Western Hemlock Tsuga heterophylla

Western hemlock is the shade-tolerant climax species of PNW old-growth forests. Where Douglas fir dominates younger stands, hemlock is the tree that eventually takes over — and it brings outstanding mushroom habitat with it. The deep, mossy understory of a mature hemlock forest is one of the best places to forage in the Pacific Northwest.

Identify western hemlock by its drooping leader tip — the very top of the tree bends over in a distinctive curve. The needles are flat and short, with noticeably different lengths on the same twig. Cones are small, about an inch long. The bark is thin compared to Douglas fir, lacking the deep furrows.

Hemlock thrives in the wet, mild conditions of the western Cascades and Coast Range. It grows from sea level to mid elevations and dominates the understory of old-growth forests, waiting for canopy gaps to reach full height. In mixed hemlock-fir forests, you get overlapping mushroom communities from both tree species — some of the richest foraging ground anywhere.

For mushroom hunters, hemlock is especially important because of the admirable bolete, which grows almost exclusively on rotting hemlock logs. Hemlock forests also produce excellent chanterelle, hedgehog, and yellowfoot harvests. If you are walking through deep moss in a dark, old forest and finding mushrooms everywhere, you are probably under western hemlock.

Associated Mushrooms

Western hemlock supports a rich and diverse fungal community. The deep duff and moss layers create ideal conditions for both mycorrhizal and saprotrophic species.

Pacific Golden Chanterelle

Cantharellus formosus

Abundant in hemlock forests, especially in mixed hemlock-Douglas fir stands. The deep moss layers under hemlock create ideal chanterelle habitat.

Mycorrhizal Choice Edible

Yellowfoot Chanterelle

Craterellus tubaeformis

Especially common with hemlock. Fruits late in the season — November through January — often in large troops on mossy ground and rotting wood.

Mycorrhizal Choice Edible

Admirable Bolete

Aureoboletus mirabilis

Grows almost exclusively on rotting hemlock logs and stumps. The dark maroon-brown velvety cap is distinctive. One of the PNW’s most photogenic edibles.

Saprotrophic Choice Edible

Lobster Mushroom

Hypomyces lactifluorum

A parasitic fungus that transforms Russula and Lactarius into bright orange-red “lobster mushrooms.” Common in hemlock-fir forests from late summer into fall.

Parasitic Edible

Bear’s Head Tooth

Hericium abietis

A stunning white, cascading fungus found on dead conifer wood. Favors western hemlock logs and stumps in moist old-growth forests.

Saprotrophic Choice Edible