Tsuga mertensiana

mountain hemlock

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

Outstanding Qualities

Mountain hemlock is one of the Northwest's most beautiful native evergreens. It develops into a slender small tree with gracefully layered side branches. It is excellent for creating an alpine look in the landscape. No serious disease or insect problems are common to this tree.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: conifer

Growth Habit: narrow

Foliage Type: evergreen

Plant Height (10-year): 10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 20 ft. 0 in. (6.10 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 8

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to light shade

Water Requirements: occasional watering

Seasonal Interest: year-round coniferous evergreen foliage

Culture Notes

Plant mountain hemlock in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Occasional watering. It can grow well in a container for many years.