Species PlantsMountain Hemlock

Mountain Hemlock

Tsuga mertensiana

CommonPlant
Illustration of Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)

Mountain Hemlock is a graceful conifer of the subalpine zone along the Pacific Coast and northern Rockies, with a distinctive drooping leader and short, spirally arranged needles that give the crown a rounded appearance. It grows near treeline where heavy snow loads shape its form. It provides shelter for mountain birds and its seeds are eaten by crossbills.

Habitat
Subalpine and treeline zones of the Pacific Coast ranges and northern Rockies
Diet
Seeds eaten by crossbills and chickadees; shelter for mountain birds
How common
Common

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