Tsuga mertensiana
Mountain Hemlock
Description
This evergreen conifer slowly reaches 5-25' tall and 5-10' wide. It is a small tree that has a conical habit with dense growth. Young trees have charcoal gray bark that matures to a reddish-brown color with scaly and fissured texture. Foliage is gray-green needles. It does best in full sun but thrives in areas of moist air and cool summer temps. It does well in high altitudes but will thrive on seacoast of Alaska. In windy areas, the tree may become crooked, bent or twisted.
Plant Type
Tree, Conifer
Height Range
3-6', 6-12', 12-25'
Width Range
40-60', 60-100'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
Brown, Red
Fruit Color
Brown, Purple
Fruit Season
Constant
Sun
Full
Water
Low, Medium
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Well-drained, Moist
Soil pH
Acid
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Ranch, Seascape, Woodland
Accenting Features
Silhouette, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Lawn, Park, Raised Planter
Special Uses
Hedge, Screen, Wind Break
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.