The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Blue Sparkler tamarack, Blue Sparkler American larch

Family: Pinaceae (pine family)

Distribution: Species native to n. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 2

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A dwarf selection of a native deciduous conifer that has short, bright blue-green needles. Its habit is dense and somewhat rounded, eventually becoming broadly conical. When water droplets are held in the needles, they sparkle, hence the name. Grows to about 3' high and wide in 10 years, maturing at about 12'. Fall color is golden yellow. Works well in the landscape as a specimen or in the sunny shrub border.