Mountain hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana
Last reviewed: September 2026
Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
300"–1200" H × 120"–300" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states
Pollinators
wind-pollinated
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A graceful conifer with soft, bluish-green needles arranged evenly around the twig and a distinctive drooping leader that gives young trees a relaxed, elegant silhouette. It grows slowly at high, snowy elevations.
Wildlife value
Seed cones feed crossbills and squirrels, and the dense evergreen form offers cover through harsh mountain winters.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mountain hemlock need?
- Mountain hemlock grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Mountain hemlock bloom?
- Mountain hemlock blooms in June and July.
- Where is Mountain hemlock native?
- Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Mountain hemlock toxic to dogs?
- Mountain hemlock is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Mountain hemlock toxic to cats?
- Mountain hemlock is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Mountain hemlock attract?
- Mountain hemlock draws wind-pollinated.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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