Western Hemlock
Tsuga heterophylla · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Conifer Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8, preferring cool, humid maritime climates with mild winters and moderate summers
About This Tree
A large coniferous evergreen tree with a tall, straight trunk and a conical crown that becomes irregular or flattened at the top with age. It features characteristically drooping, pendulous branchlets and delicate, soft foliage
Leaf Characteristics
Flat, linear needles ranging from 5 to 20 mm in length, featuring varying lengths arranged spirally along the twig but appearing flattened in two horizontal rows. They are dark green above with two white stomatal bands below and blunt tips
Bark Characteristics
Thin and reddish-brown on young trees, becoming deeply furrowed and scaly with a dark grayish-brown color as the tree matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from Alaska down to northern California and inland to the northern Rocky Mountains
Growing Season
Perennial evergreen active in spring and summer, slowing growth in autumn and entering dormancy during freezing winter conditions
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in partial shade to full shade when young, tolerating full sun later; requires high moisture and well-draining acidic soils, with very low tolerance for drought
Mature Size
Typically reaches mature heights of 130 to 200 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet, exhibiting a moderate to fast growth rate and a lifespan often exceeding several centuries
Special Characteristics
Exceptional shade tolerance, highly valued softwood timber for lumber and paper pulp, and graceful ornamental form with pendulous branch tips
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial winter cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals; seeds are consumed by finches, siskins, and rodents, and browse is utilized by deer and elk