Photo by USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station , USDA Forest Service, SRS, Bugwood.org
HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID IN SOUTH CAROLINA
What are Hemlocks? Hemlocks are conifers in the genus Tsuga. Of the 11 species found in eastern Asia and North America, only two are native to South Carolina; the eastern hemlock and the Carolina hemlock. Hemlocks are an important component of our mountain regions, usually growing in moist riparian habitats, though the Carolina hemlock is often found in open rocky sites. The hemlocks are one of the most shade- tolerant tree species and survive in the understory for many years before maturing to become part of the forest canopy.
Why are hemlocks important? Hemlocks moderate the temperature and the humidity, woolly adelgids attach to the underside of hemlock needles keeping streams cool enough for trout and other important and suck sugars from the phloem. Continued feeding results riparian fauna. Mature stands take many decades to in desiccation and defoliation. Without adequate foliage, develop and are home to a diversity of animal and plant the hemlocks begin to die back. life. The adelgids can be seen as white, waxy growths at the What is the hemlock woolly adelgid? base of hemlock needles and are most commonly seen from The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, is a small late fall to early summer. The adelgids drop to the ground aphid-like insect that feeds on hemlock stems. It is native during the summer. to eastern Asia and was first detected in the eastern United States in the 1950s. It has since spread throughout the How does hemlock woolly adelgid spread? Appalachian region, killing hemlocks as it feeds. Hemlock Hemlock woolly adelgid can easily spread when infested material, including firewood, is moved to new sites. It also moves in storm winds, on infested nursery stock, and hitchhikes on mammals, birds and hikers.
How can you help? Use local firewood. Moving firewood long distances can spread hemlock woolly adelgid and other forest pests.
If you have hemlocks on your property, contact Forestry Commission Forest Health Coordinator David Jenkins at [email protected] to learn how to treat them and protect A Carolina hemlock has hemlock woolly adelgid on its stems. them. Let your friends, family and neighbors know about (Photo by David Jenkins, SCFC) the importance of protecting South Carolina’s hemlocks!