Larch or Tamarack
Larix species (PINACEAE)
Planting and Growing Larch Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow larch or tamarack trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Foliage, cones, and seeds of larch or tamarack trees
- Growing conditions for larch or tamarack
- When to plant larch or tamarack
- How to plant larch or tamarack
- How to prune larch or tamarack
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of larch or tamarack
- Landscape uses of larch or tamarack
- Pest and disease control for larch or tamarack
Growing Larch Trees
About 10 species of fast-growing, long-lived, pyramid-shaped, coniferous, deciduous trees, 20–100 ft. (6–30 m) tall, depending on species, with shiny, deep green, needle-shaped, whorled leaves, to 1‑1/2 in. (38 mm) long, turning brilliant yellow in autumn, then dropping to leave bare branches.
Common species include Larix decidua, Larix kaempferi, and Larix occidentalis.
Larch Planting and Care Guide
Cones and Seeds
Male cones are single, to 3/4 in. (19 mm) long; female cones are erect, blue, brown, green, yellow, egg-shaped, to 1‑1⁄2 in. (38 mm) long, with woody scales and winged seed, arranged in lines along the top of branches.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 1–7. Hardy. Best in cold-winter climates, high elevations.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained loam. Fertility: Average. 5.5–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 10–20 ft. (3–6 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep evenly moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Drought tolerant when established. Avoid fertilizing. Prune sparingly in winter. Propagate by seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, shade, specimens in bog, meadow, natural gardens. Drops needles, requiring maintenance. Larch casebearer caterpillar and canker susceptible.