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Key characteristics

Family: Pinaceae
Height: 4 ft to 6 ft
Width: 3 ft to 5 ft
Flower color: Purplish spring cones maturing to reddish brown seed cones
Foliage color: Silvery blue green needles
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune selectively only as needed to maintain shape and remove damaged branches
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 7
Wildlife: Songbirds and small mammals feed on seeds with branches providing shelter and nesting sites

Shrubs

Tsuga mertensiana 'Elizabeth'

Elizabeth Mountain Hemlock

Tsuga mertensiana 'Elizabeth' features short, blue-green needles arranged densely around the branches, creating a soft evergreen canopy with a refined texture that remains attractive throughout the year. The foliage develops subtle silvery tones that enhance the layered branching, while fresh spring growth emerges with lighter hues that add depth and seasonal contrast. Small purplish female cones and yellow pollen cones appear in spring, bringing understated ornamental interest and emphasizing the plant's alpine character.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Companion plants

Catmint · Caryopteris · Sea holly · Rock rose · Penstemon · Blue fescue

Design tip

Echo ‘Elizabeth’s’ alpine character by using it where changes in grade, exposed stone, or other rugged landscape features provide a natural setting. Its compact form and silvery blue-green foliage bring year-round definition without overwhelming a smaller-scale composition.