Western Hemlock Tsuga heterophylla

Western hemlock is very shade tolerant, and it is generally the climax tree of moist low- to mid-elevation forests, alone or with other shade-tolerant trees (USFS Fire Effects Information System). In the western Cascades Douglas fir is the early-successional tree and hemlock tends to take over as stands age. For mushroom hunters, hemlock and Douglas fir are the two main host forests of the Pacific golden chanterelle (Siegel & Schwarz, Mushrooms of Cascadia).

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. The bark is thin even on large trees, and on old trunks has furrows between wide, flat ridges (FEIS).

Western hemlock is dominant or codominant on moist low- to mid-elevation sites, including the lower western Cascades. Its seedlings tolerate deep shade, so it can regenerate under the canopy of an older forest (FEIS).

The admirable bolete fruits mainly from well-decayed hemlock logs and stumps, and sometimes from the ground under hemlock. Siegel & Schwarz also name hemlock forests for yellowfoot and for the bellybutton hedgehog (Hydnum umbilicatum).

Associated Mushrooms

Mushrooms recorded in western hemlock forests, from ground-dwelling mycorrhizal partners to wood-decay species.

Pacific Golden Chanterelle

Cantharellus formosus

Hemlock and Douglas fir are both named host forests, far more often west of the Cascade crest. Fruiting begins about two weeks after fall rains return and lasts until freezing weather.

Mycorrhizal Choice Edible

Yellowfoot Chanterelle

Craterellus tubaeformis

Ectomycorrhizal with several conifers, especially western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Fruits from late summer into winter, peaking from late fall to early winter, in troops around stumps and woody debris.

Mycorrhizal Edible

Bellybutton Hedgehog

Hydnum umbilicatum

A small hedgehog with teeth under the cap and a dimple in the cap center. Especially common in hemlock forests of the Cascade foothills (Siegel & Schwarz). Fruits in fall.

Mycorrhizal Edible

Admirable Bolete

Aureoboletus mirabilis

Fruits mainly from well-decayed, moss-covered hemlock logs and stumps, and sometimes from the ground under hemlock. The cap is dark maroon-brown, suede-like, and often spotted with pale flecks.

Saprotrophic Edible

Lobster Mushroom

Hypomyces lactifluorum

A parasitic fungus that covers Russula brevipes, its usual Pacific Northwest host, and turns it into a firm orange-red edible. Found wherever the host grows, including Douglas fir and hemlock stands, from mid-summer into fall.

Parasitic Edible

Bear’s Head Tooth

Hericium abietis

Grows on large dead conifers, especially hemlock and true fir at higher elevations. Common in the Cascades and Olympics, rare at low elevations.

Saprotrophic Choice Edible

Photos: Western Hemlock — Andrew (CC0) · Yellowfoot Chanterelle — Deniz Wilson (CC0) · Bellybutton Hedgehog — © Eva Skific, CC BY-SA.

Sources: Mushrooms of Cascadia (Siegel & Schwarz, 2024); MycoMatch (© Ian Gibson), a compilation of published descriptions through which most other field-guide authors named here are quoted.