Mountain Hemlock Tsuga mertensiana 100 Seeds

Tsuga mertensiana, commonly known as Mountain Hemlock, is a beautiful evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada. Here's a detailed description:

Appearance: Mountain Hemlock is a tall, slender coniferous tree that can reach impressive heights of up to 150 feet (45 meters) in its natural habitat, although it typically grows smaller in cultivation. The tree has a narrow, conical crown with gracefully drooping branches, giving it an elegant appearance. The bark is typically reddish-brown and becomes deeply furrowed with age.

Needles: The needles of Tsuga mertensiana are one of its distinguishing features. They are short, about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 cm) long, and arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches. The needles are dark green on the upper surface and have two white lines on the undersides, giving them a distinctive silvery appearance when viewed from below.

Cones: The tree produces small, cylindrical cones that are typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. These cones start out green and gradually turn brown as they mature. Each cone contains winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Habitat: Mountain Hemlock is typically found at high elevations in mountainous regions, often growing in subalpine and alpine forests. It thrives in cool, moist climates and is often associated with rocky slopes, ridges, and streambanks.

Growth Rate: While Mountain Hemlock is relatively slow-growing compared to some other conifers, it is long-lived, with some specimens reaching ages of several hundred years.

Landscape Uses: In landscaping, Tsuga mertensiana is valued for its graceful form and attractive foliage. It is often planted as a specimen tree in large gardens or parks, where it can provide a striking focal point. It is also suitable for use in naturalistic landscapes, particularly those inspired by mountain or alpine settings.

Cultural Significance: Mountain Hemlock has cultural significance for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, who have traditionally used its wood for various purposes, including building materials, tools, and ceremonial objects. Hardy in zones 4-8.

 Growing Instructions for the Mountain Hemlock

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Put the mixture in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 90 days. 4. The seeds like rich, moist soil. Sow the seeds in containers with a good quality potting soil or compost. 5. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil about a couple of millimeters thick. 6. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. Put the container in an area that is in shade. 7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.