Tamarack

(Larix laricina)

Tamarack (Larix laricina)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Larix laricina image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Larix laricina, commonly known as Tamarack or American Larch, is a deciduous conifer native to the cold, wet northern forests of North America, including the Northern United States, Canada, and parts of Alaska. It thrives in peat bogs, swamps, and other moist sites, often forming pure stands in these areas. Tamarack can reach 10–20 m (33–66 ft) in height with a trunk up to 60 cm (24 in) in diameter. The bark is tight and flaky, pinkish, and can appear reddish beneath the flaking layers. Its needle-like leaves are 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long, light blue-green, turning a striking bright yellow in autumn before falling, leaving the pale pinkish-brown shoots bare until the next spring. The contrast between the fall foliage and the bark is particularly notable.

Tamarack is valued for its adaptability to cold climates and is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens within its hardiness zones. It is also popular for bonsai due to its small needle size and the ease with which it can be trained. In cultivation, it requires full sun, medium amounts of water, and well-drained soils. While it is not prone to many diseases, it can be susceptible to larch casebearer and larch sawfly. Tamarack is not typically invasive but can spread in suitable wetland habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 35-65 feet
  • Width: 15-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Peat bogs, swamps, and other moist sites in northern forests

Other Names

Common Names: Hackmatack, Black Larch, Red Larch, American Larch, Eastern Larch, Amerikanische Lärche, Mélèze Laricin, Tamarac, Épinette Rouge, Kanadai Vörösfenyo

Scientific Names: , Larix laricina, Abies pendula, Larix pendula, Larix americana, Larix alaskensis, Larix laricina var. alaskensis, Larix laricina f. depressa, Larix laricina f. lutea, Larix europaea var. pendula

GBIF Accepted Name: Larix laricina (Du Roi) K.Koch