Eastern Hemlock

Tsugo canadenis

The slender, horizontal branches which droop to the ground make this evergreen a good ornamental tree. It is used alone or may be trimmed to form hedges. The feathery needles grow in two short rows and are shiny, dark green on top with two white bands underneath. The small cones hang down at the ends of the rows and remain there until spring. Hemlocks are native to the United States. Pioneers made tea from the twigs, fashioned brooms from the branches, and used the inner bark for emergency food. The bark is also rich in tannin which is used to tan leather.