Tsuga heterophylla Western Hemlock-spruce

Western Hemlock is native to the Pacific Northwest between central California and Alaska. Within that range it is a dominant component of the forests of the coast mountains of Oregan, Washington and British Columbia and the coastal islands. Mature trees are magnificent and grow up to 80m tall in old growth forests. Outlying, inland populations are also found in the northern Rocky Mountains. It was introduced to Britain in 1851 and grows best in the wetter regions of the west. It has a minor role in British forestry but significant stands have been planted in the Neath and Afan valleys in West Glamorgan in the past. However, because it was identified as a host for Ramorum disease (Phytophthora ramorum), which has devastated the Larch population of Britain, many of these stands have now been felled and removed. Nevertheless, small groups of Western Hemlock are still widespread and good examples can be seen in the conifer plantations of Neath Port Tabot. Mature trees produce large numbers of small, seed-bearing cones which shed signicant amounts of seed. Regenerating saplings of Western Hemlock are encountered frequently along forest roads and in quarries.

Planted in conifer pantations in the Neath and Afan Valleys,  but regenating saplings can establish and maintain wild populations and should be regarded as neophytes.