Tsuga canadensis

Common Names

Eastern Hemlock, Canadian Hemlock, Pruche du Canada

Summary

Canadian Hemlock is native to eastern North America, typically growing 40–70 feet tall and 25–35 feet wide, with a dense, pyramidal to conical crown and pendulous branch tips. Leaves are flat needles arranged in two ranks, dark green above with two white bands on the underside, and seed cones measure about 12–20 mm long, contributing to a soft, feathery evergreen appearance throughout the year. In cultivation it prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils and tolerates shade, with hardiness zones 3–7; it can tolerate full sun in cooler northern climates but is not tolerant of wind, drought, or poorly drained soils and may suffer sun scorch in hot weather. Common landscape uses include hedges, screens, or specimen plantings; propagation is by seed or cuttings, and pests such as woolly adelgid and mites, along with diseases like needle blight and cankers, are important management considerations.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-70 feet

Spread

300-420 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade to full shade; tolerates full sun in cool climates and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, typically loamy and slightly acidic (pH 4.6–6.5).

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

4.6-6.5, Acidic soils

Bloom Color

Yellow and green

Bloom Time

Does not bloom.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate growth; typically about 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year, up to around 2 feet (60 cm) per year in optimal conditions, and can slow to about 6 inches (15 cm) per year in shade or poorer soils.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering (rare)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds