Hemlock
is a long-time favorite
evergreen with soft, almost feathery branches gracefully drooping
with age. Native throughout the northeastern United States, stands
are common in cool moist valleys and north-facing rock outcrops.
Hemlocks are popular for screening in shady areas, while the
gracefeul weeping cultivar is a prized specimen. The species can grow
to 70' tall, but can easily be pruned to a shorter height or sheared
as a fine hedge. Hemlocks prefer shady sites with acid soils, but do
not tolerate wind or dry and excessively sunny locations. Hemlocks are susceptible to the non-native Woolly Adelgid insect, but this can be treated with environmentally-friendly soap or horticultural oil spray. Zones 4-7.
