Larix, Eastern Larch (Large)

Eastern Larch | Larix laricina

Height:  75 feet

Spread:  25 feet

Sunlight: full sun to partial shade

Hardiness Zone:  2a

Other Names:  American Larch, Tamarack

Brand:  Gertens

Description:

A tall spire-like coniferous tree with deciduous needles starting bright green in spring and turning brilliant gold in fall; prefers extremely moist locations and sandy soils; can look a little odd in winter without needles, but shines the other 3 seasons

Ornamental Features

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

Landscape Attributes

Eastern Larch is an open evergreen 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 tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, 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 75 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 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 slow 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 somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.