Skip to content
PlantSage.eu
ENRO
IIIFolio · plant profile№ A0CDedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 15 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants

Carolina Hemlock

Tsuga caroliniana
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibletall treesedible
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Tsuga caroliniana (Carolina Hemlock) — botanical photograph
Pl. A0CD — Tsuga caroliniana
Tsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga carolinianaTsuga caroliniana
I

Overview

Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana) is a native evergreen tree found in the southeastern United States, specifically in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.2 to 5.9, and prefers partial sun to full shade. Growing up to 15 meters tall, it is a slow-growing, single-stemmed tree that can be an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. The Carolina Hemlock is known for its ornamental value and edible parts, with the inner bark and shoots being useful for making tea. Its adaptability to various soil types and its ability to tolerate partial shade make it a versatile choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, attractive tree. While not medicinal, it can be a valuable resource for those interested in foraging and sustainable living.

Quick answers

What is Carolina Hemlock?

Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana) is a native evergreen tree found in the southeastern United States, specifically in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Carolina Hemlock thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 4.2 and 5.9. It can tolerate light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Hardy in zones 4-7, this tree grows up to 15 meters tall. For propagation, use inner bark or shoots. Ensure the planting site is suitable for its partial to full shade requirements and moist soil conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.2–5.9
For first-time growers

How to grow Carolina Hemlock for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple planting of Carolina Hemlock to experience growing a tree from a young plant.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Carolina Hemlock sapling, well-draining soil, and water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil has a pH between 4.2–5.9 and is well-draining but moist.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young saplings directly into the ground, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as in their container.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist during this critical period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune young branches to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased parts.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Inner barkShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:DyeHedgerowResinRustTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 5 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Tsuga caroliniana (Carolina Hemlock) — botanical photograph
Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana)
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · a0cd3cdd-626e-4494-aa01-622f611341df
Decision aid
Choosing between Carolina Hemlock and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes