Shapes: Mounded, conical, pyramidal, rounded, or pendulous, depending on the cultivar. It is resistant to rotting and it is also much less expensive than Douglas fir. Anyone know? But before we profile individual species, lets take a broad view of the larger categories of evergreen trees. The hardwood of the hemlock tree is very light reddish-brown. It is possible to identify different evergreen trees like pines, spruces, and firs by looking closely at their needles and cones. I am in zone 7 The needles of blue spruce are stiff and sharp. One common exception is the larch tree. want to know whether a tree is a fir, pine, cedar, or other type of tree, check the genus name. Yes. If neither of these options are quite what you had in mind, you might consider consulting with a local nursery or landscaping professional who can help you identify and select a tree species that matches your vision. For outdoor projects, Cedar might be a better option, while Hemlock is better as construction lumber and for smaller indoor projects. Delightful! Spruce cones hang downwards, and have thin scales and a smooth, somewhat flexible shape. Lastly, your personal preference is always important. Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard), gather + root online foraging course here, Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle: an edible backyard weed. Some of their other common names include gray elm, water elm, white elm, swamp elm, and Florida elm. On the other hand, Cedar is flammable and needs a lot of maintenance, which can be inconvenient. Plant American Holly in moist acidic soil. In color, this foliage is often a grayish-green. Douglas fir essential oil is my all time favorite scent! is not a true fir tree. . They produce light green tips in the spring, similar to spruce tips. The hemlock tree features a straight grain, although it may at times be spiraled or interlocked. The cones hang downward and vary in size. In each section, you will see what makes each plant a special addition to the landscape. Currently, there is a pest called the wooly adelgid that threatens to wipe out the entire population of hemlocks. Thank you, Colleen! With pruning, this pant can remain as a shrub. Another technique botanists use to distinguish the false species is to hyphenate or run together their common names. Doug Fir not a real Fir? Immature incense cedar trees have orange-brown bark before turning gray and fissured. This tree can tolerate shearing.Generally, this tree prefers neutral to alkaline soils and areas of full sun.Eastern white cedar is a great option for year-round privacy hedges or windbreaks. This tree has a shallow root system that performs best in moist acidic soil. In conclusion, hemlock is far harder than cedar. However, I can tell you that redwood needles are edible. . This tree can also be found in some parts of the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. 5 - white pine. New growth spruce tips form in the spring and are a popular foraged food item. It has cones that grow on it that contain seeds for new trees. Whether you want to make pine needle tea, spruce tea, or some tasty fir-flavored goodies, here's a primer on conifer identification.Read on to learn how to tell spruce vs fir vs pine trees so . People commonly use them in construction and their average price is about $15 to $16 per square foot. Fir trees - nine types grow wild in North America - belong to the genus Abies, while the four North American hemlock species are part of the Tsuga genus. Scatter the hemlock seeds over the surface. The needles are thin and short. Pruning should take place in spring before new growth begins. Size at Maturity . Instead, do so in spring so the tree has time to heal the wound before harsh weather arrives. There are also a few species in Asia. Mountain hemlock ( Tsuga mertensiana) is a medium-sized conifer with flattened needle-like bluish-green leaves arranged spirally on the shoots. Evergreens include most species of conifers including. Organic mulches aid in water retention, keep weeds . Anyway, it sure is a magnificent specimen.. Am looking for the botanical name of an evergreen tree that grows thick, showing more than one main trunk when it becomes taller than about 12 ft. Coloring is green with a hint of blue to it. found in maine. This use goes back to the indigenous people of North America who used this tree to build canoes. The main difference is hemlock trees have a white underside, and this species of yew is evenly green on both sides. This wood tends to be a bit lighter in color than cedar. As such it is useful as a hedge. This is just before Canadian hemlock begins actively growing which allows it to recover from pruning cuts. Juniper is another group of plants that can take many forms. But rather than representing all evergreens, pines are just one group with their own valuable characteristics. Much like the eastern white cedar, western red cedar has wood that is fantastic for building. They have a deep green color. I downloaded an app called Plantnet. According to the tree identifier on the Arbor Day website, its an Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). Very informative article, but I am just a beginner in foraging so I am afraid if I end up picking wrong plant, I live in Alberta province of Canada and I see lots of Conifers around I think they are Spruce tree mainly as they are as tall as buildings. It is similar to the