western larch
Larix occidentalis

Western larch is a fast growing, long lived, valuable timber species. Western larch is the largest of the world's larches. Like all species in the Larix genus, it is a deciduous conifer.

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Light Fall Color. Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      Western larch is used for lumber, fine veneer, interior and exterior finishing, utility poles, railroad ties, mine timbers, fuelwood, pulpwood, and chemical extracts.
Wildlife Value
      Mice and squirrels eat the seeds. Black bears strip the bark and feed on the sap in spring. Needles are a major food source for several species of grouse.
          Attracts: mice, squirrels, cavity nesting birds, grouse, deer, elk, moose, black bears
Regeneration methods
      Shelterwood, seed-tree, and clearcut systems allow for good western larch regeneration. Western larch is the most shade intolerant conifer of the northern Rockies.
Important Problems Early Detection tips
spruce budworm die back of the terminal leader
Fun facts
Thick basal bark helps it resist ground fires and it is one of first species within its range to re-colonize following a fire. Western larch is the principal domestic source of arabinogalactan, a water soluble gum used in the processing of food, pharmaceuticals, paint, ink, and other industries.
Larix Latin name. occidentalis western - Latin "occidere" (to set, as the sun).
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2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.

questions, comments, and criticisms: email John.Peterson@vt.edu