Ílhtelstexw Te Shxwelí

Mélemélhp

(plant)

Hemlock, Western

Tsuga heterophylla

Origins
INDIGENOUS
INTRODUCED
Niche/Zone
1
2
3
4

Ecology

Grows at Low to middle elevations.

Commonly found in: Dry to wet sites; shade tolerant. Likes growing on humus and decaying wood and mineral soil.

Uses

Food
  • The sweet cambium (inner bark) was eaten after it was baked or steamed in underground pits.
  • Rich in vitamin C.
Medicine
  • Needles were made into tea for colds, coughs, sore throats, tuberculosis, abdominal issues and diarrhea.
  • Bark used as a wash to treat burns, cuts, rashes.
  • Ground bark numbs the gums.
  • Emetic.
Material
  • Boughs were soft and used for bedding.
  • Pitch used to waterproof baskets.
  • Wood is very hard and used for digging sticks, mallets, dishes, spoons, and fuel.