Larch Needle

What is larch?

The larch, also known as tamarack, is the only conifer that loses its needles in autumn in Quebec. Rich in vitamin C, its small, flexible needles are highly valued in herbal tea. In the past, its young shoots were consumed as emergency food in the forest.

How to use larch?

Add it to your infusions for a foresty and tonic touch. It pairs well with other northern plants like balsam fir or wild mint. In cooking, its needles can be used to flavor broths, marinades, or desserts. Traditionally, larch was also used in poultices or steam baths to soothe the skin and clear the airways.

Its natural habitat

It can be found as far north as Canada's extreme north, as it adapts very well to different types of terrain and soil, provided it is exposed to full sunlight. Under good conditions, its growth can be very rapid, reaching maturity around twenty years! In comparison, spruce and fir only reach maturity after about sixty years.