Difference between revisions of "Larch" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Taxobox
 
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| subdivision = About 12; see text
 
| subdivision = About 12; see text
 
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'''Larch''' is the common name for any of the [[deciduous]] [[conifer|coniferous]] [[tree]]s comprising the [[genus]] '''''Larix''''' of the [[pine]] family ([[Pinaceae]]), characterized by needle-like [[leaf|leaves]] and generally small cones. The term also is used for the [[wood]] of these trees, which is commercially valuable in several species.
  
'''Larch''' is the common name for any of the [[deciduous]] [[conifer|coniferous]] [[tree]]s comprising the [[genus]] '''''Larix''''' of the [[pine]] family ([[Pinaceae]]), characterized by needle-like [[leaf|leaves]] and generally small cones. The term also is used for the [[wood]] of these trees, which is commercial valuable in several species.
+
Larches are native to much of the cooler [[temperate]] northern hemisphere, on lowlands in the far north, and high on [[mountain]]s further south. Larches are among the dominant [[plants]] in the immense [[Taiga|boreal forest]]s of [[Russia]] and [[Canada]], along with such [[evergreen]] [[conifer]]s as [[fir]]s, [[spruce]]s, and [[pine]]s.  
  
Larches are native to much of the cooler [[temperate]] northern hemisphere, on lowlands in the far north, and high on [[mountain]]s further south. Larches are among the dominant [[plants]] in the immense [[Taiga|boreal forest]]s of [[Russia]] and [[Canada]], along with such [[evergreen]] [[conifer]]s as [[fir]]s, [[spruce]]s, and [[pine]]s.  
+
Larches exhibit bi-level functionality as they meet their own needs for survival and reproduction while also fulfilling essential functions in the [[ecosystem]]. Larches provide food and habitat for a number of animals, as birds consume the tree's [[seed]]s, buds, and immature [[cone]]s, and various [[caterpillar]]s eat the needles. Cavities in older trees provide homes for birds and [[flying squirrel]]s, and the black bear favors climbing larch for escape because of the tree's rough bark and large diameter.  
  
Beyond their own survival and reproduction, larches provide a larger value for the [[ecosystem]] and for [[human]]s. [[Ecology|Ecologically]], larches provide food and habitat for a number of animals, such as the [[seed]]s, buds, and immature cones consumed by some birds, and larch needles eaten by various [[caterpillar]]s. For humans, larches provide commercial and aesthetic value. The [[wood]] of various species is valued for being strong, hard, durable, and waterproof and is in demand for building yachts and small boats, as well as railroad ties, mine timbers, telephone poles, cabinets, and fencing. Larches also are cultivated for ornamental purposes, including in [[bonsai]] culture.
+
Humans gain commercial and aesthetic benefits from larch. The [[wood]] of various species is valued for being strong, hard, durable, and waterproof, and is in demand for building yachts and small boats, as well as railroad ties, mine timbers, telephone poles, cabinets, and fencing. Larches also are cultivated for ornamental purposes, including in [[bonsai]] culture. Larch forests with their distinctive seasonal changes from new growth bright green needles, through summer deep green and fall  yellow, to the bare winter form can be a rich source of aesthetic enjoyment for humans.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
 
 
As [[conifer]]s (division Pinophyta), larches are cone-bearing [[seed plant]]s with [[Vascular plant|vascular]] tissue. Specifically, they are [[gymnosperm]]s, meaning that the seeds are not formed in an ovule that is enclosed (and developing into a [[fruit]], as in the other type of seed plants, the [[angiosperm]]s), but naked on the scales of a cone or cone-like structure. All living conifers are [[woody plant]]s, the great majority being [[tree]]s with just a few being [[shrub]]s. Typical examples of conifers include [[cedar]]s, [[cypress]]es, [[fir]]s, [[juniper]]s, [[pine]]s, [[redwood]]s, [[spruce]]s, and [[yew]]s.  
 
