A Guide to Identifying Trees While Hiking: Kachemak Bay, AK

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Sitka spruce is a dominant conifer in the coastal forests of Alaska, including the Kachemak Bay area. Sitka spruce forests are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, birdwatching, and photography. This species thrives in the cool, moist conditions near the coast.  It has a conical shape with a straight trunk and branches that extend horizontally. The needles of Sitka spruce are short, sharp, and stiff. They are arranged individually on the branches and are dark green in color.  Sitka spruce produces cylindrical cones and hang downward from the branches and mature in one season, releasing small, winged seeds. 

Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Another common conifer in the region, western hemlock, is often found in the understory of the forest. It contributes to the dense vegetation characteristic of coastal forests.  People often visit areas with Western Hemlocks to appreciate their beauty and the ecosystems they support. Western Hemlock is a tall, evergreen tree with a straight trunk and a conical crown. The bark is brownish-gray and furrowed, while the branches are drooping and often covered in moss. The needles of Western Hemlock are small, flat, and arranged in two rows along the branches. They are dark green above and have two white lines on the underside. It produces small, egg-shaped cones.  The cones mature in one season and release small, winged seeds. 

Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)

In higher elevations, especially as you move away from the coast, you might encounter mountain hemlock. A medium to large-sized evergreen tree with a conical crown and a straight trunk. The bark is reddish-brown and furrowed, and the branches often droop gracefully. The needles of Mountain Hemlock are short, flat, and arranged in spirals around the branches. They are dark green in color and have a blunt tip. Unlike other hemlock species, Mountain Hemlock needles do not have distinct white lines on the underside. They produces small, egg-shaped cones.  The cones are purple when immature and turn brown as they mature. They typically grow singly on the branches and release small, winged seeds.  

Alder (Alnus spp.)

Alder trees provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species. Birds, such as siskins and redpolls, feed on alder seeds, while beavers utilize alder wood for dam construction and food.  Alders can contribute to the diversity of tree species in the region.  Alder trees are often found in coastal areas and disturbed habitats. They are deciduous and typically have slender trunks with smooth, grayish bark. The leaves are alternate, simple, and serrated, with a dark green color. Alder flowers are typically arranged in clusters called catkins. These catkins are pendulous, meaning they hang downward from the branches.  They are usually yellowish-brown to reddish in color, depending on the species.  

Birch (Betula spp.)

Depending on the specific conditions, birch trees, such as paper birch (Betula papyrifera), may be present. Birch trees are deciduous and are easily recognizable by its striking white bark, which peels off in thin, papery layers. The bark starts out a coppery brown color on young trees and gradually turns white as the tree matures. The leaves are simple, ovate, and serrated, with a bright green color in spring and summer, turning yellow in the fall. The flowers of paper birch trees are typically yellowish-green in color. Paper birch trees are wind-pollinated, meaning they rely on the wind to carry pollen from the male catkins to the female catkins. After pollination, the female flowers develop into small cone-like structures that contain the seeds of the tree.

Willow (Salix spp.)

Willow species, including various shrubs and small trees, are common in wetland areas and along streams.  Willows are characterized by their slender, flexible branches and narrow leaves. The leaves are typically elongated and pointed, with serrated edges. Some species have silvery or whitish undersides to their leaves, which can create a shimmering effect in the wind. willows produce catkins, which are cylindrical clusters of flowers. The catkins appear in early spring before the leaves emerge and can be either male or female, depending on the species. 

Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus)

Devil's club is a large understory shrub. It features large, maple-like leaves with spines along the veins and stems.  The flowers of Devil's club are small, greenish-white, and arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches.  The flowers appear in late spring to early summer, depending on the specific region. While the flowers may not be as showy as those of some other plants, they are an important part of Devil's club's reproductive cycle, eventually giving way to berries that provide food for various wildlife species.   Its dense growth habit offers shelter for small mammals, birds, and insects, while its berries are consumed by birds and mammals.