Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga Caroliniana)

Carolina Hemlock

Features and Characteristics

Tsuga caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina hemlock, is primarily native to rocky stream beds and slopes in the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to Georgia, most frequently at elevations of 2500′ to 4500′. It is a narrow pyramidal tree with slightly pendulous branches that typically grows in cultivation to 45-60′ tall and to 20-25′ wide, but may soar to over 100′ in its native habitat. Small flattened evergreen needles (to 3/4″ long), each with two white stomatal bands beneath, radiate around the stems. Reddish-brown bark develops furrows and ridges with age. Small, nearly sessile, short-stalked seed cones (to 1 1/2″ long) mature to dark brown. Tsuga canadensis (Canadian hemlock) is similar to this tree, but has needles in flattened planes (not radiating) and shorter cones.

Genus name of Tsuga is derived from the Japanese name for trees in this genus.

Specific epithet means of North or South Carolina.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers cool woodland conditions in part shade locations. Intolerant of drought and should be watered regularly in prolonged dry spells, particularly when plants are young. Site in locations protected from strong winds. Not recommended for planting south of USDFA Zone 7.

Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga Caroliniana) Requirements

Hardiness zone	6 - 7
Sun light	Part Shade To Full Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

A healthy plant in the proper environment has few problems. Potential disease problems for plants in the genus Tusga include needle blight (needles turn yellow and die), canker, rusts and rots. Susceptible to hemlock woolly adelgid. Other potential insect problems include ambrosia beetle, bagworms, borers, leaf miner, sawfly and mites. Foliage may scorch in very hot weather.

Uses

Excellent evergreen for shady areas of the landscape.

Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga Caroliniana) Details

Common name	Carolina Hemlock
Botanical name	Tsuga Caroliniana
Plant type	Needled Evergreen
Family	Pinaceae
Hardiness zone	6 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Non-Flowering
Flowering period	Non-Flowering
Height	45 - 60 Ft.
Width	20 - 25 Ft.