Eastern hemlock

Short Description

The Eastern hemlock is an evergreen conifer. It grows up to 30 metres high in Central Europe.

The shiny green needles are round at the tip. They have two white stripes on the underside. In the centre of the twig, needles usually grow with the underside facing upwards.

The bark is reddish brown to blackish brown. Older trees have deep cracks.

There are male and female flower cones. The male flower cones are small and yellowish. They sit on the side of the branch. The female flower cones are larger, greenish and sit at the tip of the shoot.

The ripe cones are brown and about two centimetres long. They hang on stalks on the twig.

In the city

The Eastern hemlock prefers nutrient-rich and moist clay soils. It is very common in the city as a popular park and garden tree. Originally from North America, it was brought to Europe as an ornamental tree.