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to be quite hardy. The new leaves, especially on. young trees, 

 are frequently killed by late spring frosts. On this account 

 young trees are often of undesirable shape and poor in appear- 

 ance. The tree has value for ornamental planting and possibly 

 for windbreaks but is not recommended for general planting 

 except in moist, protected situations. 



AMERICAN LARCH (TAMARACK) ( Larix americana ) 



The American larch or tamarack is a northern species. 

 It is generally found on wet situations within its native range. 

 In Iowa, occasional specimens are found planted on upland soil. 

 The tree closely resembles the European species which is much 

 more commonly planted. For ornamental purposes it ranks 

 with the European variety except that it is not so rapid in 

 growth. The tree might be utilized for planting for commer- 

 cial purposes on wet soils, but the white cedar is more valuable 

 for such areas. 



COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE (Picea parry ana. ) 



In Iowa this spruce is planted for ornamental purposes 

 but has value for shelterbelt planting as well. Desirable trees 

 have almost a perfect conical form and the foliage varies from 

 green to a distinct bluish white color. They are very much 

 prized for decorative purposes. The tree is hardy in all parts 

 of the State. 



WHITE FIR (SILVER FIR) ( Abies concolor ) 



Like the blue spruce, the silver fir is planted only for dec- 

 orative purposes in Iowa. The trees are very symmetrical 

 and the foliage has a silvery white appearance which makes 

 it highly prized for lawn planting. The tree is considerably 

 less hardy than the blue spruce and should not be planted in 

 exposed, dry situations. 



