Tamarack is a beautiful native conifer that loses its needles in fall. It is native to the Chicago region, but is on the list of threatened plants for the state of Illinois. It is commonly found in wet, swampy or boggy locations, but can grow in other locations as long as soil moisture is consistent. This tree looks good through many seasons. In spring, small rosy pink cones can be seen as new needles begin to emerge. In summer, the soft green needles give the tree a fine texture. In autumn, the needles turn yellow before they fall. Since this tree is on the threatened list, it should never be collected from the wild. Purchase only from reputable nurseries that sell plants propagated from a non-wild source. This plant may be difficult to find. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Pine
- Family (botanic) Pinaceae
- Planting site Residential and parks
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-80 feet
- Mature width 30-50 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois)
- Soil preference Wet soil
- Tolerances clay soil, Occasional flooding, Wet sites
- Season of interest mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Pyramidal
- Growth rate Fast
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Intolerant of pollution
- Wildlife Birds, Browsers, Small mammals
- Has cultivars Yes
