Life History and Disturbance Response of Larix laricina (Tamarack)
Family: Pinaceae
Guild: pioneer, moist-site, shade intolerant
Functional Lifeform: small to medium sized deciduous conifer
Ecological Role: A wide ranging northern tree, tamarack can tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, but does best on moist, well-drained, loamy sites such as, along streams, lakes, swamps and seep areas.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 150-180/250
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: 15-30m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 10/75/150
Mast Frequency, yrs: 3-6yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: 4 + years have been reported in lab conditions
Cold Stratification Required: no
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: winged/<100m/wind
Season of Germination: late spring
Seedling Rooting System: shallow
Sprouting: layering is a dominant form of reproduction in many areas, also root suckers
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: open conditions
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Due to thin bark it is very susceptible to fire damage, this along with its shallow roots contribute to it being killed with all but the most light burns. However the sites it most commonly occupies are wet enough that burns are infrequent
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: