Tamarack – Larix Laricina
Tamarack, also referred to as the Eastern Larch, is the only conifer in Wisconsin that does not keep its needles all year long. When fall comes, their needles turn a beautiful light yellow-orange color. Hence, is not an evergreen, even with its bright green needles during the summer months. The needles of the tree are not pointed and round like spruce trees but are flat and smooth. The bark a gray-brown that easily flakes off.
There are many other different species of Larch. Some of these varieties can grow in upland areas, but this species is common in wetlands and often found near the Black Spruce, balsam fir, and northern white cedars. The Tamarack is heavily reliant on these hydrological areas, so much that changes in precipitation or the warming of the climate can potentially have a negative impacts on the species.
Tamaracks are also merchantable. The wood is harvested for railroad ties, pulpwood, posts, and poles.
– Kate Handberg, GIS Manager
