Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Evergreen conifer native to west coast of North America (Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, British Columbia, Southern Alaska).

State tree of Washington State.

 

Characteristics:

shade-tolerant, regenerate very well
naturally, “Self-prune” branches as they grow to produce a tall, branch-free trunk even grain hard (resistant to scraping)

 

Traditional First Nation uses:

inner bark: bread, cakes, eaten whipped with snow and eulachon grease

wood: carvings, spoons, combs, roasting spits, dishes

branches/needles: tea, spice

bark: tanning hides, red dye

roots: strengthen fishing lines

 

Modern Uses:

Solid wood products:
lumber, plywood, log homes, doors, windows, staircases, ladders, flooring, rail way ties, Timbers

Non-solid wood products:
pulp, paper, & specialty cellulose

Specialty cellulose is a material used in the manufacture of the following products:
detergents, wallpaper glue and other glues, lacquers, explosives, industrial yarn, rayon filament for garments, cigarette filters, sponge products, sausage casings, food thickeners for ice cream, milkshakes and other food products, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, eyewear – eyeglasses and contact lenses

Coastal Balsam (Abies amabilis)

Evergreen conifer native to west coast of British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington and Southeast Alaska

Referred to as Pacific Silver Fir in US Pacific Northwest

 

Characteristics:

Grows tall and straight with little taper

Wood is light in weight and appearance and nearly odorless

 

Traditional First Nation uses:

boughs: floor coverings, bedding

bark: boiled for a tonic and for bathing

needles: boiled for a tea to treat colds

wood: house planks, firewood

 

Modern Uses:

Solid wood products:

lumber, doors, windows, furniture parts, moldings, pulp, paper

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

Evergreen conifer native British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington and Southeast Alaska.

Provincial Tree of British Columbia.

 

Characteristics:

Wood is extremely resistant to decay and insect damage

 

Traditional First Nation uses:

wood: canoes, totem poles, longhouses, household boxes, tools, utensils, paddles, masks, helmets, armor, and many other art and utility objects

bark: mats, rope and cordage, baskets, clothing, medicines, masks, rain hats, clothing, and other soft goods

branches: cords for fishing line, rope cores, twine

 

Modern Uses:

house siding, interior paneling, outdoor furniture, decking, fencing, roof shakes, utility poles

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Evergreen conifer native to coastal British Columbia, Oregon, Washington and Southeast Alaska.

 

Characteristics:

Largest species of spruce in the world

3rd tallest conifer species in the world (after Coastal Redwood & Coastal Douglas Fir)

Wood is light, soft, strong, and flexible

 

Traditional First Nation uses:

roots: hats, baskets, ropes, fishing lines, twine

inner bark/young shoots: source of vitamin C, laxative

pitch: caulk and waterproof boats, harpoons and fishing gear, medicine for burns, boils and other skin irritants, glue

wood: carving

 

Modern Uses:

Lumber, ship building, plywood, musical instruments, airplane construction, pulp, paper