Western larch is produced predominantly as part of the Douglas-fir-larch species mix. Its properties are similar to Douglas-fir so the species are sometimes sold mixed. Western larch is attractive, and some high-grade material is used for interior finish products.
Western larch grows in valleys and on the lower slopes of mountains in B.C.’s southern interior. It produces hard, strong wood that is used to produce heavy timber for products such as planks and boards, poles, railroad crossties and mine timbers.
Where it grows
Western larch grows in valleys and on the lower slopes of mountains in B.C.’s southern interior. It needs full sunlight so does best in the open. While it usually grows in mixed stands with Douglas-fir, western hemlock and lodgepole pine, it can be found in pure groups after a severe wildfire and grows well on fire-blackened soil.
Low temperatures limit the distribution of western larch because it continues to grow from spring through to September so it is sensitive to frost damage. Most other evergreens stop growing in July.
Identifiable characteristics
Western larch is a medium- to large-sized tree that can grow up to 80 metres tall with a diameter of 1.5 metres. It can live as long as 900 years. The tree has a branch-free stem over much of its length, with a pyramidal crown and horizontal branches. The bark is reddish-brown and deeply furrowed with flaky ridges.
New needles are soft green, turning golden yellow in the fall. They are broadly triangular in cross-section and are found in long clusters of 15 to 20 on stubby, woody projections which remain on the twig after the needles fall. Seed cones are elongated and red to reddish-brown. The scales have white hairs on the lower surface and prominent, long slender flowers. Pollen cones are yellow.
