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Eastern Larch

Larix laricina

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Eastern Larch (Larix laricina) at Wasco Nursery

Eastern Larch in fall

Eastern Larch in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Eastern Larch (Larix laricina) at Wasco Nursery

Eastern Larch in fall

Eastern Larch in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Eastern Larch (Larix laricina) at Wasco Nursery

Eastern Larch in winter

Eastern Larch in winter

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  50 feet

Spread:  20 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  1

Other Names:  American Larch, Tamarack

Description:

A tall coniferous tree with deciduous needles starting bright green in spring and turning brilliant gold in fall; prefers moist locations and sandy soils; 1 of 4 deciduous conifers that Wasco grows. (Others: Ginkgo, Larch, Dawn Redwood, Baldcypress)

Ornamental Features

Eastern Larch is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needle-like leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The rough gray bark and gold branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Eastern Larch is an open deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Eastern Larch is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Shade
  • Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Eastern Larch will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This species is native to parts of North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Shade  Articulation 
Applications
Fall Color  Texture  Plant Form  Bark  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features