As [[conifer]]s (division Pinophyta), larches are cone-bearing [[seed plant]]s with [[Vascular plant|vascular]] tissue. Specifically, they are [[gymnosperm]]s, meaning that the seeds are not formed in an ovule that is enclosed (and developing into a [[fruit]], as in the other type of seed plants, the [[angiosperm]]s), but naked on the scales of a cone or cone-like structure. All living conifers are [[woody plant]]s, the great majority being [[tree]]s with just a few being [[shrub]]s. Typical examples of conifers include [[cedar]]s, [[cypress]]es, [[fir]]s, [[juniper]]s, [[pine]]s, [[redwood]]s, [[spruce]]s, and [[yew]]s.  
  
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Unlike most conifers, larches are [[deciduous]] trees, losing all of their foliage for part of the year. Most conifers are [[evergreen]]s, retaining their leaves all year round.
 
Unlike most conifers, larches are [[deciduous]] trees, losing all of their foliage for part of the year. Most conifers are [[evergreen]]s, retaining their leaves all year round.
  
Larches grow from 15 to 50 meters in height. The shoots are dimorphic, with growth divided into long shoots typically 10 to 50 centimeters long and bearing several [[bud]]s, and short shoots only 1-2 millimeters long with only a single bud. The [[leaf|leaves]] are needle-like, 2-5 centimeters long, and slender (under 1 millimeter wide). They are borne singly, spirally arranged on the long shoots, and in dense clusters of 20-50 needles on the short shoots. The needles turn yellow and fall in the late autumn, leaving the trees leafless through the winter.
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Larches grow from 15 to 50 meters (49 to 164 feet) in height. The shoots are dimorphic, with growth divided into long shoots typically 10 to 50 centimeters (4 to 20 inches) long and bearing several [[bud]]s, and short shoots only one to two millimeters long with only a single bud. The [[leaf|leaves]] are needle-like, two to five centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long, and slender (under one millimeter wide). They are borne singly, spirally arranged on the long shoots, and in dense clusters of 20-50 needles on the short shoots. The needles turn yellow and drop in the late autumn, leaving the trees leafless through the winter.
  
Larch [[conifer cone|cones]] are erect, small, one to nine centimeters long, green or purple, ripening brown 5-8 months after [[pollination]]. In about half of the species, the bract scales are long and visible, and in the others, short and hidden between the seed scales. Those native to northern regions have small cones (1-3 centimeters) with short bracts, with more southerly species tending to have longer cones (3-9 centimeters), often with exserted bracts, with the longest cones and bracts produced by the southernmost species, in the [[Himalayas]].  
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Larch [[conifer cone|cones]] are erect, small, one to nine centimeters (.4 to 3.5 inches) long, green or purple, ripening brown five to eight months after [[pollination]]. In about half of the species, the bract scales are long and visible, and in the others, short and hidden between the seed scales. Those native to northern regions have small cones (one to three centimeters) with short bracts, with more southerly species tending to have longer cones (three to nine centimeters), often with exserted bracts, with the longest cones and bracts produced by the southernmost species, in the [[Himalayas]].  
  
 
==Species and classification==
 
==Species and classification==
[[Image:Flowers of Japanese larch emerging.jpg|right|thumb|Male (above) and female (below right) cones of Japanese Larch emerging in spring]]
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[[Image:Flowers of Japanese larch emerging.jpg|right|thumb|Male (above) and female (below right) cones of Japanese Larch emerging in spring.]]
 
There are ten to thirteen extant [[species]] of larch. Those [[taxa]] marked with * in the list below are not accepted as distinct species by all authorities. Earle (2007) states that there is general agreement on the genus containing eleven species.
 
There are ten to thirteen extant [[species]] of larch. Those [[taxa]] marked with * in the list below are not accepted as distinct species by all authorities. Earle (2007) states that there is general agreement on the genus containing eleven species.
  
