How to identify Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

How to identify Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Eastern hemlock, also known as Eastern hemlock- spruce, Common hemlock

Eastern hemlock is characterized by its linear green needles that grow in flat planes around the main branches. These needles are spirally arranged, enabling a full, dense foliage appearance. Distinctive identification features include the presence of two parallel pale bands on the underside of each needle, which give a glaucous appearance. The reproductive structures of eastern hemlock manifest as mature brown ovoid cones, about 0.75-inches (1.9 cm) in length, that gracefully hang from the tips of the twigs, lending a delicate ornamental aspect to the tree.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Eastern hemlock

Linear green needles spirally arranged in flat planes with two pale bands on the underside.

Brown ovoid cones, 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) long, hanging gracefully from twig tips.

Fruit starts as green, oval cone, matures to brown, 3/4-inch long (1.9 cm) with open scales.

Small glossy needles, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long with white undersides and dentate margins.

Slender gray-brown stems with fuzzy texture, delicate branching patterns, and small buds.

Detailed Traits of Eastern hemlock

Leaf Features

The leaves of eastern hemlock are small, glossy needles measuring approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in length. They feature a distinct white underside arranged in two opposite rows. Each needle is attached to the branch via slender stalks ending in woody pads. The leaves exhibit minutely dentate margins, especially near the apex, and are spirally arranged around the branch. Some needles along the main branches lie flat on their backs, exposing the white underside.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Leaf Texture

Herbaceous

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Stem Features

The stem of eastern hemlock is slender and gray-brown, providing a distinct contrast against its foliage. The twigs display a yellow-brown hue and are densely pubescent, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. The stems are typically delicate in thickness, allowing for intricate branching patterns. One key feature is the presence of very small buds along the stem. The overall coloration and texture are crucial for identifying this plant, both in young and mature growth stages.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of eastern hemlock is a cone that begins as a green, oval shape with closed scales, indicative of its youth and development stage. Upon maturity, the cone turns brown and reaches a size of approximately 3/4-inch long (roughly 1.9 cm). When the scales of the fruit open, it is a signal that the seeds inside are ready to be dispersed. This key transformation from closed, green scales to open, brown scales is a distinctive characteristic aiding in the identification of eastern hemlock's fruit.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Eastern hemlock and Their Similar Plants

Western hemlock vs. Eastern hemlock: What's The Difference?

Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a hemlock tree species native to North America. Western hemlock is planted throughout California and other regions for ornamental purposes as well as forestry.

Mountain hemlock vs. Eastern hemlock: What's The Difference?

Mountain hemlock (*Tsuga mertensiana*) is an evergreen, coniferous tree whose small seed cones are light to dark purple. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Prefers colder climates where the growing season is short and the winter is long.

Carolina hemlock vs. Eastern hemlock: What's The Difference?

It is an evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 30 m tall and 1.1 m in trunk diameter under forest conditions. The crown is compact and pyramidal, growing up to 8 m wide. The bark is thick, reddish-brown and becomes fissured between scaly ridges. The leaves are flattened, with a rounded or slightly notched apex.

Southern japanese hemlock vs. Eastern hemlock: What's The Difference?

Southern japanese hemlock is a conifer originally native to Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Yakushima in Japan, and the South Korean island of Ulleungdo. Gardeners in Europe and North America can grow it in warmer areas, and it has been enjoyed as an ornamental tree in these parts since 1861.

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Key Facts About Eastern hemlock

Attributes of Eastern hemlock

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Cream

Tan

Stem Color

Silver

Yellow

Brown

Gray

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Eastern hemlock

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

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Distribution Map of Eastern hemlock

Eastern hemlock is native to the northeastern part of North America where it thrives in cool, moist environments. Beyond its natural range, eastern hemlock has been introduced to various parts of Europe, where it is now cultivated. These regions include both northern and central Europe, showcasing eastern hemlock's adaptability to different temperate climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Eastern hemlock

A Comprehensive Guide to Eastern hemlock How to Grow and Care for Eastern hemlock