Driving to the Adirondacks last weekend, we turned the corner and we were greeted by these trees! At first glance from afar, we assumed they were leafy deciduous –just holding onto their leaves just a little bit longer , but as we got closer we realized they were conifers. They were a lovely addition to the fall landscape, but brought up concern that they were dying. Upon further discovery, we realized that they are just conifers that drop their needles yearly. So, of course, I had to look up what we were seeing! This site has a wonderful primer called Know the Needles that clarified just what we were looking at.

What exactly were we looking at? Tamaracks. It’s a New York State native tree that just happens to shed its needles yearly. Although they appear as an evergreen, they certainly do not stay “evergreen.” They are a deciduous conifer. Hmmm. A deciduous conifer. It makes perfect sense! The name Tamarack is often used interchangeably with larch, but they are really different species–same genus, different species. Regardless, I love their soft needles and lovely color. Upon further reading, they are medicinal, used for teas, and are canoe building material.

These photos below were taken in a boggy area in the ADK (far before my above observation) These little pics will help you identify them perfectly. ( I just thought they looked really unique when I took the photos) Their needles grow in clusters! Just look at the little cones!

My favorite part of what I just learned is that it is called the Tamarack, the American Larch, Eastern Larch and (best of all) the Hackmatack which is derived from indigenous creators (who used the wood and bark from these trees) meaning “wood used for snowshoes.” The wood is versatile and rot resistant. Read this wonderful post about the Tamarack and learn even more.