In the past, the cone bract length was often used to divide the larches into two sections (sect. ''Larix'' with short bracts, and sect. ''Multiserialis'' with long bracts). However, genetic evidence does not support this division, pointing instead to a genetic divide between [[Old World]] and [[New World]] species, with the cone and bract size being merely adaptations to climatic conditions (Gernandt and Liston 1999). More recent genetic studies have proposed three groups within the genus, with a primary division into North American and Eurasian species, and a secondary division of the Eurasian into northern short-bracted species and southern long-bracted species (Semerikov and Lascoux 1999; Wei and Wang 2003, 2004; Gros-Louis et al. 2005). There is some dispute over the position of ''Larix sibirica'', a short-bracted species that is placed in the short-bracted group by some of the studies and the long-bracted group by others.
+
In the past, the cone bract length was often used to divide the larches into two sections (sect. ''Larix'' with short bracts, and sect. ''Multiserialis'' with long bracts). However, genetic evidence does not support this division, pointing instead to a genetic divide between [[Old World]] and [[New World]] species, with the cone and bract size being merely adaptations to climatic conditions (Gernandt and Liston 1999). More recent genetic studies have proposed three groups within the genus, with a primary division into North American and Eurasian species, and a secondary division of the Eurasian into northern short-bracted species and southern long-bracted species (Semerikov and Lascoux 1999; Wei and Wang 2003, 2004; Gros-Louis et al. 2005). There is some dispute over the position of ''Larix sibirica,'' a short-bracted species that is placed in the short-bracted group by some of the studies and the long-bracted group by others.
  
 
===Eurasian===
 
===Eurasian===
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* ''[[Japanese Larch|Larix kaempferi]]'' (syn. ''L. leptolepis'') Japanese larch. Mountains of central [[Japan]].  
 
* ''[[Japanese Larch|Larix kaempferi]]'' (syn. ''L. leptolepis'') Japanese larch. Mountains of central [[Japan]].  
 
* ''[[Prince Rupprecht's Larch|Larix principis-rupprechtii]]'' * Prince Rupprecht's larch. Mountains of northern [[China]] ([[Shanxi]], [[Hebei]]).
 
* ''[[Prince Rupprecht's Larch|Larix principis-rupprechtii]]'' * Prince Rupprecht's larch. Mountains of northern [[China]] ([[Shanxi]], [[Hebei]]).
 +
 
====Southern, long-bracted====
 
====Southern, long-bracted====
 
* ''[[Chinese Larch|Larix potaninii]]'' Chinese larch. Mountains of southwestern [[China]] ([[Sichuan]], northern [[Yunnan]]).
 
* ''[[Chinese Larch|Larix potaninii]]'' Chinese larch. Mountains of southwestern [[China]] ([[Sichuan]], northern [[Yunnan]]).
* ''[[Langtang Larch|Larix himalaica]]'' * Langtang larch. Mountains of central [[Himalaya]].
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* ''[[Langtang Larch|Larix himalaica]]''* Langtang larch. Mountains of central [[Himalaya]].
 
* ''[[Masters' Larch|Larix mastersiana]]'' Masters' larch. Mountains of western [[China]].
 
* ''[[Masters' Larch|Larix mastersiana]]'' Masters' larch. Mountains of western [[China]].
* ''[[Yunnan Larch|Larix speciosa]]'' * Yunnan larch. Mountains of southwest [[China]] (southwest [[Yunnan]]), northeast [[Myanmar]].
+
* ''[[Yunnan Larch|Larix speciosa]]''* Yunnan larch. Mountains of southwest [[China]] (southwest [[Yunnan]]), northeast [[Myanmar]].
 
