the hemlock wooly adelgid obtains some downtown Asheville real estate

photo by Mefford Williams

Believed to have been introduced into the Pacific Northwest in the 1920's, the hemlock wooly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) was discovered in Virginia in the early 1950's. Since that time, the insect has spread throughout several eastern states and become a serious threat to one of its major host plants, the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

photo by Mefford Williams

These sap-sucking, tree-destroying insects pose a serious threat to all eastern hemlocks, a tree playing a vital role in the mountain ecosystems of southeastern Appalachia, especially for streams. The dense and low-lying branches of the hemlock sepcifically act to help keep the stream's temperature cool, which allows for healthy trout habitat. Happy trout mean healthy, happy mountain streams—a kayakers habitat.

Now as residents of downtown Asheville, the threat is real and literally at our doorstep.
If you happen to notice these lent-like balls on your local hemlock, contact a nearby nursery for some insecticidal soap designed especially for these bad boys.

photo by Mefford Williams