General. In Canada in 1912 the cut was 284 million feet, averag- 

 ing $13.40 per thousand, and forming 85% of the spruce cut. The stand 

 in United States estimated at 75 billion feet or 3% of the total stumpage. 



TSUGA HETEROPHYLLA, (Raf.) Sarg. 

 Western Hemlock. Alaska Pine. 



Size. Average 120 ft. by 2 ft. Maximum 250 ft. by 8 ft. 



Growth. Slow but persistent. In southern B.C. 30, 39 and 72 

 trees grew 10 inches in from 60 to 100 years, and 20 inches in from 108 

 to 160 years, the most rapid growth being on Vancouver Island. Life 

 up to 500 years. 



Root System. Very shallow. 



Bole. Regular cylindrical; often buttressed base. 



Crown. Spreading. 



Tolerance. Very tolerant, especially seedlings; more tolerant 

 than any of its associates except red cedar. 



Wood. Much superior to that of eastern hemlock; 32 pounds. 



Reproduction. A very prolific seeder from the 30th year with 

 heavy seed years at frequent intervals. Cones mature by the end of 

 August, and shed seeds during September. Seed small, light, winged; 

 germination percent and vitality moderate. Germinates well on moist 

 duff; less well on mineral soil. Seedlings very tolerant and grow under 

 parents. 



Range. Alaska to California, inland in southern B.C. and Idaho, 

 and in the Cascades of Oregon and Washington. Optimum, moist coast 

 of B.C., Washington and Oregon. Altitude, sea-level up to 7000 feet. 



Climate. Heavy precipitation, high humidity, and long growing 

 season. Humidity most important. 



Soil. Thrives on any soil if there is abundant moisture. Meso- 

 phytic. 



Association. In pure or mixed stands; in north with Sitka spruce; 

 commonly with Douglas fir, western cedar and lowland fir. Also with 

 western white pine, western larch, Engelmann spruce, etc. 



General. Commercially important. The 1912 cut was 50 million 

 feet worth $13.80 per thousand. In the United States, it is estimated 

 at 100 billion feet or 4% of the total stumpage. It is very subject to 

 disease, however, and as it occurs generally with more valuable species, 

 should not be favored in the management. 



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