Description
Tsuga canadensis (Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock) Seeds
Zones: 3 to 7.
Native to eastern North America.
The Canadian or Eastern Hemlock is native to northeastern North America, thriving in its natural habitat of moist woods, wooded ravines and valleys. It is a is a dense, pyramidal conifer having short, dark green needles with two lines of white stomata underneath, arrayed in flat sprays giving it a graceful form. Small, egg-shaped, pendant, cones 3/4 inch (2 cm) long are tan-brown. The bark is greyish-brown, scaly and fissured.
It prefers part shade to shade and can therefore be planted where other conifers would not grow. It likes moist, well-drained soils and is intolerant of drought. It is ideal for shady areas of the landscape, as a lawn specimen or as a screen.
Size: Height 40 to 70 ft; Width 25 to 35 ft.
Germination Instructions
Stratification: Provide about 60 to 120 days cold, moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in sandwich bag(s) with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 60 to 120 days.
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/8 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.
