Larix laricina (Eastern Larch/Tamarack)

Early, glossy needles appear in remarkably soft tufts, this deciduous tree with straight, tapering trunk and thin, open, conical crown casts a light shade and may be underplanted with acid-loving wildflowers and shrubs.

It is commonly seen growing on roadsides, old log landings, field edges, and other places where a significant disturbance created an opening and exposed mineral soil.

Prune, if necessary, in mid-summer.

Landscape size: 50 to 75 feet

Growing Conditions

• It is intolerant of dry, shallow, chalky soils, but does adapt to sites slightly drier than its natural habitat.

Attracts: Birds , Larval Host: Columbia silkmoth

Seeds are a favorite of crossbills, and the buds are eaten by spruce grouse. Tamaracks are often used as nesting sites