Mountain hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana
Last reviewed: August 2026
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA 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.
- 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.
Ready to grow Mountain hemlock? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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