This species is native to the northeastern US and southeastern Canada and will grow well in Iowa only when planted in cool, moist, sheltered positions in eastern and central Iowa. The location of this particular group of trees on the ISU campus is ideal, mimicking the microclimate of the cool, shaded, moist valleys and canyons where these trees would naturally occur.
Hemlocks are fast-growing, but require abundant moisture.
This tree is sensitive to drying winds and drought, and is therefore generally not recommended for planting in Iowa.