* ''[[Himalayan Larch|Larix griffithii]]'' (syn. ''L. griffithiana'') Himalayan larch. Mountains of eastern [[Himalaya]]
 
* ''[[Himalayan Larch|Larix griffithii]]'' (syn. ''L. griffithiana'') Himalayan larch. Mountains of eastern [[Himalaya]]
 +
 
===North American===
 
===North American===
 
* ''[[Tamarack Larch|Larix laricina]]'' Tamarack larch or American larch. Plains of northern [[North America]].
 
* ''[[Tamarack Larch|Larix laricina]]'' Tamarack larch or American larch. Plains of northern [[North America]].
* ''[[Alpine Larch|Larix lyallii]]'' Subalpine larch. Mountains of northwest [[USA]] and southwest [[Canada]], at very high altitude.
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* ''[[Alpine Larch|Larix lyallii]]'' Subalpine larch. Mountains of northwest [[U.S.]] and southwest [[Canada]], at very high altitude.
* ''[[Western Larch|Larix occidentalis]]'' Western larch. Mountains of northwest [[USA]] and southwest [[Canada]], at lower altitudes.
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* ''[[Western Larch|Larix occidentalis]]'' Western larch. Mountains of northwest [[U.S.]] and southwest [[Canada]], at lower altitudes.
  
Most if not all of the species can be hybridized in cultivation. The best known [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] is the Dunkeld larch ''Larix × marschlinsii'' (syn. ''L. × eurolepis'', an illegitimate name), which arose more or less simultaneously in Switzerland and Scotland when ''L. decidua'' and ''L. kaempferi'' hybridized when planted together.
+
Most if not all of the species can be hybridized in cultivation. The best known [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] is the Dunkeld larch ''Larix × marschlinsii'' (syn. ''L. × eurolepis,'' an illegitimate name), which arose more or less simultaneously in Switzerland and Scotland when ''L. decidua'' and ''L. kaempferi'' hybridized when planted together.
  
 
Larches are prone to the [[fungus|fungal]] [[canker]] disease ''Lachnellula willkommii'' (larch canker); this is particularly a problem on sites prone to late spring frosts, which cause minor injuries to the tree allowing entry to the fungal spores.
 
Larches are prone to the [[fungus|fungal]] [[canker]] disease ''Lachnellula willkommii'' (larch canker); this is particularly a problem on sites prone to late spring frosts, which cause minor injuries to the tree allowing entry to the fungal spores.
  
 
==Uses==
 
==Uses==
[[Image:Siberian-larch.jpg|thumb|right|Siberian larch]]
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[[Image:Siberian-larch.jpg|thumb|right|Siberian larch.]]
 
Larch is a [[wood]] valued for its tough, [[waterproof]], and durable qualities. Top quality knot-free timber is in great demand for building [[yacht]]s and other small [[boat]]s. The hybrid Dunkeld Larch is widely grown as a [[timber]] crop in northern Europe, valued for its fast growth and disease resistance. Durable in contact with water, it is used for railroad ties, mine timbers, telephone poles, and posts.  
 
Larch is a [[wood]] valued for its tough, [[waterproof]], and durable qualities. Top quality knot-free timber is in great demand for building [[yacht]]s and other small [[boat]]s. The hybrid Dunkeld Larch is widely grown as a [[timber]] crop in northern Europe, valued for its fast growth and disease resistance. Durable in contact with water, it is used for railroad ties, mine timbers, telephone poles, and posts.  
  
The western larch ''(Larix occidentalis)'' is a species of larch native to the mountains of western North America and is a large tree reaching, reaching to 60 meters tall, with a trunk up to 1.5 meters in diameter. It tough and durable wood, yet flexible in thin strips, makes it particularly favored for timber. It is valued in yacht building; wood used for this must be free of knots, and can only be obtained from old trees that were pruned when young to remove side branches. The western larch also is used for making cabinets and interior work, and small larch poles are widely used for rustic fencing.
+
The western larch ''(Larix occidentalis)'' is native to the mountains of western North America and is a large tree reaching in rare cases up to 60 meters (197 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in diameter. It is a tough and durable wood, yet flexible in thin strips, properties that make it a particularly favored wood. Larch is highly valued in yacht building, which requires wood that is free of knots and can only be obtained from old trees that lost their side branches when they were much younger. The western larch also is used for making cabinets and interior work, and small larch poles are widely used for rustic fencing.
  
