a rose is a rose is a rose

tamaracks are one of my favorite northern trees. they are deciduous conifer–which means they are pine trees who loose their needles every autumn just like deciduous trees. they tend to grow in clusters in boggy areas. their needles turn a brilliant golden yellow in fall before they drop. it is quite a site to see a whole bog all lit up with golden torches. while the autumn color is a magnificent thing to behold, i think my love of tamaracks comes from their diminutive cones that resemble little perfect roses. oh, and those nubby branches are an added bonus.

tamarack branch with cone (American larch) (Larix laricina)