Tamarack (Larix laricina), a deciduous conifer native to wet, bogg-like areas that is known for its yellowing needles in the fall, and is used for durable wood, and historically by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes and other uses.
Tamarack is a common forest species throughout most of central and northern Minnesota. While occasional in upland forests, it is more frequent in swamplands where it can be associated with other swamp species like white cedar, black spruce, black ash, and red maple, or it can be in nearly pure stands. Tamarack is unique in being Minnesota's only native deciduous conifer.
