How to identify Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)

How to identify Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)

Mountain hemlock, also known as Hemlock spruce, Patton Spruce, Western Hemlock

Mountain hemlock typically grows to be a medium-sized tree reaching heights of 30 to 100 feet (9 to 30 meters). This evergreen conifer boasts a narrow, conical to pyramidal canopy and possesses dense, spreading branches with upward tilting tips. Its bark, featuring a grayish-black to reddish-brown hue, is characteristically fissured and scaly. The needles are striking, with a greenish-blue to silver-green color, uniformly dense around the branches, and generally present a bottle brush appearance due to their equal length. The seed cones are elongated, approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width, and transition in color from purple to grayish-brown as they mature.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Mountain hemlock

Narrow, conical to pyramidal canopy with upward tilting tips.

Distinctive greenish-blue to silver-green needle color in a bottle brush formation.

Elongated seed cones transitioning from purple to grayish-brown, measuring 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length.

Needle-like leaves, 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) long, resembling a bottle brush.

Bark shifting from grayish-black to reddish-brown, featuring fissures and scales.

Detailed Traits of Mountain hemlock

Leaf Features

The leaves of mountain hemlock are needle-like and measure 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 cm) in length. These needles cover the branches completely on all sides, resembling a bottle brush. They possess entire margins and exhibit a color range from grayish-green to bluish-green. The leaf needles are soft in texture and give the plant a distinctive, lush appearance, which is crucial for identification.

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Stem Features

The stems of mountain hemlock are slender to stout with a yellow orangish-brown hue. They can be smooth or densely hairy, adding to their unique texture. Measuring between 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 inches) long, the oblong buds are a prominent feature. These stems may vary in thickness, contributing to the plant's robust structure and distinctive appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of mountain hemlock manifests as cones with distinctive features crucial for identification. The mature seed cones are sized between 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in length and 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) in width. Upon ripening, these cones exhibit a reddish-brown hue and are ornamented with fan-shaped scales. They typically open from late September to November, releasing reddish-brown seeds that are approximately 2-3 mm in length. The texture and color of the cones, along with the scale shape and seed appearance, are key characteristics for recognition.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Mountain hemlock and Their Similar Plants

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

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) really takes its time to mature. In fact, it may take up to 300 years to reach what's considered adulthood among evergreen trees. It can even live for another 100 years if conditions are right. Other names for this majestic species include hemlock spruce and Canada hemlock.

Western hemlock vs. Mountain 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.

Carolina hemlock vs. Mountain 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. Mountain 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 Mountain hemlock

Attributes of Mountain hemlock

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Leaf Color

Blue

Green

Silver

Gray

Fruit Color

Brown

Red

Copper

Burgundy

Stem Color

Gray

Silver

Blue

Brown

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Mountain hemlock

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)

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Distribution Map of Mountain hemlock

Mountain hemlock is a coniferous tree naturally spreading across the Pacific Northwest's mountainous regions. While it primarily thrives in its native range, it has also been introduced and cultivated in the northern parts of Europe. This expansion denotes a successful growth beyond its traditional habitat, adapting to similar temperate climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Mountain hemlock

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