Name That Tree

Yesterday's school was the identification of a tree at our cabin property:
The Larch, also called Tamarack is a coniferous tree (meaning that it bears cones) but loses it's leaves (which look exactly like needles) in the Winter after turning a vibrant yellow!

Larches seem to be exclusive to this area of North America according to a forest service map I found; and while they are now turning a bright chartreuse color, it will be a while yet before they are completely golden.

These are the Little Bugs renditions of the branch we brought into the house to look at.

Olivia:














Susanna:














Clayton:














Zachary:














And here's our "just-for-fun" project:



















I know he looks little creepy.
I drew a circle for the head, and the boys and I passed it around, adding features and clothing - some clothing, that is. Note the hairy belly?
Zachary thought he was being clever to add "soopr man", and Clayton topped that with "steencr".
What can I say? They're boys!