Canadian Hemlock Tsuga canadensis 'Everitt's Golden'
ABOUT
The Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' is an ornamental conifer distinguished by its striking foliage. The plant typically sports young leaves that are a vibrant yellow hue, while the mature leaves gradually transform into a deeper shade of green as they age. This gradation in color results in a stunning two-toned appearance that is quite eye-catching, with the brightest coloration emerging from the new growth. The needles of the Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' are small and line the twigs in a feathery formation, contributing to the plant’s overall lush and soft texture. During different times of the year, especially when the new growth contrasts with the old, the plant gains additional ornamental value. The structure of the Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' is characterized by a typical conical shape, common among many coniferous trees, with branches that descend slightly, giving it a graceful and elegant demeanor. Its bark is often furrowed and textured, providing additional visual interest. The plant produces small cones that usually hang downwards, adding to the decorative appearance of the foliage. Overall, the Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' is prized for its unique hue, textural appeal, and classic conical form, making it a standout specimen in any landscape where it is placed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Canadian Hemlock, Eastern Hemlock, Everitt's Golden Hemlock
Common names
Tsuga canadensis 'Everitt's Golden'.
ToxicityTo humans
Eastern Hemlock is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause discomfort or irritation due to natural plant defense mechanisms and individual sensitivities.
To pets
Eastern Hemlock is not typically listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in animals due to their specific dietary needs and digestive systems. If a pet shows adverse symptoms after consuming any part of the plant, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Yellow-Green
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Year-round Interest: Tsuga canadensis 'Everitt's Golden', commonly known as Canadian Hemlock, offers beauty in every season with its evergreen foliage.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant has unique golden-yellow foliage that stands out in landscapes, especially during the spring growth flush.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for shaded areas where many other plants might not thrive, making it versatile in garden design.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Canadian Hemlock provides cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
- Windbreak and Privacy: Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for use as a windbreak or privacy screen in landscaping.
- Erosion Control: The fibrous root system of Tsuga canadensis can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Canadian Hemlock requires relatively little care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Adaptable to Pruning: The plant responds well to pruning and can be shaped for hedges or topiary, providing flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of Eastern Hemlock can be used for small woodworking projects or for crafting rustic furniture, as it has a fine grain that is generally easy to work with.
- Pine Needle Tea: Young shoots and needles of Eastern Hemlock can be brewed to make a pine-flavored tea, which is a traditional beverage in some cultures.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense foliage of Eastern Hemlock provides excellent cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Tannin Source: The bark of Eastern Hemlock is rich in tannins and can be used in the traditional tanning of leather.
- Garden Design: Due to its distinctive golden foliage, 'Everitt's Golden' can be used as a focal point or specimen plant in landscape design.
- Hedge or Screen: This plant can serve as an effective hedge or natural screen for privacy and wind protection in gardens and landscapes.
- Dye: The bark and needles of Eastern Hemlock can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric and yarn, creating shades of tan or green depending on the mordant used.
- Bonsai: 'Everitt's Golden' can be trained as a bonsai tree, providing an unusual and attractive miniature landscape specimen.
- Erosion Control: This plant's root system helps stabilize soil on slopes, making it useful for erosion control in landscaping projects.
- Theme Gardens: 'Everitt's Golden' can be incorporated into thematic gardens, such as gold or yellow-themed gardens, due to its unique foliage color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canadian Hemlock is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canadian Hemlock is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Endurance: Also known as the Eastern Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis 'Everitt's Golden' is an evergreen conifer, which symbolizes long life and the ability to endure challenges, mirroring the tree's own hardiness in nature.
- Protection: The Eastern Hemlock has historically been used as a shelter tree, often providing protection for smaller plants and animals, reflecting its symbolic meaning of offering shelter and safety to others.
- Healing: Parts of the Eastern Hemlock have been used medicinally by indigenous peoples, symbolizing the plant's association with healing and medicinal properties.
- Peace and Solitude: Growing in forests, often found in serene and undisturbed places, the Eastern Hemlock represents peace, solitude, and the tranquility of secluded landscapes.
WaterThe Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' requires regular watering to maintain moist but not soggy soil, especially important during the first few years after planting to establish a strong root system. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons per instance, depending on rainfall and soil drainage. In the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering, and adjust the schedule during periods of drought or excessive rain.
LightThe Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' prefers partial shade to full shade conditions, thriving best in locations that offer protection from harsh afternoon sun. It is well-suited for understory planting in larger landscapes or in northern exposure areas where it can receive bright, indirect light without being subjected to intense direct sunlight.
TemperatureThe Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' is hardy and can tolerate a broad temperature range, withstanding winter lows down to -30°F and summer highs that are typical of its native habitat. Ideally, it prefers a cooler climate and performs best in areas with temperatures ranging from 34°F to 75°F. Extreme heat can be detrimental, so it's crucial to ensure the plant is in an appropriate location to avoid too much direct sun during hot weather.
PruningPrune the Eastern Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches, primarily for aesthetic purposes or to promote good air circulation. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Annually inspect the tree and prune as necessary, but avoid heavy pruning as this can stress the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Canadian Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' thrives best in a well-draining, moist soil mixture rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Incorporate peat moss, compost, and coarse sand to create an ideal growing environment for this plant.
RepottingCanadian Hemlocks, including 'Everitt's Golden', being slow-growing conifers, do not require frequent repotting. They may need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when the root system outgrows the current container.
Humidity & MistingCanadian Hemlocks, such as 'Everitt's Golden', prefer moderate to high humidity levels, typically around 50% to 70%. Keep in mind to maintain consistent humidity for optimal plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and avoid dry heat sources.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun and wind.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleCanadian Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' starts its life as a seed, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling, characterized by initial root growth followed by the emergence of the first shoots. As a juvenile, the plant grows into a sapling, where both root and shoot systems expand and true leaves develop, showing the characteristic golden coloration. Entering maturity, the tree establishes a robust trunk and a full canopy, starts the reproductive phase producing cones—female cones are small and oval, male cones release pollen. Mature Canadian Hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' may reach considerable heights and live for many years, with some individuals persisting for over 500 years in ideal conditions. Throughout its life cycle, the tree undergoes seasonal changes, with slower growth in winter and active growth in the warmer months.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The most popular method of propagating the Canadian hemlock 'Everitt's Golden' is through the use of cuttings. This process involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings from the current season's growth during the late summer to early fall when the plant's growth begins to harden but is not yet fully woody. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several sets of needles. These cuttings are then treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development and are placed in a well-draining medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, under consistent high humidity and indirect light. After several weeks to a few months, the cuttings should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden, depending on climate conditions.
