Woody > Tsuga > Tsuga mertensiana > Tsuga mertensiana
Tsuga mertensiana
Mountain Hemlock
Origin: Western coast of North America.
Mike's
Opinion
"
Mountain Hemlock is native to the west coast of North America, and can grow to be 800 years old. It is best suited in cool, moist, subalpine conditions; it's usually stunted at high elevations. Its tall, narrow growth habit adds a unique beauty to the base of many mountain ranges. The wood is not commonly used as timber, but more so in pulp production.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Pinaceae |
| Genus |
| Tsuga |
| Species |
| mertensiana |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (evergreen) |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 4 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 3 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -30 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| -20 |
| Height |
| 9–30 m |
| Spread |
| 1 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Dark blue/green foliage and tall, narrow form make these trees stand out at the base of western mountain ranges. |
| Landscape |
| This tree can adapt to many climate conditions; it can be used as a specimen plant. |
| Cultivation |
| Grows best in moist, cool subalpine climates. |
| Shape |
| Tall and narrow form, with significant distance between lateral branches. The very top of the tree often curves in one direction. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Can easily be distinguished by its tall, narrow form, and droopy, curved apex. The lateral branches are also fairly spaced out. |
| Pests |
| The most common fungus is Echinodontium tinctorum, and it causes the most damage. |
| Habitat |
| Mountain ranges from Southern Alaska through to California and Idaho. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Dark, red/brown bark appears cracked with deep furrows. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Pollination occurs from mid-June to mid-July in British Columbia, and small (1 cm) purplish buds can be found in late summer and autumn of the following year. |
| Leaf Description |
| Short (2–5 cm) needle like foliage covers each branch radially; glossy, blue/green in colour. Lines of stomata cover both sides of each needle. Younger trees are a lighter shade of green, but have the same glossy appearance. |
| Flower Description |
| Monoecious. |
| Fruit Description |
| Mature cones are oblong, 2–9 cm long, and brownish/purple in colour. Cones are located near the top of the tree. |
| Colour Description |
| Lush blue/green to grey/green needles; brown/purple cones; and red/brown bark. |
| Texture Description |
| Rough bark, but soft needles. |
| Notable Specimens |
| The Van Dusen Garden, Vancouver, British Columbia. |
| Propagation |
| By seed, the mountain hemlock can germinate on snow, mineral soil, or organic soil at a rate of 47–75% (sufficient moisture must be available). Young seedlings are best grown in shade. |
References
Conifers for Gardens. Richard L. Bitner. Published 2007 by Richard L. Bitner. (p. 400-401) Print.
Means Joseph E. , . "Mountain Hemlock." USDA Forest Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar 2012.
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/
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