What is the tamarack tree?

The tamarack tree is a rare coniferous, deciduous tree. This means that even though it has needles, it turns different colors in the fall and sheds its needles.

The tamarack is a member of the larch family. It's found in the northern part of the United States, up through northeast Canada and west to central Alaska. The tree usually grows 33 to 66 feet tall, though trees in harsh climates often don't grow taller than 15 feet. It grows best in moist, somewhat acidic soils.

Though the tough wood of the tree isn't of high commercial value, it is still used for fence posts, fuel and pulp.