YELLOWSTONE ARBORETUM
" Stewards of the Natural Environment "
Billings, Montana @ ZooMontana
Larch
Catalogue A# 0099-026 Z34
GPS 45D 43' 48" N / 108D 37' 26" W
Larix decidua
Family: Pinaceae
Origin: Northern and central Europe
Common name: European or Common Larch
Location: Between Lynx and Wolf buildings-north side
Number in accession: (5) original (1) surviving
Curator's note: Other specimens in Homestead Collection
This 16 inch Conifer Evergreen provides overall benefits of: $94 every year.
Tree or Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale: Non-native
Landscape Uses: Massing, Shade tree, Specimen
Size Range: Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height: 70-75 feet
Mature Width: 25-30 feet
Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones: Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil
Acid Soils: Tolerant
Alkaline Soils: Moderately Tolerant
Salt Spray: Tolerant
Soil Salt: Intolerant
Drought Conditions: Intolerant
Poor Drainage: Intolerant
Planting Considerations: Intolerant of pollution
Ornamental Interest: Spring blossoms, Fall color, Showy fruit
Season of Interest: Early fall, Mid fall
Flower Color & Fragrance: Inconspicuous
Shape or Form: Irregular, Pyramidal
Growth Rate: Moderate, Fast
Transplants Well: Yes
Wildlife: Insect-eating birds, Moths, Seed-eating bird
CRITIQUE
European larch is a great choice for specimen plantings or in groups for parks and large areas. Unlike most conifers, it drops its needles in winter. Bright green foliage in spring changes to medium green throughout summer, turning a golden yellow in fall before falling.
