January 29th, 2009 Larch
larix decidua
This is one of our favourite trees – Larch (larix decidua). It is an oddity in the evergreen world because, it is not an evergreen. Larch is a conifer that sheds its needles in the fall, leaving branches bare except for the little cones that linger on the branches.
The needles of the Larch turn from a light green in spring, to bright green in summer to a stunning yellow-gold in the fall. In winter, the bare tree becomes a focal point in the winter garden. Overall, Larch adds interest to the home landscape all year.
Height: 15m
Width: 7m
Shape: pyramidal, horizontal branching
Cones: 1 – ½”
Growth Rate: rapid, up to 2’ per year when young
Zones: 2 – 6
Soil: moist, well drained
Light: full sun to part shade
Diseases: cankers, rust
Insects: Larch case borer, gypsy moth, woolly larch aphid
Uses: specimen plant, or windbreak when grouped
Prune: in mid summer if required
We had neighbours who were avid gardeners. They planted a larch tree in their front yard. It was a particularly beautiful specimen and thrived in its new home. Then, one summer, they sold their house. The lovely young couple who purchased the property moved into it in January of the following year. They were not gardeners. In early spring, they took the larch out. I asked them “Why?” They replied “Well, it was dead!” I was very surprised to learn that the larch had succumbed. Then a thought occurred to me. I asked if they were sure the larch was dead? They replied with “Well, yes! All of the needles had fallen off! It had to be dead!” Trying hard not to laugh, I explained the nature of the Larch tree to
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Not only that but larch are hard to kill. My first year as a tree farmer, I had 300 Siberian Larch in 2 gallon pots that I missed watering. It’s August. It’s hot (for Alberta). The trees drop all their needles. I didn’t get around to emptying the pots. Next spring all but 15 were bursting forth with tiny tufts of pool table felt that turned into needles. They are doing fine now.