Western hemlock is a large, native, evergreen tree.
Western hemlock has a long slender trunk often becoming fluted when large and has a short, narrow crown of horizontal or slightly drooping branches. Western hemlock is shallow rooted and does not develop a taproot. The roots, especially the fine roots, are commonly most abundant near the surface and are easily damaged by harvesting equipment and fire. Maximum ages are typically over 400 years but less than 500 years. Western hemlock is generally a good cone and seed producer.