Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Maine Woodlands

Publisher

Maine Woodland Owners

Publication Date

Fall 11-2025

Publisher location

Augusta, Maine

Issue Number

11

Volume Number

50

Abstract/ Summary

Eastern larch (Larix laricina), or tamarack, is Maine’s only deciduous conifer and holds the most extensive range of any North American conifer. Despite its range, it is uncommon in Maine and extremely shade-intolerant, requiring full sunlight to survive. Its wood is strong, comparable to Douglas-fir, and moderately resistant to decay, better than any Maine conifer except northern white-cedar. Despite these assets, the wood has low market value. Aside from native tamarack, exotic species, including European, Japanese, and Dunkeld varieties, have been planted in Maine. Responding to concerns over softwood shortages, approximately 20,000 acres of exotic varieties were planted in the 1980s. These plantations demonstrate impressive timber yields, averaging over two cords per acre annually. Exotic tree silviculture mandates complete clearcutting, site preparation, and planting on well-drained soils. Herbicide treatment is essential before planting, as post-establishment spraying will kill the trees. A promising approach involves mixed plantations, such as planting 75 trees per acre alongside a matrix of shade-tolerant Norway spruce. The future of the species is threatened by several serious introduced pests, including the quarantined canker, the casebearer, and the sawfly. An introduced sawfly caused a deadly outbreak around 1890 that nearly wiped out northern Maine trees. The author documented finding a 364-year-old former national champion tamarack in 1982.

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