Location: Halehurst woodlot, Philipsburg
Size: Circumference: 8’7″ Height: 115′ Spread: 40′ Points: 228
Added: 2/21/92, Bud Lewis
During the period of Pennsylvania’s forest exploitation (1850-1900), hemlock was valued as a commercial source of tannin for use in the production of leather. Now the state tree of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the eastern hemlock is most often found in cool, moist conditions and acidic soils. Hemlocks are extremely slow growers and have been known to live more than 600 years. Older hemlocks often develop a ragged, pyramid appearance as the lower branches sweep down to the ground, providing perfect protection from the elements for man and many species of wildlife.
- Latin name is Tsuga canadensis
- Slow growing long lived tree that takes 250-300 years to mature
- AKA Canada Hemlock or Hemlock Sprice
- Used by many Indian tribes to treat things like rheumatism, arthritis, colds, coughs, fever, skin conditions, stiff joints, soreness, and scurvy. Also to make dyes and a base for food.
- Leaves have high vitamin C content.
