Larch
Larix potaninii
Family: Pinaceae
What it is like
Larix potaninii is a deciduous Tree growing to 35 m (114ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 35
Where it is found
Grows sparingly in moist forests at low elevations, especially by streams. It forms pure stands at higher elevations, especially on moist soils, growing best above 2500m and up to the tree line.
E. Asia - S.W. China to E. Tibet.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
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Other
Rating:
The bark contains tannin. Wood - strong, heavy, durable. A valuable timber tree in China where it is used for general construction, pit props, railway sleepers and making furniture.
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.
How it is grown
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. Plants generally do not do well in Britain, growing best in the south-west of the country. The species is cultivated for timber use in Asia and is also used for afforestation. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. 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. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
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: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist