Tamarack, Eastern larch, American larch, Alaska larch
Larix laricina

Family: Pinaceae

What it is like

A deciduous conifer. It is a medium sized tree. It grows to 25 m high and 40 cm across the trunk. The trunk is slender and straight. The crown is a narrow cone shape. The bark is smooth and grey when young and becomes reddish-brown and scaly with age. The leaves are flattened above and have a keel below. They are triangular or four sided in cross section. They are 2-5 cm long. They are bluish-green. There are 15-60 leaves per tuft. The seed cones are oval and 1-2 cm long. They are light brown. They are on short curved stalks. There are about 20 smooth scales.

It has medicinal uses. There are 10 to 14 Larix species.

Where it is found

It is a cool temperate plant. It grows in cold, wet, poorly drained sites. It grows better on moist well-drained sites. It can grow in the Arctic circle. It suits hardiness zones 2-8. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe, North America, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The resin from the bark is chewed. The branches and needles are used to make tea.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea, resin

How it is grown

Seed production begins after about 10 years. Seed are produced in most years. Seeds are abundant every 3-6 years. Trees live for 150 years.

Its other names

Local names

Hackmatack

Synonyms

Larix alaskensis W. Wight; Pinus laricina Du Roi;