Tamarack / American Larch

Larix laricina

Native to MN

#10 Container

Mature height x width: 40-80’ x 25-50’

Light Preference: Full sun

Soil Preference: Sand to clay, moist and well-drained

Tolerates… Clay soils, occasional flooding, wet sites, soil compaction, drought

Does not tolerate… Air pollution, extreme winds

Ash replacement? ü

Buckthorn replacement? û

Shoreline buffer zone? ü

Seasonal interest: Fall color

Resilience to climate change: Low adaptability

Pollinator and wildlife value: Birds, grouse and small mammals  

Other notes: Also known as an eastern Larch, the tamarack is a deciduous conifer. Soft, green needles and petite brown cones adorn its branches throughout the growing season. After a golden fall display, the tamarack sheds its needles for winter. A perfect tree for a sunny, low area or near a wetland edge. A native tree frequently seen growing in stands, it has the potential to naturalize in the right conditions.

Photo credit: Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org; Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org; Vern Wilkins, Indiana University, Bugwood.org