Tamarack, also referred to as eastern larch, primarily grows east of the Rockies. It is commonly found in peatland areas, in association with black spruce, on the edge of lakes and waterways. Tamarack stands, however, are absent in the far northwest of the Boreal forest. The species grows slowly, reaching an average 15 to 18 metres in height and 25 to 50 cm in diameter; however, on moist, well-drained soils, the tree can reach as high as 25 metres. Within Alberta, tamarack grows throughout the central and northern areas of the province, rarely in pure stands.
On a national level, tamarack is grouped together with ‘other coniferous’ species, accounting for approximately 4% of Canada’s total forest inventory. Tamarack accounts for a mere 0.2% of Alberta’s softwood inventory.
The fact sheet describes visual, physical and working properties for this species for the wood-consuming value added sector.