Eastern hemlock, a straight-trunked tree in the pine family, bears flat sprays of tiny, lacy evergreen needles, small cones and long, graceful lower limbs that often arch to the ground. A graceful shade tree and ornamental, it can also be trimmed into hedges. It tolerates black walnut and browsing by deer.
 
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a tiny (1/32”) sap-sucking insect (relative of the aphid) that has recently become a serious threat to the survival of native hemlocks in the wild in the eastern United States.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows to 40-50' by 20-25' wide, with moderate to slow growth rate.
 
Site in full sun to heavy shade.
 
Prefers moist, well-drained, somewhat acidic soil, but is adaptable. Not tolerant to prolonged drought; strong, drying winds; or standing water.
 
Wildlife Value:
Many species of birds use the tree as a nesting site and eat the seeds, including red-breasted grosbeak, goldfinches, and pine siskins (pictured here in order). Deer and rabbits browse on winter foliage.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Pioneers made tea from leafy twigs and brooms from the branches. Not related to poison hemlock.