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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.
Eastern hemlock
USDA Symbol: TSCA
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Eastern hemlock is a straight-trunked, gracefully pyramidal tree with long, pendulous limbs and short-needled, feathery branches. Evergreen needles are dark-green with silvery undersides.Evergreen tree with conical crown of long, slender, horizontal branches often drooping down to the ground, and a slender, curved, and drooping leader. Height is usually 40-70 ft., but can reach 100 ft. or more.
The bark was once a commercial source of tannin in the production of leather. Pioneers made tea from leafy twigs and brooms from the branches. A graceful shade tree and ornamental, it can also be trimmed into hedges.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Complexity: Simple Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Fruit Type: Cone
Leaf Color: Dark Green
Fruit Color: Brown
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: AL , CT , DE , GA , IN , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to Man., s. to MD & n.e. MN; along mts. to GA & AL
Native Habitat: Rocky ridges; moist, mountain slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Rocky, cool, moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Eastern hemlock can be a fast-grower, but is more often slow-growing. It must be placed where there is good drainage and no strong, drying winds. Trees seem somewhat pH adaptable but prefers acidity. They can be restrained as a hedge for years with regular pruning. Sunscorch kills back branches, and drought kills the tree. A number of diseases and insects can be troublesome, but trees in good health prove reliable.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Other Showy Insects
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Columbia silkmoth
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Tsuga canadensis is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Propagation
Description: Layering has proven successful, as has propagation by seed and cuttings. Cutting must be treated. Sow seeds in fall or stratify until spring. Spreading a layer of compost on bare soil beneath a mature hemlock and allowing natural seeding to produce a f
Seed Collection: Cones mature in one season. Pick cones as they begin to open and leave in paper sacks until seed can be shaken free.
Seed Treatment: A 2-4 month stratification at 40 degrees hastens germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Question: I am looking for a hardy evergreen hedge for privacy in Northern Michigan. I have sandy soil. Also am interested in planting a drought garden with mostly sun in same sandy soil.
click here to view the full question and answer
Question: I'm seeking a small-medium, ornamental, fairly compact, evergreen shrub to complement my front yard woodland wildflower garden. I want a shrub that will flank both sides of my front porch steps. I want something that is not to "rangy" or broad in growth.
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From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:
LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-05-22
Research By: TWC Staff
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