About

The eastern hemlock grows from the Maritimes and Southern Ontario to the North Eastern United States. It is mainly found in moist, cool areas such as low slopes, and valleys. The shape is conical when young, becoming irregular with age. Thin branches droop gracefully giving this conifer a loose and delicate appearance. The eastern hemlock is very shade tolerant, making it ideal for a naturalized woodland garden.

The bark is scaly when young, becoming ridged and deeply furrowed as the tree ages. The root system is shallow and widespread. Needles are flat in shape and 0.5 to 1 inch in length. Leaf colour is shinny on top with two light coloured bands underneath, similar in appearance to the needles of balsam fir. Small, oval shaped cones drop seeds from late fall to winter, which persist into the next season.

The eastern hemlock can live up to 600 years in age. Sensitivities include heat and drought. Its main pest threat is the Hemlock wooly adelgid; with borers, scales and mites as secondary occasional issues.

The tree's seeds provide food for songbirds, foliage provides coverage for animals such as deer, wild turkey and rabbits. In the past, tannins from the bark were used for tanning leather. The leaves can be used in tea as a vitamin C supplement.