Is Canadian Hemlock Deer Resistant?

Deer love to browse on tender, moist twigs and leaves, but they tend to avoid plants with strong odors, prickly or rough leaves, and bitter-tasting foliage. Despite its needle-like foliage, deer occasionally snack on the Canadian hemlock.

Deer Resistance

Canadian hemlock, also known as eastern hemlock or Tsuga canadensis, occasionally sustains deer damage. The University of Connecticut notes that deer like to browse on foliage or rub the bark with their antlers. Rutgers University and Iowa State University include the Canadian hemlock on their lists of plants that are occasionally severely damaged by deer.

Features

The Canadian hemlock, an evergreen, can grow up to 70 feet tall. Trees grow in a conical shape and have flat, dark green needles. Trees produce prolific amounts of small, light brown cones.

Habitat

The trees are native to eastern North America. In the wild, Canadian hemlocks tend to grow on eastern or northern slopes in cool areas. Plant Canadian hemlocks in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soils away from wind-susceptible areas.