WESTERN LARCH
larix occidentalis

• also known as Mountain Larch, Western Tamarack, Hackmatack

UNIQUE FEATURES:

• can grow for up to 850 years
• the larch is unique in that it has needles but also drops them like leaves in the fall
• the thick bark and its habit of shedding lower branches makes this species resistant to fire

LOCATION:

• found in the southern interior of British Columbia, primarily in valleys and on lower mountain slopes
• needs an area in full sunlight
• is sensitive to frost damage so low temperatures restrict its distribution

SIZE:

• can grow up to 80 metres

CONES:

• long, reddish-brown
• white hairs on the scales
• pollen cones are yellow

NEEDLES:

• young - soft green
• mature - yellow
• long, in bunches of 15 to 30

BARK:

• thick grooved plate-like on mature trees
• cinnamon coloured scales

WOOD CHARACTERISTICS:

• one of the strongest in Canada

USES:

• modern - heavy construction, railway ties, pilings
• traditional - pitch: cosmetic, paint