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Tree Guide

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Canadian HemlockTsuga canadensis

  • Canadian Hemlock evergreen
  • Canadian Hemlock Tsuga canadensis
  • Canadian Hemlock Tsuga canadensis
This handsome and graceful evergreen is ideal for screening, groupings, and foundation plantings. May be sheared to any height or shape and likes full sun to light shade. Avoid heavy soils. Medium grower, up to 40' - 70'. Plant 2' apart for hedge (zones 3-8)
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Hardiness Zones

The canadian hemlock can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 3–8. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The Canadian hemlock grows to a height of 40–70' and a spread of 25–35' at maturity.

Growth Speed Slow to Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

Sun Preference

This tree needs a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The Canadian hemlock grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy and well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Works well for screening, groupings and foundation plantings.
  • Grows in a pyramidal shape.
  • Prefers a site where it can receive both shade and sun.
  • Cannot tolerate drought, wind or heavy soil.
  • Features soft, feathery deep green needles that form flat, horizontal sprays on the twigs.
  • Yields an abundance of small brown cones ½ –1" long that hang from the branches like ornaments.
  • May be sheared to any height or shape.

Wildlife Value

This hemlock provides excellent cover for deer and songbirds. Nesting site for several warblers. Seeds are eaten by juncos, chickadees, and siskins.

History/Lore

Native Americans and colonists used the tannins from the bark as a curative and for tanning leather. The needles have been used to make a tea high in vitamin C. (Although often confused with the hemlock that poisoned Socrates, the Canadian hemlock is not poisonous.)