Larix kaempferi
Japanese Larch
Pinaceae
Deciduous, Trees
LARIXThese conifers form slender pyramids with horizontal branches and drooping branchlets. Needles are 1/2–1 1/2 in. long, in fluffy tufts. Except as noted, those of the species listed in this database are soft to the touch. Woody, roundish, 1/2 to 1 1/2-in.-long cones are scattered all along branchlets. Notable for color in spring and fall and for winter silhouette. In spring, these show off pale green tufts of new needles and bright purple-red new cones. In fall, needles turn brilliant yellow and orange before dropping. Winter interest is enhanced by the many cones, which turn brown with age and hang on to create a polka dot pattern against the sky.
Larix kaempferiNative to Japan. Most frequently planted larch in theWest. Fast growing to 60 ft. ortaller, 20–30 ft. wide, but canbe dwarfed in containers. Summer foliage is bluish green.‘Diana’ grows 45 ft. tall, 20 ft.wide, with twisted growth.
Spiraea densiflora
Native from central SierraNevada to British Columbia. To1–3 ft. high and wide. Ovate toelliptical, dar...
Mertensia virginica
From eastern U.S. Most widely planted species. To 1–2 ft. high and 1 1/2 ft. wide, with 1-in. flowers....
Tiarella selections and hybrids
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