Tamarack is North America's only deciduous conifer east of the Rockies, turning brilliant golden-yellow before dropping its needles in autumn. It grows in cold bogs and poorly drained soils across the boreal zone from Alaska to the Atlantic coast. Its small cones are eaten by crossbills and redpolls, and it is a host plant for several specialist insects.
Best time to see a Tamarack
The best time to see a Tamarack is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,987 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Tamarack? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Tamarack sightings near you
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