Range

    Larix laricina has a relatively large range throughout the northern boreal forests.  Tamarack’s range is pictured above, shaded in green.  It is mostly found in cool, temperate areas and can is typically found with Black Spruce.  Tamarack grows most commonly in moist areas such as swamps, bogs, streams, and the edges of lakes.  This is because the roots of Tamarack are very shallow. 

    Please refer to the picture on the left for the natural range of Larix laricina.  Tamarack occurs from northwestern Canada and parts of Alaska, and all the way along the northeast coast of the United States and Eastern Canada.  Larix laricina can also be found through most of Wisconsin and Michigan, and even in some parts of Indiana.  Please note that small stands occur in British Columbia, Canada as well.  Tamarack grows at about sea level in the north, and at higher elevations in the southern part of its range.

  

Soils

    Tamarack favors soil that is moist and highly acidic.  Tamarack also favors colder soils.  This tree is mostly found growing in Inceptisols and Entisols.  Inceptisols are moist soils that lack most nutrients.  Entisols are composed mostly of clay and sand.  In northern range, Tamarack grows on dryer soils.  However, in the southern parts of Tamarack’s range, it most commonly occurs on wetter soils around bogs and in peatlands.

Climate

    Tamarack can be found in many different climates, as demonstrated by its large range.  Winter temperatures are usually between -22 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.  Summer temperatures are usually between 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Yearly precipitation varies from about 47” in its northwestern range to about 255” in its easternmost range.  Tamarack is also shade intolerant, and will only grow with ample sunlight.