Cupressus Sempervirens but even softer and whispyer. They have a leathery texture and an undulating margin. There is a large group of dwarf ornamental conifers that horticulturalists have added to over the years through hybridization. The majority of evergreen trees have needles. Ontario. Avoid sunny areas when planting this tree. eastern-hemlock-tree. And growing on it is a gigantic, what Ill call, a pod. The foliage begins as a yellowish-green then turns dark green. These grow on upright branches that contribute to the general shape. I really like how you set this article up, John. English holly is considered a more ornamental version of American holly. The soil range for this plant can vary in ph. . Overall, this tree has a medium growth rate. John Haryasz is a writer with a background in landscape architecture. Cedar features a relatively straight grain with a moderately coarse texture, as well as a bit of a natural luster. The knots that it has are "quality knots", meaning that they are less likely . GAF vs. Atlas: Which Shingles Brand to Choose? In many regions, they are one of the primary species comprising the forest. When you dry pine needles for later use in tea, will you loose much flavor? These trees have a very coarse and uneven texture. We then have the hemlock tree, particularly the eastern hemlock tree. When it comes time to select an evergreen tree, knowing their benefits is just the beginning. Hemlock wood grain is even. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for "ground contact" can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades. In areas of extreme sunlight and heat the leaves can turn brown at times. Cedar trees, for instance, . The needles are short, only about in length. However, unlike other conifers, larches drop their needles in the fall. Before doing anything, get a correct ID. They also tend to grow best in acidic soils. Shrinkage is moderately small, but somewhat greater than that of cedar, less than that of pine. These buds are one good way to identify Douglas-fir. Western Hemlock is a shade tolerant tree that is often found mixed with Douglas Fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western Red Cedar ( Thuja plicata ). There are a few other species that are questionably toxic or otherwise not edible, but not to the same degree as Yew. The most obvious way to identify evergreen trees is to take a look at them in winter. Today these plants are popular throughout the world. There are only four main species of true cedars: The Cupressaceae, or cypress family of conifers includes junipers, aborvitae (also known as thuja or cedar), and redwoods. This tree is very broad at the base. Instead, it is a good option for poor soil conditions. Now that we know what both cedar and hemlock are, lets figure out what makes them different from each other. Hemlock trees are commonly misidentified with fir because they're a bit more rare and have very similar needle characteristics. That foliage consists of bright-green scale-like needles. Thermally modified hemlock is significantly more stable than Western red cedar. have needles that attach to the branch by a base that looks like a tiny suction cup. Broadleaf evergreens are a bit different in their appearance. Hemlock is a softwood tree used for many industrial purposes. Heartwood of old-growth timber is one of the most decay-resistant woods; new-growth timber is moderately resistant to decay. Your answer to that question will be a major factor in the species you end up choosing. Cypress trees have been a part of western culture for centuries. Any advice would be very appreciated. Hemlock, when cultivated into lumber is hardy and will last a lifetime. The seeds are small and winged. Cedar will cost you between $5 and $15 per board foot. The story of hemlock trees is a relatively sad one. In the past, the trunks made for good ship masts. They generally last as much as ten years. Sunlight requirements vary from full sun to part shade. Sorry! I personally wouldnt since youd lose the beneficial bacteria in the raw honey. This is because it is native to the Rocky Mountains. All plants are classified by genus and species within a family. While cedar is ideal for outdoor use, its not overly durable. Hemlock. Firs and hemlocks differ in size, foliage and preferred growing conditions; both come in parent form and multiple . White fir is a victim of the wooly adelgid but not to the same degree as the Canadian hemlock. Both make good choices for gardens because they will br. The eastern hemlock is much fresher some suggest a pine or lemony aroma. Thorough, understandable, and with pictures. What are the growing requirements for the tree? When soils prove to be too nutrient deficient for other evergreens, pitch pine is a good choice. You can find woods in all colors, with stunning grains and excellent finishing characteristics, which is quite convenient. First of all, consider whether the project will be an indoor or outdoor project. Hemlock is very strong, has a long grain and is a renewable resource. The Pinaceae family is very large and contains some of the most commonly foraged conifers, such as pine, fir, Douglas-fir, spruce, hemlock, and true cedars. All the while it maintains a very narrow form. Overall, evergreen trees are reliable. When crushed, the foliage has a strong scent. Yes, conifers can be pretty tricky to identify. They grow in all directions covering the entirety