Common Name: Eastern Hemlock

Scientific Name: Tsuga canadensis

Family: Pinaceae

Type: Coniferous, Needled Evergreen

Habitat: Woodlands, Slopes, Rocky Ledges, Ravines

Native: Yes

Height: Up to 75 feet tall

Light: Partial shade to deep shade

Soil: Well drained, Moist

Description: The Eastern Hemlock is a native coniferous, needled evergreen tree that can be identified by its small, dark green needles and tiny brown cones, which are the smallest in its genus. When the cones mature in the fall, the scales open, releasing the seeds for small woodlands animals to eat. The Eastern Hemlock, which prefers to grow in moist, well drained soil and partly shady forests can be found growing naturally along slopes, rocky ledges, or wooded ravines. These photos of an Eastern Hemlock were taken along Mahan Lane at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.