Tamarack Plant Care
Larix laricina (Du Roi) K.Koch
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Larix laricina, commonly known as the tamarack, hackmatack, eastern larch, black larch, red larch, or American larch, is a species of larch native to Canada, from eastern Yukon and Inuvik, Northwest Territories east to Newfoundland, and also south into the upper northeastern United States from Minnesota to Cranesville Swamp, West Virginia; there is also an isolated population in central Alaska.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
0–70°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tamarack?
Plant Tamarack in full sun and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 0–70°F (-18–21°C).
Where Is the Tamarack Native To?
What Is the Tamarack?
Tamarack (Larix laricina) belongs to the Pinaceae family within the Larix genus. Tamarack is native to Canada, from eastern Yukon and Inuvik, Northwest Territories east to Newfoundland, and also south into the upper northeastern United States from Minnesota to Cranesville Swamp, West Virginia. Tamarack is also known as American larch, Black larch, Red larch.
Tamarack displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Tamarack produces small, inconspicuous cones.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tamarack?
Water a young or newly planted Tamarack every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Tamarack Need?
Tamarack thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tamarack Prefer?
Larix laricina tolerates temperatures of 0–70°F. Tamarack prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–70°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tamarack?
Well-draining loamy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Tamarack to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Tamarack?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Tamarack?
Tamarack can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Tamarack?
Tamarack needs little pruning. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.
Don't cut back into old, bare wood: conifers in the pine family rarely sprout new growth from it. To keep a denser shape, trim only the soft new shoots in late spring.
How Do You Care for a Tamarack in Winter?
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes — evergreens keep losing water through their needles all winter, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Tamarack?
Tamarack can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to european larch plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tamarack Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tamarack, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tamarack?
Tamarack is susceptible to aphids, bark beetles, pine needle scale. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Tamarack is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Larix genus — compare its care with other Larix species on PlantoScan.
Larix is part of the Pinaceae plant family — browse all Pinaceae genera and species.
Tamarack thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Larix Species
Other Larix species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Larix laricina (Du Roi) K.Koch, family Pinaceae (first published in Dendrologie 2(2):263. 1873 [Nov 1873]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tamarack, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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