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Description
Tsuga Mertensiana, commonly known as the Mountain Hemlock, is a coniferous tree species native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is named after German botanist Franz Carl Mertens and can grow up to 200 feet tall. The tree has a distinct narrow crown with drooping branches, and its bark is gray-brown and scaly. Its needles are dark green, short, and have blunt tips.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Tsuga |
Appearance
The Mountain Hemlock has a narrow conical shape with drooping branches. Its bark is thin, scaly, and gray-brown. The needles are dark green, short (less than an inch long), and have blunt tips. The cones are small (1-2 inches long) and hang downwards. The tree can grow up to 200 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 800 years.
Care Guide
Water: Tsuga Mertensiana requires moderate watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: The Mountain Hemlock does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help with growth and overall health.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its quality.
Sunlight: Tsuga Mertensiana prefers partial to full shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Hardiness Zones: The Mountain Hemlock grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mountain Hemlock is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Woolly adelgid: A small, aphid-like insect that feeds on the sap of the tree and can cause needle loss and stunted growth.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause needle discoloration and defoliation.
- Phytophthora root rot: A soil-borne fungal disease that can cause root damage and stunted growth.
- Cytospora canker: A fungal disease that can cause branch dieback and cankers on the trunk.
Habitat
Tsuga Mertensiana is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. It grows in high altitude areas, such as mountain slopes and ridges, and can tolerate cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. It is an important tree species for wildlife, providing shelter and food for various animals including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tsuga Mertensiana a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the Mountain Hemlock is a slow-growing tree species.
Q: Can Tsuga Mertensiana be grown in containers?
A: It is not recommended to grow Tsuga Mertensiana in containers as it requires a lot of space to grow.
Q: How often should I prune my Mountain Hemlock tree?
A: Pruning should be done sparingly and only to remove dead or damaged branches. It is recommended to prune during the dormant season.
Q: How tall can a Tsuga Mertensiana tree grow?
A: The Mountain Hemlock can grow up to 200 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock)
- Tsuga diversifolia (Northern Japanese Hemlock)
- Tsuga dumosa (Sierra Hemlock)
- Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock)
References
- “Tsuga mertensiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed February 10, 2022. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b660.
- “Tsuga mertensiana: Mountain Hemlock.” Arboretum, University of Guelph. Accessed February 10, 2022. https://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/thingstosee/trees/tsugamertensiana.
- “Mountain Hemlock.” United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Accessed February 10, 2022. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/tsumer/all.html.
