Tsuga chinensis var. forrestii


Michael's Opinion

An unknown but possibly endangered species of hemlock that is closely related to Tsuga chinensis, which is why it is still still debated as being its own species or just a variety. Forrest Hemlock has nice green foliage and dense cones that are appealing to look at, that would make this plant beneficial as an accent or specimen plant.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusTsuga
Specieschinensis
Varietyforrestii
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginChina
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The inner bark can ground up to use in cooking as a thickening agent, or a herbal tea can be made from young shoots.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5b - 7b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-24) - (-17)
Temperature (°F)(-10) - 0
Height10 - 25
Spread8 - 13
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionTsuga forrestii is a medium to large sized evergreen tree with furrowed greyish-brown bark and short green needles with a silver colour beneath them.
ID CharacteristicForrest Hemlock features thick green needles with a silvery underside, and tapered cones.
ShapeTsuga forrestii has an upright and broad shape with branches bending downwards.
LandscapeThis evergreen is not commonly found or used in landscapes but it’s wood can be used in furniture, construction applications, and aircraft or vehicle parts
PropagationMost likely similar methods to Tsuga chinensis as this specific evergreen is very unknown. Possibly cuttings.
CultivationTsuga forrestii grows in higher altitudes with soils ranging from neutral to acidic in shaded to sunny conditions.
PestsCould possibly be susceptible to the hemlock woolly adelgid, a sucking insect that affects hemlocks such as Tsuga chinensis which is closely related.
Notable SpecimensThe University of British Columbia’s Botanical Garden features a specimen.
HabitatThis evergreen grows in high mountain ranges with moist and well drained soil and high levels of precipitation.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe young bark is an orangish-brown colour that is scale like, and becomes greyish-brown and more furrowed as it ages.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLeaf buds are 2 mm to 3 mm wide, with a globular shape and can be resinous with a brown colour.
Leaf DescriptionGreen needles that are 5 mm - 25 mm long and 2 mm - 3 mm wide, that are narrow and ovate and straight or curved.
Fruit DescriptionCones are about 3 cm to 5 cm long and 1 cm to 3 cm wide and slender with a narrow and oval like shape to it that tapers at the end. Light green colour when young to a rich brown colour when matured. Cones start to form about one year after new growth and matures after another year.
Colour DescriptionNeedles have a rich green colour on the top and silver beneath them. The bark has an orangish-brown to greyish-brown colour as it matures.
Texture DescriptionHas a medium to fine texture.

Photographs