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Larch Tree
Leaf Shape	Green needles
Mature Height	80 to 140 feet
Best Habitat	Cold with moist soil
Best Climate	Cool to cold
Output	Pinkish-red flowers and cones
Uses	Boats, furniture, medicine

Larch Tree

Soaring to heights that exceed 120 feet, the Larch tree is no slouch in the world of deciduous conifers. The stunning cone-bearing plant is not commonly found in the United States; rather, the hardy tree prospers in cold European climates. Still, if you are determined to add the towering tree to your property, there are ways to propagate the Larch without compromising your entire yard.

Appearance of the Tree

Given their massive size, Larch trees are hard to miss, even in their native home along the Bavarian Alps. The fast-growing mountainous trees thrive in higher altitudes where their canopies can extend without limitations.

Aside from their size, the Larch tree has a number of other distinguishing traits, including:

• Leaves: Larch leaves take the shape of soft, flat needles which sprout out in tufts. Each cluster features roughly 30 to 40 green needles, which turn golden-yellow in autumn and fall to the ground during winter.
• Bark: The tree's thick bark is light brown in color, though some varieties feature a pink tinge under the brown. The bark is comprised of thin layers that spilt easily.
• Flowers: Among the Larch's green needles, you will also see pinkish red female flowers, which eventually turn into cones.
• Fruit: The fruit of the Larch is a red or pale yellow cone that turns brown and scaly as the tree matures.

While the Larch tree is an awe-inspiring specimen to view in the spring and summer, during the winter months, when the tree is stripped of its needles, flowers and fruit, it takes on a gaunt, lifeless look that is not very attractive.

Larch Tree Types

There are more than a dozen different types of Larch trees on the planet; however, most fall into one of the following three families:

• Eastern Larch: Also known as the Tamarack, the Eastern Larch is the only one that is native to the United States. The tree thrives in Ohio where it grows in wet, acidic soil found on the shorelines of Lake Erie. The tree is used mainly for ornamental landscaping, though it still needs ample space given its large size.
• European Larch: Regarded as the "King of Larches," the European variety needs moist soil to survive. Found in central and northern Europe, this Larch features a network of stacked branches that need plenty of space to stretch out.
• Japanese Larch: This type of Larch closely resembles the European variety, but includes more drooping twigs and branches and also features bluish needles. Like its cousins, the Japanese Larch cannot tolerate alkaline or dry soil.

Where the Larch Grows

The Larch tree is at home in very cold temperatures found in extreme northern latitudes. The trees are especially prosperous in:

• Russia
• Canada
• Northern portion of the United States
• Scotland
• England
• Bavaria
• Parts of Asia

The tree is most content in mountainous regions where it can withstand a variety of weather conditions. The Larch is protected by a thick bark, which is particularly impermeable. The wood of the Larch tree is so hard it can resist most forest fires.

 

Popular Uses

The Larch tree is especially valued for its extremely hard wood. The tree's timber is tough, waterproof and knot-free. Consequently, it is a top pick to construct:

• Yachts
• Interior paneling
• Fences
• Posts
• Buildings
• Roof shingles
• Coffins

Centuries ago Larch flowers were heated and used in herbal medicines. In addition, smaller versions of the trees are used for ornamental purposes, especially in bonsai culture where they are over pruned so their edgy bark and small needles can be appreciated on a smaller scale.

Interesting Facts

The Larch tree has international appeal that dates back centuries. For example, in Central and Northeastern Asia, the tree holds special significance to women struggling with fertility issues. Childless women believe that spending the night under a Larch will help them conceive a baby

In Europe, the Larch is cherished as a decorative tree as well as one that is incredibly functional. In fact, the city of Venice, Italy, is built almost exclusively of Larch wood. Meanwhile, in England, the Society of Arts used to present gold medals for superior Larch tree cultivation and essays written about its economic importance.

Larch Diseases

Fungal diseases commonly prey on the Larch. Among the most prevalent are:

• Phytophthora ramorum: The fungus causes extensive damage to the tree. It is spread from tree to tree by spores transported by the wind.
• Root rot: The fungus starts in the roots and spreads throughout the tree. Symptoms include dead leaves and infected cones. Advanced infections may eventually kill the tree.
• Needle blight: These fungi affect the Larch's needles. Infected needles are identified by a yellow tinge in the spring and a red-brown color in the summer. Diseased needles generally shed soon after they turn brown.

In addition to the aforementioned diseases, Larch trees are also susceptible to leaf-mining caterpillars, which eventually changes into moths and feed on the tree's needles until the foliage is completely ravaged.

 

Larch Care

To keep your Larch strong and healthy, select a spot on your property where the tree has ample room to expand. Once you have found an open space, consider the following tips:

• Spread a two-inch layer of mulch, wood chips or leaves around the base of the tree.
• Only prune a Larch in mid-summer to remove injured or diseased limbs. Do not over prune.
• Make sure your tree is planted in moist soil. Check the moisture level of the soil regularly and supplement with water when necessary.
• Do not fertilize a Larch until it has passed its first growing season.

While Larch trees fare well in cold weather, they are vulnerable to wind damage. Consequently, you should protect young trees with burlap screens that allow air and light in, but will block harsh winds.