Tsuga caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Hemlock, is an evergreen tree native to the Appalachian Mountains, particularly found in cool, moist ravines and on rocky slopes in the Southeastern United States. It can reach a height of 65 feet and a width of 20-25 feet. The Carolina Hemlock has a conical form with dense, dark green foliage and fine-textured needles. It produces small, inconspicuous cones and has a rugged, furrowed bark that adds to its visual interest. This species is less common than the Eastern Hemlock but is valued for its ornamental qualities and adaptability to various soil conditions.

Carolina Hemlock is appreciated for its graceful, pyramidal shape and is often used in residential landscapes for screening and as a specimen tree. It is also suitable for naturalistic plantings and as an evergreen accent in larger gardens. The tree prefers part shade to full shade and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. It is more tolerant of heat and drought than the Eastern Hemlock, making it a better choice for southern climates. While it has a deep taproot, which allows for easier underplanting, it is still susceptible to the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive pest that can cause significant damage. Gardeners should monitor for infestations and be prepared to use appropriate control measures.CC BY-SA 4.0