Larix laricina (Tamarack, American Larch)


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Larix laricina (Tamarack, American Larch) Seeds

Zones: 1 to 5.

Native to North America.

The Tamarack or American Larch is found throughout most of Canada, from northeastern British Columbia, across Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador. It also grows in Alaska and the upper northeastern United States. It is a deciduous conifer. Its needles turn yellow and fall in autumn. It is frequently found in bogs and swamps in its native habitat. It likes full sun and does not do well in deep shade or where it is overcrowded by other trees.

The Tamarack has an open pyramidal shape and horizontal branching. Needles are green, slender and short growing in brush-like clusters at the ends of short shoots along the branches. Cones are small at about 1 inch (2.5 cm), round and brown. The bark on mature trees is a scaly and reddish-brown.

The Tamarack merits to be planted more widely for ornamental purposes as it makes an attractive accent plant wit its soft green foliage in spring, which turn a deeper green in summer and golden yellow in autumn. However it is best planted in cooler environments since it does not tolerate heat and dry soil. The Tamarack like other larches is also popular as a bonsai specimen.

Size: Height 40 to 80 ft; Width 15 to 30 ft.

Germination Instructions

Stratification: Provide 30 to 60 days cold moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).

  1. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
  2. Place seeds in sandwich bag(s) with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
  3. Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 30 to 60 days.
  4. After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.