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mountain hemlock

Tsuga mertensiana

Mountain hemlocks are tall trees that grow in cool, shady places. They have soft, green needles and can live for a very long time, making them special friends to the forest.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The mountain hemlock has a distinctive drooping leader and short, flattened bluish-green needles, giving it a soft, feathery texture. Its small, oval cones are often purplish-brown, hanging like tiny ornaments.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusTsuga
mountain hemlock
shade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badge
mountain hemlock

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its small, purplish-brown cones hang like festive ornaments, often high in the branches.

Some mountain hemlocks can live for over 800 years, witnessing centuries of change!

This tough tree can grow where few others dare, right at the chilly alpine treeline!

When you roll a needle between your fingers, it feels slightly flattened, not round.

Special abilities

Ability

Snow Shedder

Mountain hemlock has a flexible, drooping top that helps it shed heavy snow, preventing branch breakage and damage.

Ability

Alpine Survivor

Mountain hemlock can tolerate harsh subalpine conditions, with a sturdy root system anchoring it in rocky, windy slopes.

Ability

Shade Dweller

Mountain hemlock has excellent shade tolerance, allowing young trees to grow under the canopy of older, taller trees.

Measurements & details

Height
1500-4000 cm
Spread
600-900 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay on paths and don't climb trees without an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is mountain hemlock?

1500-4000 cm

How wide does mountain hemlock spread?

600-900 cm

When does mountain hemlock bloom?

Spring

Is mountain hemlock edible?

Yes

Is mountain hemlock toxic?

None

What is mountain hemlock's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is mountain hemlock pollinated?

Wind

Where is mountain hemlock usually found?

Mountain regions

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