Home Pinaceae Tsuga (hemlocks)

Tsuga – derived from Japanese name, kometsuga, for trees in this genus

Native range: N. America, E. Asia

Leaves:

  • flat, linear and blunt
  • varying lengths (0.5-1.25”)
  • white stomatal bands on lower surface
  • leaves attached to slightly forward pointing rounded pegs on twigs

Cones:

  • monoecious
  • male cones:
    • small
    • globose
    • reddish
    • on ends of branchlets
  • female cones:
    • small (usually up to 1”, but as large as 3” in one sp.)
    • ovoid
    • few rounded scales
    • located terminally on lateral shoots
    • seeds with one long wing

Other notes:

  • trees up to 200 ft. w/ nodding leaders
  • pyramidal form when young
  • evergreen
  • often with cinnamon-red furrowed bark

Species: