scale are two small, winged seeds.

Twigs -Slender, tough, yellowish brown to grayish brown. Buds eggshaped, 1/16 inches long, reddish brown.

Leaves -Evergreen needles occur singly, appearing 2-ranked on twigs, flattened about 1/2 inch long, dark green and glossy, light green with 2 white lines below.

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