Also known as American larch
Contact your local forestry field office before collecting to confirm whether there is still a need, get collection tips, or ask about potential collection locations and opportunities. Be sure to check regulations and follow safe practices. Access current seed and cone pricing.
Cone identification
Cones are about three quarters of an inch long and oval.
Collect when cones are brown. Seeds inside the cones can mature before cones look fully ripe.
Predicted collection window: August to September.
Tamarack cones that are ready to harvest are about three quarters of an inch long, brown, and free of damage.
Perform a quality check: When sliced in half, tamarack cones that are ready to harvest should contain at least two seeds per cone.
How to collect ripe cones
Collect only closed, ripe cones. Seeds in cones may mature before cones appear fully ripe.
Only collect from trees of natural origin, not from trees purchased at a nursery.
Hand-pick or strip from standing trees. Avoid collecting leaves and branches. Cones tend to be higher on the tree. Use ladders to access top of trees if you are a professional. Branches are brittle, so climbing is not recommended.
Quality check: Slice a few cones in half to see if they contain at least two seeds per cone.
Mature seed in cone has a light brown seed coat.
Do not collect cones that are fully green, have insect holes, or are already opening.
Quick tree identification
Tamarack needles are about one inch long, in clusters of 12. Twigs are covered with tiny bumps or spurs. Trees lose their needles in the winter.
Tamarack bark is rough, reddish-brown and scaly. These trees are mostly located in swamps of northern Minnesota, occasionally occuring in drier areas where they grow larger. Scattered as far south as the Twin Cities.
Forecasting
Big cone crops occur every three to six years.
Cones develop in late spring and mature in late summer.
Look for unripe cones starting in late May to prepare for late summer collection.
Immature cones are greenish-purple and nearly full size.
Handling and storage
Store cones in a cool, dry area to reduce mold and prevent opening. Cones can open quickly in humidity and release seeds.
Deliver them to a forestry area office as soon as possible. Contact your local forestry field office to schedule a drop-off.
Do not collect tamarack cones that are already opening, fully green or have insect holes.
Look-alike species to avoid
🚫 European larch is only found where it was intentionally planted. Needles are in clusers of 30 to 40. Cones are slightly larger, measuring up to 1 3/4 inches long.