Plant of the Month, January 2003 Complete Index
January Index

Back • Next

Tsuga Mertensiana

Other cultivars/species:  
‘Blue Star’, ‘Argentea’, and ‘Glauca’ are more silvery or blue in color. 

Other Hemlock species that do well in our climate include Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock), and Tsuga canadensis (Canadian Hemlock).

Extra notes and interesting information:

Looks right at home in large rock gardens.

Great for containers of all sorts, including bonsai.

Good for dense, small areas or dark, shady areas.

Gracefully drooping branches add visual interest throughout the year.

The silvery, blue-green color subtly attracts attention.

References: 
Brenzel, Kathleen Norris, Ed.  Sunset Western Garden Book, 40th Anniversary ed. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA.  ©1995.

Jacobson, Arthur Lee.  North American Landscape Trees.  Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA. ©1996.

Dirr, Michael A.  Manual of Woody Landscape Plants.  Stipes Publishing Company, Champaign, IL.  ©1975.

at a glance:
Common Name:
Mountain Hemlock
Location:
Alpine Rock Garden
Plant type: Coniferous evergreen tree
Family: Pinaceae
Height/Spread: Grows 50-90 feet tall in the wild, but tends to be shorter and grow more slowly in gardens.  Branches grow in a drooping fashion.
Leaves: 
˝ to 1” long needles are flat and rounded.  Color varies between green and gray-blue.
Flower: 
1 ˝ - 3 inch long cones hang down from the branches.
Disease/pests: 
Sunscorch and drought injury are the most common problems encountered.  Be sure the tree is placed in a cool, moist area.
Conditions: Cool temperatures and plenty of water are necessary to care for this plant.  Mountain Hemlock is shade tolerant, but may grow better in part shade or full sun.
Natural Range:
Native to mountainous areas from Alaska to California.
Hardiness:
Zones 1-7 and 14-17


Copyright 2010 Bellevue Botanical Garden Society. All rights reserved.
This site is sponsored and maintained by volunteers of the

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society

City of Bellevue

In partnership with the City of Bellevue

CONTACT US
Email:




Mail:
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
425.452.2750

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
PO Box 40536
Bellevue WA 98015-4536
425.451.3755
 

Phone:
Facilities use:                 425.452.2750

Volunteer at the Garden:       425.452.2750

Volunteer for events:          425.451.3755

Membership information:      425.451.3755

Special events and programs:  425.451.3755

 

Home  

Plant Collection 

Site Index

 

Sign up Now for Email Updates
Email: