Larix kaempferi
Japanese Larch

Family:

Pinaceae (Pine Family) 74

Genus:

Larix (Larch) 3

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 574

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 262

Foliage Notes:

Green (Bright green summer foliage); Gold (Golden yellow fall foliage)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Rosette-like cones; 1-1.5" dia.)

Ultimate Height:

70-90 feet

Ultimate Spread:

25-40 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils and is not tolerant of dry or chalky soils

Range:

Japan

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Needles (1-1.5" long) are bright green above and dark green with 2 white bands beneath; in short spurs of 40 or more. The bright brown buds are resinous with fringed scales. Bark is scaly on young trees, becoming deeply fissured at maturity.

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

The Japanese Larch is a very large (up to 90' by 40'), conical, deciduous conifer with broad, horizontal branches. The bright green needles become an attractive golden-yellow in the fall. Should be given ample room to grow.