Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Eastern Hemlock is a graceful evergreen conifer native to eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This shade-tolerant tree prefers moist, well-drained soils and cool locations.
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Eastern Hemlock as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
600"–900" H × 300"–500" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, CT, GA, IN and 19 more states
Eastern hemlock is a graceful evergreen tree with delicate, flat needles and drooping branches that create an elegant, layered appearance. This slow-growing conifer develops into a large specimen that provides year-round structure and screening in the landscape. It prefers cool, moist conditions and partial shade, making it ideal for woodland settings.
Growing Eastern Hemlock
Grow Eastern Hemlock in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 300 to 500 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eastern Hemlock is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
- Slow growth means long wait for screening effect
Wildlife value
Host plant for Gypsy moth, Hemlock looper.
Eastern hemlock provides critical habitat and nesting sites for many bird species, including warblers and chickadees. The small cones feed various songbirds and small mammals throughout winter.
Common questions
- Where does Eastern Hemlock naturally grow?
- Eastern Hemlock is native to eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada south to northern Georgia and Alabama, and west to Minnesota and eastern Kentucky.
- What growing conditions does Eastern Hemlock prefer?
- Eastern Hemlock thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained acidic soils. It prefers cool, humid conditions and protection from strong winds and drought.
- How large does Eastern Hemlock grow?
- Eastern Hemlock typically grows 40-70 feet tall with a 25-35 foot spread in cultivation, though it can reach over 100 feet in optimal forest conditions. It has a pyramidal shape when young, becoming more irregular with age.
- When does Eastern Hemlock produce cones?
- Eastern Hemlock produces small pollen cones in spring (April-June) and small seed cones that mature in fall. The tree is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female cones on the same plant.
- Is Eastern Hemlock toxic to dogs?
- Eastern Hemlock is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Eastern Hemlock toxic to cats?
- Eastern Hemlock is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Eastern Hemlock toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Eastern Hemlock as toxic to livestock.
- Is Eastern Hemlock HOA-friendly?
- Eastern Hemlock is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Eastern Hemlock? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz