EASTERN LARCH

TAMARACK

HACKMATACK

TAMARACK (Eastern Larch, Hackmatack)

Larix laricina Tamarack is most commonly found in cool, swampy places although it also grows on well drained soil. It is found in practically every part of the state. In the forest, the tree grows to a height of 50-60 feet and a diameter of 20 inches. It has a regular, narrow, pyramidal head with small, stiff and horizontal branches. In northern Maine, the name "juniper" is quite commonly applied to this tree, but since juniper is the true name of another tree its use for tamarack should be discouraged. The bark separates on the surface into small, thin, irregular scales of a reddish brown color.

The leaves are linear, about one inch long, triangular in cross section, and borne in clusters of 8 or more on spurs, but leaves on elongating new shoots occur singly. They are bright green and turn yellow in September just before they fall. It is our only conifer that sheds all its leaves every fall.

The cones are small, nearly spherical, about 3/4 inch long, light brown, and borne erect on stout stems. They open in the fall to liberate the small winged seeds and usually remain on the tree until the following year. The wood is rather coarse-grained, hard, heavy, strong, and with a durable heartwood. It is used for planking, timbers, ties, vats and tanks, poles, piling, and pulp.