Western Hemlock
Tsuga heterophylla
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Pl. 6236 — Tsuga heterophylla
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IOverview
Overview
Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a large evergreen tree native to North America, found in various regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This tree thrives in moist environments with light to full shade, making it adaptable to both partial sun and deep forest understory conditions. It can grow up to 70 meters tall and spread out to 13 meters wide. Known for its ornamental value and as a source of edible inner bark and shoots, Western Hemlock is often used in landscaping and forestry. Its propagation methods include direct sowing seeds, cuttings, and layering. The tree prefers soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6, making it suitable for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils.
Quick answers
What is Western Hemlock?
Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a large evergreen tree native to North America, found in various regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Western Hemlock thrives in moist soils and prefers partial sun to full shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types from light sandy to heavy clay, though it performs best with a soil pH between 4.5 and 6. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, generally suitable for zones 6-7. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the ground, or you may use cuttings or layering techniques. Keep the soil consistently moist to ensure healthy growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree
Mature size
70.0 m × 13 m
Soil pH
4.5–6
- Propagation
- Seed - direct sow, Cuttings, Layering
- Germination
- 180-270 days
For first-time growers
How to grow Western Hemlock for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Western Hemlock sapling for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Western Hemlock sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil has a pH between 4.5 and 6, which can be tested with a home kit or professional service.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent spot, ensuring it's deep enough so that the root collar is just below the soil surface.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead branches in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest inner bark for medicinal purposes only if you have experience with it.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, and exposing the sapling to direct sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkShoots
Edible uses: Condiment, Gum, Tea
Other uses:DyeFire starterGumHedgerowPest controlResinRustTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 7 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 9 native· 7 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)DenmarkFranceGermanyIrelandNorwayUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, California, North America, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
introduced:Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6236b511-c8bd-4a2f-9cf4-0d890c634382
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