Larch
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Grows to 40-90' tall and 15-40' wide in the landscape. In the wild, trees 90-150' have been found. The pyramidal growth habit provides an interesting winter silhouette. Most larches are moderately fast growing

Native Range

Some larch species are native to the U.S., others to Japan or Europe.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are monoecious, in early spring. The female flowers are attractive, red, pink, yellow or green, 1/2" long, egg-shaped strobili (cone). Male flowers are smaller and yellow, along the branches. Cones are stalked, erect, 0.5-1.5" long, and slightly narrower, covered with 1/2" scales that are rolled back on top (in some species, but not others), sometimes giving a rosette-like appearance to the overall cone.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are soft, flexible and needle-like, 0.75-1.5" long, occurring in spurs, with up to 40 or more needles in a cluster, resembling those of Cedrus, but not stiff and sharp. New foliage at tips of branches may have single needles Needles flat and glaucous on top, deep green, often keeled with 2 white bands beneath. As this is a deciduous conifer, the foliage turns yellowish-gold in the autumn, then dropping to expose interesting bare stems for the winter. Young stems of some species may be covered with soft, brownish hairs. Bark on young trees is thin and scaly, often gray, becoming quite thick with age, deeply fissured at the base, exposing the reddish-brown inner bark.

Culture and Care

Transplant when dormant & free of needles, i.e., early March. Needs a sunny, moist, well-drained site. Tolerates shallow, acid soils, but is susceptible to drought. Avoid shade, very wet or very dry soils, alkaline soils & polluted areas. Some species are Zone 2-4, some are Zone 3-6, and others Zone 4-7. Possible insects and diseases include the larch case bearer, cankers, leaf cast, needle rust, wood decay, larch sawfly, wooly larch aphid, gypsy moth, tussock moth, and Japanese beetle.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. .Early shoots of young plants may be susceptible to spring frosts. Cones provide food for songbirds and small mammals.

Suggested Uses

Good specimen plant, or in a group planting. Best in large areas such as parks, arboretums, campuses and golf courses.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA