Tamarack (Larix laricina): This deciduous conifer has the widest range of all North American conifers across northern Canada from the northern tree line south through Minnesota and the Great Lakes States. It grows under extreme climatic variations. Lowest recorded temperature was - 79 o F; highest was 110 o F. Moisture ranges from 7 inches to nearly 200 inches. It grows on an equally wide range of soils. It grows to about 115 feet and lives to more than 300 years. Tamarack is one of the fastest growing conifers easily averaging more than 1.5 feet/year. Rooting habits include a shallow, widespread, non-taproot system. It is very intolerant of shade. Its wood is principally used for pulp. Because the wood is rot resistant it has been used for posts, poles timbers, ties. The tree is esthetically appealing although it is not commonly