Meadowsweet has white flowers and smooth leaves while steeplebush has pink flowers and the undersides of the leaves are hairy. Both species have attractive flowers and provide wildlife habitat. Sometimes found in the upland, this species forms dense stands in swamps and low areas along lake margins. Protect the seedlings from deer browse. Trees reaching 30 feet in height are often neatly pruned at their bases thanks to these critters that rely on cedar for food and shelter during the winter months.
Hemlocks are long-lived evergreens that are extremely shade tolerant.
They have short flat needles and grow to heights to 60 to 75 feet. Historically the bark was used for tanning hides. Young hemlock trees need protection from deer as these saplings are among the preferred browse species. This beautiful tree provides unique habitat for wildlife. Common in wet soils along lake edges, both species seem to thrive equally well in the upland.