mountain hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size30 to 100 feet tall10 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow , green , brown
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) is a tree for specimen planting, rock gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows slowly and has a slender crown with a drooping leader. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Birds use hemlock groves for cover, nesting, and seeds.
Pairs well with Japanese forest grass, Winterberry, and Patriot hosta.
Native range
AK, CA, ID, MT, and 3 more places. See all 7
AK, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, and WA; BC.