Tamarack

Tamarack is a medium sized coniferous tree, typically reaching 10-20 meters tall. Although it is a coniferous species, it sheds its needles annually unlike most conifers. It is widespread in Canada and the United States. The bark is traditionally used for tanning leather because of high tannin content. Tamarack grows best on moist, well-drained upland sites. Although, it is able to grow in cold, nutrient-poor areas but results in stunted growth, small needles and narrow-scaled cones. It is often confused with European larch, which has larger cones.