Plant Data Sheet
Western larch, Larix occidentalis |
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Range
Western
larch can be found from western
Climate, Elevation
Western
larch grows in a relatively moist-cool climatic zone, with low temperature
limiting its upper elevational range and deficient
moistures its lower extremes. (2) Elevation ranges from 650 to 2450 m. (1)
Local occurrence (where, how common)
Valley
bottoms, benches, and north- and east-facing mountain slopes.(2)
Habitat preferences
deep, well-drained and fairly nutrient-rich soils, and
appears to need calcium and magnesium.(1)
Plant strategy type/successional
stage (stress-tolerator, competitor, weedy/colonizer,
seral, late successional)
Shade intolerant. (1) And it is a seral
species well adapted to seedbeds exposed by burning or mechanical
scarification. (2)
Associated species
Douglas-fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii var.
glauca), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), grand fir (Abies
grandis), western hemlock (Tsuga
heterophylla), western redcedar
(Thuja plicata), and
western white pine (Pinus monticola),
Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii),
subalpine fir (Abies
lasiocarpa), lodgepole
pine (Pinus contorta), and
mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)(2).
May be collected as: (seed, layered,
divisions, etc.)
Seed. Cuttings have been successfully rooted by researchers
at the
Collection restrictions or guidelines
Flowering
occurs from April to June and seed dispersal is from September to October. Pick
larch cones from the tree in the fall as soon as they ripen.(1)
Seed germination (needs dormancy breaking?)
Larch
germinates well without pretreatment. However, cool, moist stratification for
18 days may enhance germination of spring-sown seed. (1)
Seed life (can be stored, short shelf-life, long
shelf-life)
Three or more years. (1)
Recommended seed storage conditions
Stored in cold and dry sealed containers. (1)
Propagation recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative
parts, cuttings, etc.)
Collect cones, separate seeds, plant seeds. Out plant seedlings after one year. (1).
Soil or medium requirements (inoculum necessary?)
Sow
in the fall or spring and cover with not more than 0.5 cm of soil. Cover
fall-sown seed with mulch. (1)
Installation form (form, potential for successful
outcomes, cost)
Seeds.
Recommended planting density
216,045-434,305 seeds per kilogram. (1)
Care requirements after installed (water weekly, water
once, never water, etc.)
Keep
soil from drought and high temperature. (2)
Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan
Larch
grows faster in height than any other conifer. Height: 6m at 20 years old, 19m
at 40, 29m at 60, 35m at 80, 40 at 100. Western larch, which is 900 years old,
has been found. (2)
Sources cited
(1).
Rose, R., C. Chachulski and D. Haase. 1996.
Propagation of
(2).
Burns, R. and B. Honkala 1990. Silvics of
.
Data compiled by: Yongjiang Zhang, May 29th 2003