Eastern Hemlock

Eastern Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

The next large tree on your right is an eastern hemlock. A common species in the Hudson Valley. Native Americans and pioneers made a mild tea from the needles. Often hemlocks grow under a dense forest canopy. It has the ability to grow in thick forests as well as full sunlight. Look for the tiny cones. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae), a scale insect introduced from Japan, is currently threatening the survival of hemlocks in the eastern U.S.