The tamarack larch, tamarack, or American larch ''(Larix laricina)'' is native to northern North America, is used also for shipbuilding, poles, and railroad ties. It historically was used by the Algonquian people for making snowshoes and other products where toughness was required.
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The tamarack larch, tamarack, or American larch ''(Larix laricina)'' is native to northern [[North America]], and is used also for shipbuilding, poles, and railroad ties. It historically was used by the Algonquian people for making snowshoes and other products where toughness was required.
  
In central Europe, larch is viewed as one of the best wood materials for the building of residences. European Larch ''(Larix decidua)'', a species of larch native to the mountains of central Europe, is used for turpentine.
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In central Europe, larch is viewed as one of the best wood materials for the building of residences. European Larch ''(Larix decidua)'', a species of larch native to the mountains of central Europe, is used for [[turpentine]].
  
 
Larches also are cultivated for ornamental purposes, including the Japanese larch ''(Larix leptolepis)'', the Siberian larch ''(Larix sibirica)'', the tamarack, and the European larch. Larches are often used in [[bonsai]] culture, where their knobby bark, small needles, fresh spring foliage and especially autumn color are appreciated. European larch, Japanese larch, and tamarack larch are the species most commonly trained as bonsai.
 
Larches also are cultivated for ornamental purposes, including the Japanese larch ''(Larix leptolepis)'', the Siberian larch ''(Larix sibirica)'', the tamarack, and the European larch. Larches are often used in [[bonsai]] culture, where their knobby bark, small needles, fresh spring foliage and especially autumn color are appreciated. European larch, Japanese larch, and tamarack larch are the species most commonly trained as bonsai.
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Planted on borders with birch, larches were used in pagan "sagged" cremations. One "sąg" (pronounced ''song'') of wood was required for a [[cremation]] stack. Sąg is used today as a Polish forestry unit measuring approximately 3 × 1 × 1 meters.  
 
Planted on borders with birch, larches were used in pagan "sagged" cremations. One "sąg" (pronounced ''song'') of wood was required for a [[cremation]] stack. Sąg is used today as a Polish forestry unit measuring approximately 3 × 1 × 1 meters.  
  
In Siberia young larch leaves are harvested in spring, preserved by ''Lactobacillus'' [[fermentation]], and used for salads during winter.
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In Siberia, young larch leaves are harvested in spring, preserved by ''Lactobacillus'' [[fermentation]], and used for salads during winter.
  
 
Larch has also been used in [[herbal medicine]].
 
Larch has also been used in [[herbal medicine]].
  
[[Ecologically]], larches provide food and habitat for a number of animals. The [[seed]]s are an important food for some birds, such as siskin, lesser redpoll, and citril finch, while the buds and immature cones are eaten by Capercaillie (''Tetrao urogallus'', wood grouse). European Larch needles are the only known food for [[caterpillar]]s of the case-bearer moth ''(Coleophora sibiricella)''.
+
[[Ecologically]], larches provide food and habitat for a number of animals. The [[seed]]s are an important food for some birds, such as siskin, lesser redpoll, and citril finch, while the buds and immature cones are eaten by Capercaillie (''Tetrao urogallus,'' wood grouse). European Larch needles are the only known food for [[caterpillar]]s of the case-bearer moth ''(Coleophora sibiricella)''.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
* Earle, C. J. 2007. [http://www.conifers.org/pi/la/index.htm ''Larix'']. ''The Gymnosperm Database''. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
+
* Earle, C.J. 2007. [http://www.conifers.org/pi/la/index.htm ''Larix.''] ''The Gymnosperm Database''. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
 
