6: Four Tree Corner

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At this spot there is an excellent example of each of the four major trees that grow in these ancient forests: Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and the Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia). The Pacific Yew is a species that has contributed to modern medicine (taxol) and provides a strong argument for preserving unique areas such as these.  Again, notice the difference in each tree’s bark. Look around at some of the other trees - can you tell what kinds they are by their bark?  The Burntboot Creek becomes noticeably louder here as you are at the top of a tall waterfall.
The four trees pictured at the right illustrate the differences in tree bark.  From left to right in the photo is a Douglas Fir (with Hemlock growing out of its right side), a Western Hemlock, and a Western Red Cedar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Coral Root (Corallorhiza mertensiana) (on the top) and Spotted Coral Root (Corallorhiza maculata): These orchids do not make their own food like other plants.  They are saprophytes, meaning they derive their nutrients from decaying organic matter and therefore do not contain chlorophyll. Due to the interdependent relationship with fungi in their environment, plants in the orchid family cannot be transplanted successfully. These striking plants flower in clusters during June and July

 
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