In 1955, an eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) measuring in height grew from a rotten knothole in the tree's main south fork. By 1963, the hemlock that had taken root in the tree's south fork remained. In describing the growth of the hemlock from an upper tree fork of the Webster Sycamore, writer William C. Blizzard referenced the idiom of Pelion piled upon Ossa. No tree hollows or visible outer blemishes were reported on the sycamore at that time; however, by 2007, the tree's trunk had developed an opening into its hollow center at its base, which allowed visitors to step inside of it.