Western Larch
Larix occidentalis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Larix
- Species:
- Larix occidentalis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- Red
Native Range
United States: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyresthia columbia, Cydia laricana, Cydia leucobasis, Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata), Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana), Eupithecia palpata, gray spruce looper (Caripeta divisata), Imitated Melanolophia (Melanolophia imitata), Kaslo silkmoth (Hyalophora "kasloensis"), Melanchra pulverulenta, Mournful Thorn (Lambdina fiscellaria), Nameless Pinion (Lithophane innominata), Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyacionia frustrana), ornate eupithecia (Eupithecia ornata), Papestra cristifera, Porcelain Gray (Protoboarmia porcelaria), Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua), Semiothisa granitata, Semiothisa sexmaculata, striped epirranthis moth (Epirranthis substriataria), sulphur moth (Hesperumia sulphuraria), Synanthedon novaroensis, Western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis), white triangle tortrix (Clepsis persicana), Zeiraphera improbana
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers soils in mountainous regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed into fine mesh bags and soaked in running tap water for 48 hours. Then, seeds are stratified (cold, moist) for 28 to 42 days at 1 to 2°C (34 to 36°F). After stratification, seeds are soaked 24 hours in running tap water.
Establishment: Seed collection methods and timing vary slightly across protocols. Some suggest collection in August and September, others in September and October. Methods include using ladders, hydraulic lifts, climbing trees, or cutting branches. Cones are stored in burlap, mesh, or paper bags.
Source: npn.rngr.net