Tsuga canadensis
eastern hemlock
T. canadensis is a vigorous, broadly conical evergreen tree to 25m tall, with deeply furrowed, purplish-grey bark andshort, dark green, needle-like leaves, white beneath, borne in two ranks on slender shoots forming flat sprays of foliage; ovoid brown cones 2cm long ripen in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Tsuga are evergreen trees, broadly conical in habit, with a drooping leading shoot,linear leaves which are white beneath, and small ovoid cones
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich moist but well-drained acid to slightly alkaline soil in full sun or part shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds; very shade tolerant
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring; root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to butt and root rot fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.