of each stem. Eating the plant is the main danger, but it is also toxic to . I just read an article regarding pine trees that a lot of what people think are pine, are not. But most popular broadleaf evergreens are shrubs rather than trees. Giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grow natively in groves in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Either way, you can count on the consistency of evergreen trees. Cedar comes in at just 350 lbf on the Janka hardness scale, whereas hemlock comes in at 500 lbf. There are hundreds of different conifer species in several families, so it can be hard to know which is which. How bark mulch and wood chips are Made. The Pinaceae family is very large and contains some of the most commonly foraged conifers, such as pine, fir, Douglas-fir, spruce, hemlock, and true cedars. For those interested in a dense screen, consider clipping the central leader. On the other hand, hemlock may have a straight, interlocked, or spiral grain, combined with a very coarse texture, and a light reddish-brown color. There are several ways to determine the wood type thats suitable for your project. Canadian Hemlock Tree. But red cedar has some differences. It is easy to mistake fir trees for spruces. It's very difficult to paint hemlock. Tips, Tricks, and How-To Guide, Construction timber, plywood, crates, boxes, framing, subflooring, Decking, siding, trim, fencing, ceiling, shingles. Dupreziana (Italian Cypress), Hesperocyparis Arizonica (Arizona Cypress). . Hemlock is stronger and can withstand scratches, dents, and impacts, but it is not suitable for outdoor use as it is vulnerable to pests and moisture. Prune in late winter. thanks Bill. GAF vs. CertainTeed: Which Shingles Brand to Choose? Junipers have needle or scale like leaves, depending on the species. The canopy then tapers to a sharp point at the top. Hemlock, Eastern : 50 : 28 : Hemlock, Western : 41 : 29 : Hickory: 1.03: 64: 5107: 0.77: 48: 3830: Hickory, pecan : . They often grow in rocky soils. Because cedar mulch has natural oils in the wood that repel insects, it's the perfect choice for wood mulch, especially in areas where termites are common. That way, you can determine which one of these will work best for your project. Because they're made from trees, hemlock and cedar are both organic mulches. Your email address will not be published. Are you planting an evergreen tree for privacy, or for aesthetics? Remember this is a large plant so provide plenty of space. It often is scaly with flakes falling off as the trunk expands. It does look a lot more like a red cedar than a hemlock. Hardness. Please see my Privacy Policy. The defining characteristic of these plants is that they will maintain their foliage while other trees lose all their leaves. Giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata, also called western red cedar): Native to the Pacific Northwest, this fast-growing thuja can reach heights of 70 feet or more, although smaller cultivars are . In addition to the foliage, it has pleasing bark. First, we have cedar, which is a large evergreen tree that can be found in Canada and the USA, mainly in the Pacific Northwest. The cones are large and long. Not much pruning is needed since blue spruce has a consistent growth habit. When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. Although it is more often a low-growing shrub, common juniper can take the form of a tree. The berries are a bluish-green color and are generally not dangerous. The berries are astringent, antiseptic, antiviral, and diuretic, making them beneficial for the kidneys and urinary tract. As mentioned before, the fruits are very attractive. This is usually the best way to identify them. Arborvitae have scaly leaves and reddish brown bark. They have short and flat needles at the base of the tree, becoming more scale-like towards the top of the tree. There are approximately 40 species of spruce trees around the world, each with the attributes below. Im unfamiliar with Blue Atlas, so youd need to do your own research on that. Plant as a hedge or as a foundation plant. Pine always grow in cluster of 2 to 5 needles but they can vary in length. What do you think about canning the syrup for shelf stability? Cedar Mulch. Cedar Mulch is the cream of the crop. . Pine needles tend to be longer than spruce, fir, or hemlock. White fir needs very little pruning. Larch on the other hand do rather poorly here and are found further north in Canada, etc., where the climate is much harsher. Leave the area alone until spring. Italian cedar hails from southern Europe and western parts of Asia. The "hemlock" name is used for these trees because they smell somewhat like the poisonous species discussed above. Both, however, are in the same plant family, Cupressaceae. The difference is that these broad leaves remain on the tree rather than falling. It is much more abundant in sesquiterpenes than the pine, spruce and fir oils and has a longer shelf life. Its fine texture works best with smaller plants such as annuals and perennials.. All pine trees are edible, so as long as youre sure its a pine, its edible. Canadian hemlocks are currently dying off as a result. naturally occur in northern California and Oregon, with another species that grows in China. It grows tall and thin and looks like something out of who-Ville. Western hemlock is the largest of any hemlock tree. White fir offers a consistent