Larix kaempferi
Common name: 
Japanese Larch
Pronunciation: 
LAR-iks KEMP-fer-i
Family: 
Pinaceae
Genus: 
Larix
Type: 
Conifer
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Deciduous conifer, 70-90 ft, [21-27 m], open and pyramidal, drooping branches, short spur shoots.  Leaves (needles) in clusters, as many as 40 per bundle arise from each spur, 2.5-4 cm long, deep green, yellowish in fall.
  • Sun, sufficient moisture and well-drained soil.  Similar to L. decidua but more tolerant of poor soils.  Considered the best among the larches but its large size makes it most suitable for parks, golf courses, etc.  However, there are selections available which are suitable for more limited space.  The contorted selection, 'Diana', may only grow to a height of 20 ft (6 m) and 'Jacobsen's Pyramid', a narrow columnar form may reach 12 ft (3.6 m) in 10 years.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 4     Native to Japan.
  • kaemferi: after Engelbert Kaempfer (1651-1716), physician and botanist who traveled in Japan.
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, young tree

    plant habit, young tree

  • branch with elongating shoots

    branch with elongating shoots

  • needles

    needles

  • plant habit, fall

    plant habit, fall