Tsuga

Genus of ten species of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Pinaceae, native to moist forests in North America and East Asia, and cultivated worldwide as ornamental trees. They have needle-like leaves and small cones (up to 2.5 cm/1 in long), and the tip of the topmost shoot bends over in a curve. They are important timber trees and their bark is used in tanning.

The western hemlock T. heterophylla can grow to 60 m/200 ft; it is conical in shape, with all its branches growing from one vertical main trunk. The eastern hemlock T. canadensis grows to 30 m/100 ft and is more spreading in its growth, having several stems. It is often grown as a hedge. The mountain hemlock T. mertensiana of northwestern North America has grey-green foliage.