Pinaceae Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.

Western Hemlock

Hesquiat - Other, Hunting & Fishing Item

Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J. and Barbara S. Efrat, 1982, Ethnobotany of the Hesquiat Indians of Vancouver Island, Victoria. British Columbia Provincial Museum, page 44

View all documented uses for Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.

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Scientific name: Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.
USDA symbol: TSHE (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Western Hemlock
Family: Pinaceae
Family (APG): Pinaceae
Native American Tribe: Hesquiat
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Hunting & Fishing Item
Notes: Entire trees anchored upside down under the water to collect herring spawn. At herring spawning time, in spring, entire hemlock trees were cut and anchored upside down under the water. The spawn stuck on the branches. The branches were then broken off and the spawn peeled away and eaten fresh, usually after steam-cooking. If for later use, the branches were hung outside to be wind dried. When one wanted to eat some, he would soak the branches and rub them to remove the spawn. While being cooked, the eggs would swell and float to the surface and could be scooped off and eaten.

RECRD: 550 id: 40997

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