There are three categories to take into account when trying to distinguish between eastern and Carolina hemlocks. (1) Habitat: eastern hemlocks will grow near water and on shady slopes, while Carolina hemlocks grow in drier conditions on high, rocky ridges; although in some places both species can be found growing together. (2) Morphology: eastern hemlock needles grow in a flat plane along the branches, and can grow to 175 feet tall, while Carolina hemlock needles are ‘whorled’ around the branch in a circle, and typically only reach heights of around 75 feet. (3) Cones: eastern hemlock cones are about half the size of Carolina hemlock cones. For more information, see our Identification Guide.
Returning NC's Hemlocks to Long-Term Health