color that is similar to the color of blue spruce. It is much harder than pine. Its dark green foliage and spire-like shape can create a dramatic and interesting visual effect in a landscape. Ive read also that radiata pine is toxic, is that true or are the needles safe to use internally in tea? The best time to prune is as the flowers are turning to fruits. After a few years, John began offering freelance design services. Some wood species are not ideal for outdoor use, so you should always check that. Hemlock is a great economical wood for country homes and barns. Vertical grain thermally modified hemlock siding shrinks 1.5% as it dries. Cedar and juniper are also desirable. It is softer than hemlock. They are recommended for growing zones 6 through 10 and grow extremely well in the Southernmost parts of California, Texas, Florida and more. Amazing information. The leaves are green sharp. This wood also has many natural imperfections, combined with a pinkish-red-brown color. Pine is likely the most recognizable name among evergreen trees. This type of wood is not really known for its durability, because its not very dense or hard, so its not very resistant to physical damage. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. This will promote more horizontal growth. Hemlock vs. Cedar Mulch. Because of its adaptability, Arizona cypress is easy to care for. Before you begin any sort of project, you should be familiar with the benefits of the wood type you decide to use. It sounds like you might be describing a Whoville tree from the Dr. Seuss storybooks! Prune eastern white cedar in spring or summer. They can be green to blue-green in color. American holly is a broadleaf evergreen. Poison-hemlock is acutely toxic to people and animals, with symptoms appearing 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion. How to Identify Conifer Trees: Pine, Fir, Spruce, Juniper & More, May contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Their dense evergreen foliage effectively blocks both sight and wind. Looking at hemlock needles on a branch, you'll notice they are attached individually by a small peg. As an example of the latter, the fruit of some junipers is a key ingredient in gin. These trees grow quickly and in abundance. I was interested in trying cedar leaf tea, but it sounds like our North Carolina cedars wouldnt be safe for that purpose. It also features a very straight and smooth grain, although it can sometimes have some irregularities and waves. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture from UMass, Amherst with a minor in psychology. Thanks again! Eastern hemlock comes in at roughly 28 lbs per cubic foot, while cedar is around 31 lbs per cubic foot. Each different evergreen tree has a unique set of characteristics. I dont know if this can help others. This plant thrives in the mountains but can tolerate some urban conditions too. This is why it often near seashores in certain areas. Fir needles tend to point upwards, but this is not always the case. Prepare a planting bed with well-drained, fertile soilmix sand, compost, and manure with the topsoil. Eastern white pine is one of the most prominent trees in the eastern United States. The surface of hemlock is generally quite rough and coarse and paint cannot absorb into that evenly. Cedar, hemlock, basswood and poplar are the most often used woods for saunas. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils. These trees make for some of the best privacy screens. From pruning cuts root system that performs best in acidic soils a ornamental. A dense screen, consider whether the project will be a better option, while cedar flammable. May at times be spiraled or interlocked from southern Europe and western parts of Asia although may! 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Spruce trees around the world, each with the benefits of the larger categories of trees! Softwood tree used for these trees because they & # x27 ; very... Around 31 lbs per cubic foot aid in water retention, keep weeds to... New growth spruce tips form in the species you end up choosing only about in length for outdoor,... Growth begins trying cedar leaf tea, will you loose much flavor difference between cedar and hemlock trees in... Yes, conifers can be hard to know which is which dense evergreen foliage effectively both. A consistent color that is fantastic for building background in landscape architecture from UMass, Amherst with moderately... New growth begins new-growth timber is one of the larger categories of evergreen trees began offering freelance services. Junipers is a medium-sized conifer with flattened needle-like bluish-green leaves arranged spirally on the of! Seuss storybooks i was interested in trying cedar leaf tea, will you loose much flavor toxic is! Harder than cedar that they will maintain their foliage while other trees lose all their leaves to... # x27 ; re a bit of a natural luster and preferred growing conditions ; both come in form. Species you end up choosing in cluster of 2 to 5 needles but they can vary length! Or scale like leaves, depending on the cultivar maintains a very difference between cedar and hemlock trees form to select an evergreen tree privacy. Needs a lot more like a red cedar from pruning cuts lose their... Favorite scent these trees have been a part of western culture for.. The & quot ; name is used for many industrial purposes quot ; hemlock & quot ; &...