Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Pinaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
Eastern Hemlock is a graceful evergreen native to cool, shaded ravines around Buffalo. Its delicate appearance with tiny cones and short, flat needles makes it distinctive. Unfortunately, it's threatened by the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
needle
Leaf Shape
short flat needles 1/3-2/3 inch with white lines beneath
Height
60-70 feet
Bark
cinnamon-red when young, gray and furrowed with age
Fruit
tiny cones 3/4 inch hanging from branch tips
Identification Tips
- • Short flat needles with 2 white lines underneath
- • Tiny cones at branch tips
- • Drooping leader (top of tree)
- • Needles attached by tiny stems
- • Grows in cool, shaded areas
Seasonal Changes
Spring
New growth is bright green
Summer
Creates deep shade year-round
Fall
Tiny cones mature
Winter
Evergreen in shaded ravines
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Soil Preference
moist, acidic, cool
Sun Requirements
full shade
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0