Tsuga diversifolia, also known as northern Japanese hemlock, is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 80 feet in height. Although in cultivation, it rarely exceeds 40 feet and often grows in a shrubby form. The crown is narrow, dense and conical, with short, palely pubescent and bright orange to red-brown young shoots. The dark green needles are linear-oblong, up to 15 mm long and 2.4 mm wide, and glossy and furrowed above with two chalk white stomatal bands below. The bark is orange-brown, shallowly fissured, and vertically peeling, while the buds are a deep purple red. Preferring moist, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade, this species thrives in cool, moist woodland conditions. Intolerant of drought, it should be watered regularly during dry spells, particularly when young. The northern Japanese hemlock is a popular choice for garden trees in Europe and North America, having been in cultivation since 1861.