Body Structure of a Canadian Hemlock Tree

The Canadian hemlock tree (Tsuga canadensis), also known as the Eastern hemlock, is an evergreen conifer in the Pine family indigenous to the Eastern United States and Canada. Its native range extends from Nova Scotia southwards to northern Georgia.

Size and Shape

Canadian hemlock.

Canadian hemlock trees grow in a pyramidal form. Wide branches extend from the tree's base, becoming increasingly shorter as they grow up the trunk. The top of the tree comes to a point. These pines resemble oversized Christmas trees. Canadian hemlocks attain a mature height of 80 feet and a maximum width of 40 feet. It generally takes them 15 to 20 years to reach their adult size.

Leaves, Cones and Bark

The leaves of the Canadian hemlock are aromatic, dark-green, pointed needles around 1/2 inch long. In autumn, light brown scaly cones 3/4 inch long mature, containing the tree's seeds. The bark of young trees is grayish and smooth, deepening to reddish-brown and becoming scaly with age.

Growing Conditions

Canadian hemlock grows best in acidic, calcareous, rocky and sandy soils in partial shade. It can be damaged by drought and air pollution. This tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 7.

References

• Ohio State University: Tsuga canadensis
• Floridata: Tsuga canadensis
• Virginia Tech: Tsuga canadensis

Resources

• "Complete Trees, Shrubs & Hedges"; Jacqueline Hériteau; 2005.
• The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map