Canadian Hemlock

Les pruches de l'Est ou du Canada (Tsuga canadensis) sont des plantes d'ombre qui ne ..

Eastern or Canadian hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) are shade plants that do not tolerate heavy winds, heavy clay soil, or drought. Hemlocks are best known as forest trees that reach enormous heights (60 feet or more). But if pruned faithfully, it can be maintained at the height you desire. A properly pruned row of hemlocks can even form a dense and attractive privacy hedge. Hemlock is hardy to zone 3.

Canadian hemlock trees are members of the pine family. If you have heard of poison hemlock, particularly the hemlock that ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was forced to drink, this hemlock is not the same plant (Conium maculatum). Instead, the bark of this tree is one of the primary tree sources of tannins traditionally used for tanning hides for clothing during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Along with its better-known relatives, the eastern white pine trees, these trees are among the most common evergreen trees growing in the forests of eastern North America. They are pyramidal or conical in shape and their small needles give them a fine texture. The needles are dark green on top and light green underneath. The bark of Canadian hemlock trees at maturity may be cinnamon-red or reddish brown.

How to Grow Canadian Hemlock Trees

Moderately slow-growing and long-lived, Canadian hemlock trees in the wild may reach 80 feet tall or higher with a spread of 25 to 30 feet. These are fragrant plantsand crushing the needles releases the aroma. Flowers are produced in spring with cones ripening in the fall and releasing seed during the winter. It is best grown in cool, moist, well-drained soils and protect from wind, if possible.

Light

Unlike many large trees, Canadian hemlocks will tolerate (but do not need) quite a bit of shade. Their sunlight requirements thus give you a lot of flexibility with them, as you can grow them as anything from full-sun plants to shade plants.

Soil

These trees require a soil that is moist, but that offers good drainage. They prefer a loamy, acidic soil. Shallow-rooted, these plants need protection from the wind, or else you might return home one day after a storm only to find your tree lying on the ground.

Water

Hemlock trees require a fair amount of water. It can tolerate less favorable conditions (full sun in average soils of alkaline pH) if sufficient supplemental water is given during the dry periods of summer, as long as the soil is well-drained. Eastern Hemlock does not tolerate standing wet soil, nor prolonged drought.

The best method of watering is "slow watering" once a week. Start the watering process with a generally spraying down of the trunk and leaves. This will help to wash away bugs and pollution residues. Then, place the garden hose at the base of the tree and allow it to run for 15 to 20 minutes—this will distribute the water to the root system effectively.

Temperature and Humidity

This tree grows in regions with cool, humid climates. In the northern areas, January temperatures average 10 degrees Fahrenheit and July temperatures average 60 degrees. Precipitation ranges from less than 30 inches.

Fertilizer

This tree needs a well-balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) about once a year. Do not add fertilizer to your hemlock during transplanting since it can burn the root system and it could lead to the death of your hemlock tree. Wait a few months until the tree is established.

Propagating Canadian Hemlock Trees

Hemlock can be easily propagated, either by seed or by cutting.

Seed: Sow hemlock seeds in the fall so they can spend the winter outside in the soil. The chill of the long cold winter period is necessary for sprouts to come up in the spring. If you plant them in the soil in the spring or summer, they will not germinate. The planting bed should have well-drained, fertile soil—mix sand, compost, and manure together with the topsoil.