In keeping with our tree theme this week, I thought I’d share something wondrous. We see a great many types of evergreens in Montana. We even have the Ponderosa Pine for our state tree. But recently on a trip to Spokane, Washington, I was quite worried about the state of some of our forests. We have dealt with the pine beetle up our way so I thought I was looking a forest gone bad from invasion of those little bugs. Instead, I was delighted to learn that these trees weren’t in a state of death and dying, they were Larix laricina – Tamarack.
I thought I was pretty familiar with the trees in our neck of the woods, but the Tamarack or American Larch took me by surprise. This species of tree is found in Canada, but also in some of the northern states of the US, and even as far south as West Virginia.
The name Tamarack is from the Algonquian meaning “wood used for snowshoes.”
The Tamarack wood is tough and durable, but also flexible. Tamarack was used in corduroy roads in Alaska and Canada because of their resistance to rot. But the most amazing thing to me is that every fall the Tamarack turns yellow and loses its needles just like other trees lose their leaves. And we’re not just talking a blah yellow. These trees turn a glorious, intense yellow that definitely grabs your attention.
Tamaracks aren’t true evergreens, but rather deciduous coniferous (not carnivorous Cathy - at least I don’t think they eat meat)tree. This means they shed their needles in the fall. They reach heights of 33-66 ft. And can survive in temperatures down to −85 °F – in fact, they love the cold.
Tamarack are known to have a gummy sap that has a great flavor when chewed and is every bit as sweet as maple sugar. The native peoples have long made a tea from the bark that can be used as a laxative, diuretic and help for rheumatism. Poultices can be made from the inner bark and used on wounds and burns and it’s also supposed to be great for headaches. It’s really an amazing tree, and hopefully I will be able to lay my hands on some to plant in my yard.
So there’s my contribution to this week’s tree theme.
God Bless You!
Tracie
Love the Nature lesson Tracie! Wow! I have heard of Tamarack but did not know all the info you just gave us. Very, interesting indeed...a tree that looks like an evergreen, but changes colors in the fall...Kind of like God saying "Don't put ME in a box". Great lesson in that too...I feel inspired to write something about this on my blog...hope you don't mind me using some of your info on the Tamarack. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! And have a Glorious day!
Tracie, kindred spirits. I remember the first time I drove to the cabin we had north of Boise in October. I'd never driven the road that time of year, and there were all of these pines turned from green to gold. I thought they were dying and was horrified, but they were the Tamaracks. The Idaho forests are full of them, and they are so beautiful. At any time of year.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for shedding some light on your beautiful trees.
As a matter of fact, when we were touring through some areas of the States and also Canada last year, we thought along the same lines as you, that your trees were dying caused by a tree bug!
Now I realise that what we were seeing, were the Tamaracks.
When you think about it, Nature has an incredible part to play on this planet.
Isn't it amazing how many modern day medicines, are derived form trees such as these?
Our ancestors were really switched on with their knowledge and making home remedies...But try and tell THAT, to the Drug Companies!
I have never heard the expression of"corduroy roads" before. Are they corrugated roads?
I've really enjoyed the nature and environmental posts this week..I am certainly learning new terminology(and technology) from you ladies.:)
Cheers,
Rosie.
Tracie--loved learning that Tamarack means wood used for making snowshoes! Beautiful pictures--loved seeing the mountains in the background, but the snow on the mountains--not so much. :)
ReplyDeleteVeronica - feel free to use the information. I think there is a great life lesson with these trees. Rosie - the corduroy roads were put together in boggy areas where the land was mud and mush and not reliable for bearing weight. They would lay tree logs side by side and this became the road. It looked like corduroy material with the ridges. They will still do this in logging areas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post today, Tracie - - I have loved learning all this great tree information and think it's important to "branch out" and learn new things everyday (okay, sorry...but I had to toss out one more tree pun this week *wink*). As Veronica stated, I too have heard of the Tamarack but didn't know anything about them---amazing tree! And of course, now after reading your post and Robin's comment, I am really wanting to visit Montana and Idaho *sigh* (both states are on my wish list, so maybe one day). ~ Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo
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