Shade-Tolerant Conifers in Wisconsin

White Pine

• The Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is native not only to Wisconsin, but to much of the United States; it is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b to 7. It is a large tree, typically reaching a height of 50 to 80 feet and a spread of 25 to 35 feet; in ideal conditions, a white pine can reach 120 feet in height with a spread of 60 feet. Young white pines are opportunistic, growing quickly and tolerating partial shade in woodland environments. Older trees grow more slowly, however, and require more sunlight.

Northern White Cedar

• The northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is another Wisconsin native that ranges over a significant portion of North America; it is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 7. It is a dense, pyramidal tree of medium size; it typically reaches 25 to 40 feet in height and 10 to 12 feet in spread. The white cedar is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or screen thanks in part to its adaptability and tolerance of partial shade.

Canada Yew

• The native range of the Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) covers most of southeastern Canada, but the shrub's native habitat extends into Wisconsin, Michigan and parts of the Midwest and Northeast United States; it is hardy to USDA zone 4. The species is a low-growing shrub that usually does not reach more than 6 feet in height, with a spread of about twice its height. Like many yew species, the Canada yew is an understory shrub that does well in the partial shade cast by taller trees.

Canadian Hemlock

• Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), also known as Eastern hemlock, is a medium-to-large conifer that reaches 50 to 70 feet in height. It is hardy in USDA zones 4a through 7a. This species prefers partial shade, although in cooler parts of its range it can tolerate full sun. Because it can survive even in full shade, it is ideal for planting near larger trees or in locations that receive little sun.

Firs

• Two species commonly grown as Christmas trees, balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are both tolerant of partial shade. The balsam fir is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 6a, and the Douglas fir is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 6. Both trees are pyramidal and typically reach a height of 40 to 70 feet.