TAMARACK 



(Larix Laricind) 



THERE are three species of tamarack or larch in the United States, 

 and probably a fourth is confined to Alaska. One has its range in 

 the northeastern states, extending south to West Virginia and northwest- 

 ward to Alaska. Two are found in the northwestern states. Other 

 species are native of the eastern hemisphere, and some of them have 

 been planted to some extent in this country. A species of Europe is of 

 much importance in that country. The tamaracks lose their leaves in 

 the fall and the branches are bare during the winter. The name tamarack 

 or larch should be applied only to trees of the genus larix. This rule is 

 not observed in some parts of the West where the noble fir (Abies nobilis) 

 is occasionally called larch by lumbermen. It is not entitled to that 

 name, and confusion results from such use. 



The larches are easily identified. They have needle leaves like 

 those of pines and firs, but they are differently arranged. They are 

 produced in little brush-like bundles, from twelve to forty leaves in each, 

 on all the shoots, except the leaders. On these the leaves occur singly. 

 The little brushes are so conspicuous, and so characteristic of this 

 genus, including all its species, that there should be little difficulty in 

 identifying the larches when the leaves are on. In winter, when the 

 branches are bare, there are other easy marks of identification. 



The little brushes are interesting objects of study. Botanists tell 

 us that the excrescence or bud-like knob from which the leaves grow is 

 really a suppressed or aborted branch, with all its leaves crowded 

 together at the end. If it were developed, it would bear its leaves 

 singly, scattered along its full length, as they occur on the leading 

 shoots. The warty appearance of the branches in winter is a very 

 convenient means of identification when the leaves are down. 



The cones of larches mature in a single season, and often hang on 

 the trees several years. They are conspicuous in winter when the 

 branches are bare of foliage. The adhering cones are generally seedless 

 after the first season, since they quickly let their winged seeds go. The 

 male and female flowers are produced singly on branches of the previous 

 year. 



The eastern and northern larch (Larix laricind) has a number of 

 names. It is commonly known as tamarack in the New England states 

 and in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Wiscon- 

 sin, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and in Canada. The name larch is 

 applied in practically all the regions where it grows, but it is not used as 



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