Quick answer: Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is native to 25 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 14 Sep 2026.
Photo: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Rocky, cool, moist, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr |
| Height | 40-70 ft, up to 100+ ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds and butterflies, larval host for Columbia silkmoth |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 14 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 14 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Eastern hemlock
Where is Eastern hemlock native?
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is native to 25 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern hemlock bloom?
Eastern hemlock blooms Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern hemlock need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Rocky, cool, moist, acidic soils. Mature height: 40-70 ft, up to 100+ ft.
Is Eastern hemlock good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds and butterflies, larval host for Columbia silkmoth.
Is Eastern hemlock deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern hemlock is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Eastern hemlock?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 14 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Tsuga canadensis by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern hemlock.
- Pagoda dogwood Cornus alternifolia
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana
- White oak Quercus alba
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
Also listed under
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