Out of my collection, there are some evergreens that I don't know what they are and I hope you can help me Identify. All were bought from a very old grower in the historic nursery area of Lake County OH. This grower has very old and rare stuff. The problem is the fantastic propagator speaks little English (who is now the only one left) and the owner is not involved and never was good at being organized, let alone labeling things. The propagator told me they are very old, special, and slow growing. He said some were the first trees he propagated when he started 27 years ago. (Pictures taken this morning) This hemlock has a pyramid form with very short and congested dark green needles. It's 2.75' tall. (pic 1 form, pic 2 needles) The next hemlock has a spreading open form. Small light green needles. It's over 4' tall and 3' wide. (pic 3 form, pic 4 needles) The last hemlock is upright, open, spreading, and kind of odd. But I think it's cool. The branches and trunk are loaded with short, congested needles. (pic 5 form, pic 6 needles) Thanks for your help with identifying any of the 3 hemlocks!
Get him to say everything in his native language, record it, and then find someone who can translate.
Assorted Canadian hemlocks, perhaps all reconizable as familiar cultivars seen in garden centers stocking dwarf conifers. Try the GardenWeb Conifers forum, you might get more or less reliable names there without much difficulty. Do follow up on any suggestions made with your own checking and research.
Michael and Daniel, Thank you both! Great idea. I have a digital recorder and I will record him next spring. Ron, Thanks for your help! I will give that a try to see what I can find out.