Tamarack

Scientific name

Larix laricina

Description

Tamarack is a small to medium sized, deciduous coniferous tree species that grows up to 20 m tall. This plant may also be known by the common name American Larch. The bark is scaly and reddish brown coloured. The needles are delicate, 2-4 cm long, blueish-green coloured, grow in clusters of 15 to 25, and change golden yellow in the fall. This tree provides food and habitat for wildlife species, including birds and mammals. Tamarack is a fast-growing, long lived species that can live up to 150 years and is found across all of Canada. The wood from this tree is decay-resistant and has been used to make railway ties, posts, and crates. Tamarack is considered unique because it is the only conifer species to drop its needles in the fall.

Planting conditions

Tamarack grows best in moist to wet conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, acidic, organically rich humus or loam soil types. It is tolerant of periodically flooded areas. This tree can be naturally found in wet forests, around wetlands, and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 20 m
• Spread:
  • 5 m