American larch

Synonyms: Larix alaskensis W.Wight, Larix americana Michx., Pinus laricina Du Ro.

American larch (Larix laricina (Du Roi) K.Koch) – a species of coniferous plants of the genus Larch (Larix) from the family Pinaceae (Juniperus). It was first described by Karl Heinrich Emil Koch in 1873 in his «Dendrologie 2(2):263». In cultivation since 1760.

Native to Canada, from eastern Yukon and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories east to Newfoundland, and also south into the northeastern United States from Minnesota to Cranesville Swamp, Maryland; there is also an isolated population in central Alaska. The word "larch" comes from the Algonquian name of the species and means "a tree used for snowshoes."

It is a tall deciduous coniferous tree up to 25 m high. Crown narrow-pyramidal or conical. Bark dark brown or gray, becoming scaly with age. Young shoots brownish-orange or ochre, with a bluish bloom, hairy or glabrous. Buds reddish, opening later than those of other larch species.

Needles deciduous, very delicate, light green, later becoming darker, up to 3 cm long and 0.5–0.6 mm wide, keeled, triangular in cross-section, with 2 grayish stripes beneath, turning yellow in autumn and falling late.

Microstrobili are grouped in small clusters, megastrobili pale-green or reddish in color, small. Cones numerous, ovoid in shape, 1–1.2 cm in diameter, borne on short stalks, at first green or purple-red, later straw-brown. Seed scales 15–20, almost rounded, with slightly inward-curving margins. Bract scales much shorter than the seed scales. Seeds small, up to 3 mm long, with a well-developed light-brown wing up to 6 m in length. About 200,000 seeds per 1 kg. Begins to flower in mid-May with the unfolding of the needles. Bears fruit every 2–4 years.

Hardiness: 3-6 (-45°C)

Location: prefers light, not demanding to soil fertility, can grow even on very poor, boggy and waterlogged soils, in permafrost areas. In maturity can tolerate slight shading. Prefers well-moistened, well-drained loamy or sandy-loam soils on gentle slopes and river valleys.

Planting: planting hole size – 50X50 cm. Planting mix: topsoil and peat in a 1:1 ratio.

Care: needs watering when young. A mature tree should be watered during drought, about 20 L 1-2 times a week.

Pruning: not very suitable for formal shaping, but tolerates pruning well. Small branches can be removed in autumn and spring. The best period is when shoots have finished active growth but are not yet woody.

Diseases: Schütte fungus, root sponge, rimmed polypore, the "Jew's ear" fungus.

Pests: adelgid, larch web-spinning leafroller caterpillars, striped larch sawfly, larch casebearer caterpillars, bark beetles, wood-borers, longhorn beetles.

Propagation: seed germination is low. Seeds should be soaked in cold water for 2-3 days. Row spacing at least 10-12 cm, sowing depth 3-5 mm. After germination, you can fertilize with nitroammofoska. Watering is required.

Uses: planted in parks and avenues. Used for greening large and small towns. In garden design used to create contrast among conifers or as solitary specimens on a lawn. Can be grown in bonsai style.