+
* Gernandt, D. S., and A. Liston. 1999. Internal transcribed spacer region evolution in ''Larix'' and ''Pseudotsgua'' (Pinaceae). ''American Journal of Botany'' 86: 711–723.  
* Gernandt, D. S., and A. Liston. 1999. [http://www.amjbot.org/cgi/reprint/86/5/711.pdf Internal transcribed spacer region evolution in ''Larix'' and ''Pseudotsgua'' (Pinaceae)]. ''American Journal of Botany'' 86: 711–723. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
+
* Gros-Louis, M.-C., J. Bousquet, L. E. Pâques, and N. Isabel. 2005. [http://www.springerlink.com/content/gu218j762h2q3702/ Species-diagnostic markers in Larix spp. based on RAPDs and nuclear, cpDNA, and mtDNA gene sequences, and their phylogenetic implications.] ''Tree Genetics & Genomes'' 1(2): 50–63. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
 
+
* Phillips, D. H., and D. A. Burdekin. 1992. ''Diseases of Forest and Ornamental Trees''. Macmillan.
* Gros-Louis, M.-C., J. Bousquet, L. E. Pâques, and N. Isabel. 2005. [[http://www.springerlink.com/content/gu218j762h2q3702/ Species-diagnostic markers in Larix spp. based on RAPDs and nuclear, cpDNA, and mtDNA gene sequences, and their phylogenetic implications]. ''Tree Genetics & Genomes'' 1(2): 50–63. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
 
 
 
* Phillips, D. H., and D. A. Burdekin. 1992. ''Diseases of Forest and Ornamental Trees''. Macmillan. ISBN 033394938.
 
 
 
 
* Semerikov, V. L., and M. Lascoux. 1999. Genetic relationship among Eurasian and American ''Larix'' species based on allozymes. ''Heredity'' 83: 62–70.
 
* Semerikov, V. L., and M. Lascoux. 1999. Genetic relationship among Eurasian and American ''Larix'' species based on allozymes. ''Heredity'' 83: 62–70.
 
+
* Wei, X.-X., and X.-Q. Wang. 2003. [http://www.springerlink.com/content/el841ejf4mp639fv Phylogenetic split of ''Larix:'' Evidence from paternally inherited cpDNA trnT-trnF region.] ''Plant Systematics and Evolution'' 239: 67–77. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
* Wei, X.-X., and X.-Q. Wang. 2003. [http://www.springerlink.com/content/el841ejf4mp639fv Phylogenetic split of ''Larix'': evidence from paternally inherited cpDNA trnT-trnF region]. ''Plant Systematics and Evolution'' 239: 67–77. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
+
* Wei, X.-X., and X.-Q. Wang. 2004. [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111%2Fj.1365-294X.2004.02299.x Recolonization and radiation in ''Larix'' (Pinaceae): Evidence from nuclear ribosomal DNA paralogues.] ''Molecular Ecology'' 13: 3115–3123. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
 
 
* Wei, X.-X., and X.-Q. Wang. 2004. [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111%2Fj.1365-294X.2004.02299.x Recolonization and radiation in ''Larix'' (Pinaceae): Evidence from nuclear ribosomal DNA paralogues]. ''Molecular Ecology'' 13: 3115–3123. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
 
  
  

Latest revision as of 06:55, 4 March 2023

Larch
Larix decidua in autumn
Larix decidua in autumn
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Larix
Miller
Species

About 12; see text

Larch is the common name for any of the deciduous coniferous trees comprising the genus Larix of the pine family (Pinaceae), characterized by needle-like leaves and generally small cones. The term also is used for the wood of these trees, which is commercially valuable in several species.

Larches are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere, on lowlands in the far north, and high on mountains further south. Larches are among the dominant plants in the immense boreal forests of Russia and Canada, along with such evergreen conifers as firs, spruces, and pines.

