Tree · Pinaceae family
eastern hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
In short a 10-second read
Eastern hemlock (tree) grows to 15–25 m tall and 8–12 m wide when mature. It grows best in part shade to shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 8–12 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in part shade to shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 5–7
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove overlong shoots (April–August).
Planting
container plant: March, October–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does eastern hemlock tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does eastern hemlock need?
At maturity 8–12 m wide and 15–25 m tall; recommended spacing 800 cm.
Does eastern hemlock survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (12)
- GBIF — Tsuga canadensis
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Van den Berk
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- RHS - Tsuga canadensis
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow conifers
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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