Larix laricina Tamarack (Pinaceae) Deciduous tree

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Larix laricina
Tamarack
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Larix laricina plant species is found in Northern N. America - Alaska to Labrador, south to West Virginia. It is a member of the Pinaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tamarack. Some home gardeners know the variety as L. americana.

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Latin Name:  Larix laricina
Common Name:  Tamarack
Family:  Pinaceae
Author:  (Du Roi.)Koch.

Known Hazards:  Sawdust from the wood has ben known to cause dermatitis in some people[222].

Mature Height:  18   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Often forming pure forests in the south of its range in swamps and wet soils[43, 82, 222], sometimes also on dry plateaus or slopes in the north of its range[82, 226].

Medicinal Information: Tamarack was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. A tea made from the bark is alterative, diuretic, laxative and tonic[4, 222]. It is used in the treatment of jaundice, anaemia, rheumatism, colds and skin ailments[222, 257]. It is gargled in the treatment of sore throats and applied as a poultice to sores, swellings and burns[222, 257]. A tea made from the leaves is astringent[4, 222]. It is used in the treatment of piles, diarrhoea etc[222]. An infusion of the buds and bark is used as an expectorant[257]. The needles and inner bark are disinfectant and laxative[257]. A tea is used in the treatment of coughs[257]. A poultice made from the warm, boiled inner bark is applied to wounds to draw out infections, to burns, frostbite and deep cuts[257]. The resin is chewed as a cure for indigestion[222]. It has also been used in the treatment of kidney and lung disorders, and as a dressing for ulcers and burns[226].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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