Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Tsuga

Species:

Tsuga caroliniana

USDA Symbol:

TSCA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

3000 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers cool, moist mountain environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; sow in spring.