Larches exhibit bi-level functionality as they meet their own needs for survival and reproduction while also fulfilling essential functions in the ecosystem. Larches provide food and habitat for a number of animals, as birds consume the tree's seeds, buds, and immature cones, and various caterpillars eat the needles. Cavities in older trees provide homes for birds and flying squirrels, and the black bear favors climbing larch for escape because of the tree's rough bark and large diameter.

Humans gain commercial and aesthetic benefits from larch. The wood of various species is valued for being strong, hard, durable, and waterproof, and is in demand for building yachts and small boats, as well as railroad ties, mine timbers, telephone poles, cabinets, and fencing. Larches also are cultivated for ornamental purposes, including in bonsai culture. Larch forests with their distinctive seasonal changes from new growth bright green needles, through summer deep green and fall yellow, to the bare winter form can be a rich source of aesthetic enjoyment for humans.

Description

As conifers (division Pinophyta), larches are cone-bearing seed plants with vascular tissue. Specifically, they are gymnosperms, meaning that the seeds are not formed in an ovule that is enclosed (and developing into a fruit, as in the other type of seed plants, the angiosperms), but naked on the scales of a cone or cone-like structure. All living conifers are woody plants, the great majority being trees with just a few being shrubs. Typical examples of conifers include cedars, cypresses, firs, junipers, pines, redwoods, spruces, and yews.

European Larch foliage and cones

Unlike most conifers, larches are deciduous trees, losing all of their foliage for part of the year. Most conifers are evergreens, retaining their leaves all year round.

Larches grow from 15 to 50 meters (49 to 164 feet) in height. The shoots are dimorphic, with growth divided into long shoots typically 10 to 50 centimeters (4 to 20 inches) long and bearing several buds, and short shoots only one to two millimeters long with only a single bud. The leaves are needle-like, two to five centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long, and slender (under one millimeter wide). They are borne singly, spirally arranged on the long shoots, and in dense clusters of 20-50 needles on the short shoots. The needles turn yellow and drop in the late autumn, leaving the trees leafless through the winter.

Larch cones are erect, small, one to nine centimeters (.4 to 3.5 inches) long, green or purple, ripening brown five to eight months after pollination. In about half of the species, the bract scales are long and visible, and in the others, short and hidden between the seed scales. Those native to northern regions have small cones (one to three centimeters) with short bracts, with more southerly species tending to have longer cones (three to nine centimeters), often with exserted bracts, with the longest cones and bracts produced by the southernmost species, in the Himalayas.

Species and classification

Male (above) and female (below right) cones of Japanese Larch emerging in spring.

There are ten to thirteen extant species of larch. Those taxa marked with * in the list below are not accepted as distinct species by all authorities. Earle (2007) states that there is general agreement on the genus containing eleven species.

In the past, the cone bract length was often used to divide the larches into two sections (sect. Larix with short bracts, and sect. Multiserialis with long bracts). However, genetic evidence does not support this division, pointing instead to a genetic divide between Old World and New World species, with the cone and bract size being merely adaptations to climatic conditions (Gernandt and Liston 1999). More recent genetic studies have proposed three groups within the genus, with a primary division into North American and Eurasian species, and a secondary division of the Eurasian into northern short-bracted species and southern long-bracted species (Semerikov and Lascoux 1999; Wei and Wang 2003, 2004; Gros-Louis et al. 2005). There is some dispute over the position of Larix sibirica, a short-bracted species that is placed in the short-bracted group by some of the studies and the long-bracted group by others.

Eurasian

Northern, short-bracted

  • Larix decidua (syn. L. europaea) European larch. Mountains of central Europe.
  • Larix sibirica Siberian larch. Plains of western Siberia.
  • Larix gmelinii (syn. L. dahurica, L. olgensis) Dahurian larch. Plains of eastern Siberia.
  • Larix kaempferi (syn. L. leptolepis) Japanese larch. Mountains of central Japan.
  • Larix principis-rupprechtii * Prince Rupprecht's larch. Mountains of northern China (Shanxi, Hebei).

