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Native Plant Database

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Tsuga caroliniana Engelm.

Carolina hemlock

Pinaceae (Pine Family)

USDA Symbol: TSCA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Carolina hemlock is an airy, spiry-topped evergreen with a tapering trunk and short, stout, often pendulous branches forming a evenly pyramidal head. The glossy, dark-green needles radiate around the stem creating a bottle-brush effect. Grows 40-60 ft. in height.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf: Dark Green
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr

Distribution

USA: GA , NC , SC , TN , VA
Native Distribution: S.w. VA to n. GA
Native Habitat: Dry slopes, bluffs & rocky areas; occasionally in moist places
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Moist to dry, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Carolina hemlock is more compact and darker green than Eastern hemlock. It is also more tolerant of city conditions. It is not easily found in the nursery trade, however, even though it is considered a prized ornamental. Droughty conditions are not tolerated.

Propagation

Description: Layering has proven successful, as has propagation by seed and cuttings. Cutting must be treated.
Seed Collection: Cones mature in one season.
Seed Treatment: A 2-4 month stratification at 40 degrees hastens germination.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Tsuga caroliniana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Tsuga caroliniana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Tsuga caroliniana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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