Plant Detail: Tsuga canadensis

* Common Name:	eastern hemlock, hemlock spruce, Canada hemlock
* Genus:	*Tsuga*
* Species:	*canadensis*
Subspecies:
* Family (scientific):	Pinaceae
* Family (common):	Pine
Synonyms :
* Distribution in Canada:	Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia P.E.I.

Photographer: Bill Moses.

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Habitat

Ecozone(s):

Boreal Shield
Atlantic Maritime
Mixedwood Plains

Natural Habitat(s):

Forest (over 65% cover)
Woodland (35-60% cover)
Swamp/Marsh (nutrient rich)
Rocky Bluff
Lakeshores

Habitat Garden(s):

Butterfly
Bird
Hedgerow / Thicket / Windbreak / Screening
Woodland

Erosion Control?

Characteristics		Growing Conditions
* Plant Type:	Tree	Moisture Requirements: Normal, Moist Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Soil Requirements: Sand, Loam Acidophile Temperature Zone: 3
Evergreen?	Yes
Average Height:	6 to 30 m
Tolerances:	Juglones Tolerant

Flower Info		Fruit/Seed Info
Showy flowers?	No	Showy fruit/seeds?	Yes
Bloom time:	May to May	Edible for humans?
Flower Colour(s):	Yellow	Fruit/Seed Colour(s):	Brown

Miscellaneous		Uses
Fragrant Flowers?	No	Urban Oasis, Stewards in the City, and Eco Superior are specific Evergreen programs that some plants are used in.
Fragrant Foliage?	Yes	Program & Other Uses:	Culinary Aboriginal
Fall colours?	No
Distinctive bark?	No
Poisonous to humans?
Thorns or prickles?
Attracts wildlife?	Birds Butterfly Larvae Other Showy Insects
Larval host for:	Columbia silkmoth	Provincial tree/flower?
Plant Watch species?

This is a slow growing tree that does well in moist, well-drained areas out of direct sun and wind.

In general, (in the forests) eastern hemlock...may take 250-300 years to reach maturity and may live for 900 years or more.

A number of trees can be established and restrained as a garden hedge.

It provides shelter and cover for deer, turkey and ruffed grouse.

Native peoples used cambium from the tree as a base for bread and soups or mixed it with dried fruit and animal fat to make pemmican.
(USDA PLANTS)

Walnut and Tolerant Plants

Larval food plants

2001 National Wildlife Fed.

USDA PLANTS Database

National Audubon Society: Field Guide to North American Trees, Eastern Region.
National Audubon Society
Alfred A. Knopf, New York
1980
0-394-50760-6

Trees of Ontario
Linda Kershaw
Lone Pine Publishing
2001
ISBN 1-55105-274-1

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