Sexual and Vegetative Propagation of Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): An Overview of Methods and Best Practices for Success

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is an important species in the horticulture trade, with cultivars used in the landscaping industry in much of the eastern half of North America. It is also a foundational species in many North American forests, where it provides ecosystem services and habitat for other plants and animals. Given the impact of the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) on eastern hemlock, knowledge about the efficient propagation of this tree species is especially needed for the development of resistance cultivars and seed sources. Here, we summarize propagation information for germination, cuttings, air layering, and grafting in eastern hemlock. Areas for future advances and improvements in eastern hemlock propagation are discussed that will help ensure the continued existence of the tree in the landscape.