Mountain Hemlock, Pruche de Mertens, Pruche des montagnes
Tsuga mertensiana
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Mountain Hemlock is primarily used for ornamental purposes in permaculture systems. It provides excellent windbreaks and shelterbelts. The needles can be used to make a refreshing tea, though it is not widely consumed for its medicinal properties. It is a long-lived species that contributes to soil stabilization. Its shade can be utilized to create microclimates suitable for shade-loving plants. No specific subspecies or cultivars stand out for extraordinary permaculture applications, but selecting varieties adapted to local soil and moisture conditions is key.
Permapeople description
A large evergreen conifer native to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. It is known for its bluish-green needles and drooping branches.
Botanical description
Tsuga mertensiana, commonly known as Mountain Hemlock, is a large evergreen conifer native to the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It typically grows to a height of 66-100 feet, but can reach up to 164 feet in optimal conditions. The bark is thin, scaly, and gray when young, becoming thicker and furrowed with age. The needles are bluish-green to gray-green, 0.5-1 inch long, and blunt-tipped. The cones are pendulous, 1-3 inches long, and purple when young, maturing to brown. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and cool, humid climates. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species, often reaching several centuries in age. It is highly shade-tolerant, especially when young.
Companion planting
Mountain Hemlock associates well with other shade-tolerant species of the Pacific Northwest such as Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and various species of ferns and shrubs like salal (Gaultheria shallon) and Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium). Avoid planting near species that require full sun or are susceptible to similar diseases or pests.
Propagation methods
Mountain Hemlock is typically propagated by seeds. Seed germination rates can be low and require stratification. Cuttings can also be used, but rooting success is variable. Grafting is sometimes used for propagating specific cultivars. Layering can occur naturally in certain conditions where lower branches come into contact with moist soil.
History and traditions
Historically, indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest used mountain hemlock for various purposes. The wood was used for constructing shelters and tools. The inner bark was sometimes consumed as a food source during times of scarcity. The branches were also used in traditional ceremonies. The plant's resin had occasional medicinal uses. Nowadays it is mainly known in horticulture.
Usage calendar
Seeds mature in the fall (September-October). Planting is best done in the spring or fall. Pruning is typically not required except to remove dead or damaged branches. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer (May-June). Cone harvest for seed collection is in the fall.