Japanese Larch
Larix kaempferi
Family: Pinaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Red, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Pyramidal.
Larix kaempferi is a deciduous Tree growing to 45 m (147ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 45
Where it is found
Mountains in C. Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The heavy leaf-fall of this species has lead to it being planted as a fire-break in some areas where pine trees are grown. A fast-growing tree, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings. The bark contains tannin. Wood - strong, heavy and durable.
Fire retardant: Plants that do not easily burn and can be used in barrier plantings to limit the spread of forest fires.
Shelterbelt: Wind resistant plants than can be grown to provide shelter in the garden etc.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Specimen. Prefers an open airy position in a light or gravelly well-drained soil. Plants are intolerant of badly drained soils, but they tolerate acid and infertile soils. Succeeds on rocky hill or mountain sides and slopes. A north or east aspect is more suitable than west or south. This species is very cold-hardy when fully dormant, but the trees can be excited into premature growth in Britain by mild spells during the winter and they are then very subject to damage by late frosts and cold winds. Slow growing for its first two or three years from seed, it is then very vigorous making between 1 and 1.5 metres increase in height a year. The belief that older trees do not do so well is erroneous, 50 year old specimens in Britain are still growing rapidly. Trees have been planted for timber in N.W. Europe. The heavy leaf-fall from this species soon suppresses any other vegetation, including rhododendrons Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value, most of these are dwarf forms. Open ground plants, 1 year x 1 year are the best for planting out, do not use container grown plants with spiralled roots. Plants transplant well, even when coming into growth in the spring. The trees are attractive to small finches, tits and treecreepers. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in pots in a cold frame. One months cold stratification helps germination. It is best to give the seedlings light shade for the first year. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Although only a few centimetres tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer providing you give them an effective weed-excluding mulch and preferably some winter protection for their first year. Otherwise grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. The seed remains viable for 3 years If you are growing larger quantities of plants, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in late winter. Grow on the seedlings in the seedbed for a couple of years until they are ready to go into their permanent positions then plant them out during the winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 4-6
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist