"Gold in its Pocket" - Autumn's Unexpected Pop of Color

A golden-yellow stand of tamarack trees in Barre, VT.

"Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons." ― Jim Bishop

The Green Mountain State is shifting to warmer tones: scarlet, orange, and gold. As the usual hardwood suspects of maple, beech, and birch are changing colors, there’s a contender for the most beautiful foliage that doesn’t quite fit the mold. 

While most conifers are evergreen (meaning they don’t lose their needle-like leaves yearly), tamarack is a beautiful exception in Vermont.  The tamarack has many names including American larch, hackmatack, or Larix laricina for you Latin lovers out there. Larches are the only deciduous members of the pine family.  Unlike most evergreens who shed their needles slowly and throughout the year, the tamarack’s needles turn a brilliant golden yellow then fall to the ground each winter. 

But why do these trees shed their needles? Tamaracks live in challenging locations. They are common in boreal forests in wet, poorly drained bogs and swamp where nutrients are scarce. They can be found as far North as the Arctic circle where temperatures can be -85°F (−65 °C). Unlike animals, plants can’t migrate to avoid the harsh winter conditions or to find more food.  

Plants have adaptations that help them to survive without changing locations.  If these trees kept their needles in these harsh conditions, they would need more energy and nutrients than can be found in their environment and would be unlikely to survive. By reabsorbing the nitrogen in their needles before dropping them, they downsize their responsibilities and save nutrients for the future. Another bonus to losing their needles? Needle-free branches are smaller and hold less snow leading to fewer broken branches mid-winter. 

As you’re adventuring this fall, make sure to keep an eye out for these hidden treasures across Vermont! Have any images or videos of your fall adventures in Vermont State Parks? Make sure to share them to our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts with #vtstateparks. 

What are you most excited to for this fall? Where have you noticed tamaracks? Are they changing near you? Let us know in the comments below!