Tamarack

Larix laricina [Du Roi] K. Koch

Description

Tamarack is a deciduous conifer that is a member of the pine family (Pinaceae).  Its common name is derived from an Algonquin term for wood to make snowshoes.²  It is a medium size tree that may grow to 75 feet in height and 25 inches in diameter. ¹  It has thin bark. ¹  Its needles are up to one inch long and are found in clusters of up to 20 on dwarf branches. ¹  The needles are blue-green ⁵ in the summer and turn bright yellow before falling in the fall.^1,4  Male and female cones are on the same tree (monoecious), with the female cones bright red in the spring and the male cones are yellow. ³  Seeds are wind dispersed.

Fall foliage of tamarack in Vermont.  American Conifer Society²

 

Needles of tamarack.  @ B. Hubrick, 2013. Maryland Biodiversity Project ⁴

Male (yellow) and female (red) cones of tamarack.  @ K. Morse CalPhotos ⁶

Distribution

Tamarack is a boreal species distributed across Canada from Labrador to British Columbia and in the United States from Wisconsin to New England and south to West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  A disjunct population is found in Alaska.¹  It is found in poorly drained, peat-based substrates in forested bogs.¹  In Maryland it is found in western Allegheny and Garrett counties.⁴   It is considered as a Maryland endangered species and is listed as state rare (S1). ⁴

Native distribution of tamarack.  They Gymnosperm Database ⁵

Wildlife Importance

Large mammals such as deer and moose do not graze on Tamarack. ¹  Smaller animals such as snowshoe hare, red squirrels and porcupine consume different parts.¹  Seed-eating birds such as pine siskin and crossbill eat the seeds.¹

Economic Importance

Tamarack has been used for dog sled runners, fish traps and canoe ribs.²  Indians used it for ropes (roots), arrow shafts (wood) and medicine (bark).¹

Threats

Large stands of tamarack can be destroyed by larch sawfly larvae¹.  It is highly susceptible to fire. ³

Interesting Facts

• Tamarack is very cold tolerant and can tolerate temperatures dow to -85 F. ²
• Tamarack pulp is used for making the windows on envelopes. ⁷

References

1. USDA-Forest Service Fire Effects Information Service:  Larix laricina
2. American Conifer Society:  Larix laricina
3. USDA Forest Service Silvics, Vol. 1, conifers:  Larix laricina
4. Maryland Biodiversity Project:  Larix laricina 
5. The Gymnosperm Database:  Larix laricina
6. CalPhotos: Larix laricina
7. University of Minnesota: Tamarack

Contributed by J. Hull

Towson University Glen Arboretum