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Mountain Hemlock

Tsuga mertensiana

Evergreen Shrub

Height

1 - 5 (feet)

Spread

2 - 3 (feet)

Distinctions

Blue-green needles are rounded and stand out on all sides of the twigs; is sometimes pruned and maintained as hedge; prefers shade and well-drained, moist, acid soil. See entry under Evergreen Trees.

Limitations

Needs cool, moist soil and cool air temperatures; very slow growing; protect from wind; availability limited.

Hardiness

SC, SE (Zone 3)

Origin

Southern Alaska to northern Montana, Idaho and California

Cultivars

‘Blue Star’ Narrow, upright form; very blue needles 5’ high by 2’.; ‘Elizabeth’ Flat, spreading form; blue-green needles; good rock garden plant 1’ high by 3’. Found on Mt. Rainier.

Mountain Hemlock
Mountain Hemlock
Mountain Hemlock