Tsuga caroliniana - Carolina hemlock
The Carolina hemlock is rare, only growing naturally in a restricted area of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. Its natural habitat is rocky slopes and ravines at heights between 750-1200m asl, in the same areas as catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) and calico bush (Kalmia latifolia). Growing to heights up to 30 metres, the Carolina hemlock is smaller than the other North American species, resembling its close relative eastern hemlock in appearance.