Species Canadian hemlock

Canadian hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Also Known As - eastern hemlock
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis) is an evergreen conifer native to eastern North America. Its dense, pyramid-shaped crown consists of short, spiky branches and dark-green needles. It grows quickly under the shade of a larger tree and can reach a height up to 40 feet. The bark is grayish-brown with deep furrows, while its wood is strong and fragrant. Its small, light-green cones are clustered among the needles of the twigs, providing it with an elegant beauty. It can thrive in both acidic and alkaline soils, making it a great addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Deep shade, Filtered shade, Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water the Canadian Hemlock regularly, at least once a week, with 1-2 inches of water. The amount of water can vary depending on the temperature and the environment, and may need to be adjusted accordingly. Make sure to water deeply and evenly so the entire root zone is saturated. If the soil feels dry, it's likely time to water. It's better to water deeply and less often than shallow and often.

sunlight

Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) requires direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours each day. This is best achieved when the sun is overhead or close to it, with maximal light reaching the plant no later than midday. This species of tree does best in partial shade during the hottest hours of the day, and will also do well when located in the shade of taller trees providing there is a break in the sunlight at some point during the day. Canadian hemlock is a very hardy species of tree, however, and will survive in a wide range of sunlight conditions.

pruning

It's best to prune Canadian hemlock just after it has finished flowering in the spring and before new growth starts. This will help promote dense branching and a more uniform shape. For young hemlocks, you should wait until the tree is at least 5 years old to begin pruning. When pruning, it's important to avoid removing too many branches or cutting too deeply into the bark of the tree. Good pruning practices involve only taking off the tips of branches when needed to maintain the tree's overall shape. Don't be afraid to remove dead or diseased branches. Canadian hemlocks should be pruned lightly each year, if needed.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Canadian hemlock typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Hardiness Map