Like its eastern relative Tamarack, it is often called ‘Hackmatack’ in its native range, and confusingly also Tamarack. First documented by David Douglas (1799-1834) in 1826, it only reached Britain in 1880 and is rarely planted in north-west Europe.

Pacific north-west of America between the Cascade and Rocky Mountains, where it is a frequent tree, forming dense coniferous forests often alongside Lodgepole Pine (p. xxx).

Monoecious, deciduous, and a pioneer species, quick to carpet bare ground with seedlings following a disturbance.

A tall (60m), slender tree. Needles soft, grey-green, 3–4cm, triangular in cross-section, turning golden before falling in autumn. Female cones (3.5cm), erect in clusters, egg-shaped, with distinctive tongue-like bracts protruding from scales.

Very wind-firm, light-demanding. Best grown in western and northern areas of Britain and Ireland with high rainfall.

A keystone species in its native range, particularly in supporting natural recovery following wildfires.

In native range, dwarf mistletoe is a significant parasite. Also prone to several insect pests.

Timber is high-quality and durable, and as slow-growing, usually heavy.