Southern, long-bracted

  • Larix potaninii Chinese larch. Mountains of southwestern China (Sichuan, northern Yunnan).
  • Larix himalaica* Langtang larch. Mountains of central Himalaya.
  • Larix mastersiana Masters' larch. Mountains of western China.
  • Larix speciosa* Yunnan larch. Mountains of southwest China (southwest Yunnan), northeast Myanmar.
  • Larix griffithii (syn. L. griffithiana) Himalayan larch. Mountains of eastern Himalaya

North American

  • Larix laricina Tamarack larch or American larch. Plains of northern North America.
  • Larix lyallii Subalpine larch. Mountains of northwest U.S. and southwest Canada, at very high altitude.
  • Larix occidentalis Western larch. Mountains of northwest U.S. and southwest Canada, at lower altitudes.

Most if not all of the species can be hybridized in cultivation. The best known hybrid is the Dunkeld larch Larix × marschlinsii (syn. L. × eurolepis, an illegitimate name), which arose more or less simultaneously in Switzerland and Scotland when L. decidua and L. kaempferi hybridized when planted together.

Larches are prone to the fungal canker disease Lachnellula willkommii (larch canker); this is particularly a problem on sites prone to late spring frosts, which cause minor injuries to the tree allowing entry to the fungal spores.

Uses

Siberian larch.

Larch is a wood valued for its tough, waterproof, and durable qualities. Top quality knot-free timber is in great demand for building yachts and other small boats. The hybrid Dunkeld Larch is widely grown as a timber crop in northern Europe, valued for its fast growth and disease resistance. Durable in contact with water, it is used for railroad ties, mine timbers, telephone poles, and posts.

The western larch (Larix occidentalis) is native to the mountains of western North America and is a large tree reaching in rare cases up to 60 meters (197 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in diameter. It is a tough and durable wood, yet flexible in thin strips, properties that make it a particularly favored wood. Larch is highly valued in yacht building, which requires wood that is free of knots and can only be obtained from old trees that lost their side branches when they were much younger. The western larch also is used for making cabinets and interior work, and small larch poles are widely used for rustic fencing.

The tamarack larch, tamarack, or American larch (Larix laricina) is native to northern North America, and is used also for shipbuilding, poles, and railroad ties. It historically was used by the Algonquian people for making snowshoes and other products where toughness was required.

In central Europe, larch is viewed as one of the best wood materials for the building of residences. European Larch (Larix decidua), a species of larch native to the mountains of central Europe, is used for turpentine.

Larches also are cultivated for ornamental purposes, including the Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis), the Siberian larch (Larix sibirica), the tamarack, and the European larch. Larches are often used in bonsai culture, where their knobby bark, small needles, fresh spring foliage and especially autumn color are appreciated. European larch, Japanese larch, and tamarack larch are the species most commonly trained as bonsai.

Planted on borders with birch, larches were used in pagan "sagged" cremations. One "sąg" (pronounced song) of wood was required for a cremation stack. Sąg is used today as a Polish forestry unit measuring approximately 3 × 1 × 1 meters.

In Siberia, young larch leaves are harvested in spring, preserved by Lactobacillus fermentation, and used for salads during winter.

Larch has also been used in herbal medicine.

Ecologically, larches provide food and habitat for a number of animals. The seeds are an important food for some birds, such as siskin, lesser redpoll, and citril finch, while the buds and immature cones are eaten by Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus, wood grouse). European Larch needles are the only known food for caterpillars of the case-bearer moth (Coleophora sibiricella).

References
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Links to other Pinaceae genera
Pinus | Picea | Cathaya | Larix | Pseudotsuga | Abies | Cedrus | Keteleeria | Pseudolarix | Nothotsuga | Tsuga

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