How much sun does Pacific hemlock need?

Pacific hemlock grows best in shade conditions.

When does Pacific hemlock bloom?

Pacific hemlock blooms in April and May.

Where is Pacific hemlock native?

Pacific hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pacific hemlock attract?

Pacific hemlock draws wind pollinated.

Pacific hemlock

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tsuga heterophylla

Last reviewed: November 2026

Pacific hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a perennial tree native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

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

Pacific hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) 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

shade

Water

medium

Size

1200"–2400" H × 300"–420" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

wind pollinated

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains

This hemlock is a large, shade-tolerant evergreen conifer with short, flat needles of uneven length and a graceful, drooping leader. It grows in coniferous forest, often regenerating in deep shade beneath other trees.

Growing Pacific hemlock

Grow Pacific hemlock in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 1200 to 2400 inches tall and spread 300 to 420 inches wide.

Wildlife value

As a wind-pollinated conifer it offers little to pollinators, but its dense, layered branches provide important cover and nesting habitat for forest birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific hemlock need?: Pacific hemlock grows best in shade conditions.
When does Pacific hemlock bloom?: Pacific hemlock blooms in April and May.
Where is Pacific hemlock native?: Pacific hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pacific hemlock toxic to dogs?: Pacific hemlock is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Pacific hemlock toxic to cats?: Pacific hemlock is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Pacific hemlock attract?: Pacific 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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