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.

Mountain hemlock

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tsuga mertensiana

Last reviewed: November 2026

Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) is a perennial tree native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Mountain hemlock, free in the app.

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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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada

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.

Growing Mountain hemlock

Grow Mountain hemlock in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 300 to 1200 inches tall and spread 120 to 300 inches wide.

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.

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