Alaskan larch (Larix laricina, Dendrologie 2(2): 263 (1873))

Family: Pinaceae

Author: (Du Roi) K.Koch

Bibliography: Dendrologie 2(2): 263 (1873)

Year: 1873

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Larix

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to Maryland

Description

The Alaskan larch, scientifically known as Larix laricina, is a distinctive member of the Pinaceae family. This remarkable tree, formally documented in the 1873 publication “Dendrologie 2(2): 263” by the botanist (Du Roi) K.Koch, is renowned for its adaptability and broad geographic range.

Primarily found in Subarctic America, the Alaskan larch extends its reach as far south as Maryland, showcasing its resilience to a variety of climates. This long-standing species thrives in harsh northern environments where few other trees dare to grow, indicating its robust nature and significant ecological role.

The Alaskan larch is an essential part of the boreal forests, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these regions. It is particularly known for its ability to shed needles in winter, a unique adaptation among conifers which helps it to conserve water and withstand the frigid temperatures common in its native habitats.

In addition to its ecological importance, the Alaskan larch is valued for its wood, which is incredibly durable and resistant to decay. This makes it an excellent material for construction and other practical uses. The tree’s elegant, slender form and vibrant golden fall foliage also make it a visually striking component of the landscape.

Overall, Larix laricina stands as a testament to nature’s ingenuity, thriving in some of the most challenging environments and supporting the ecosystems of the subarctic regions down to the more temperate areas of Maryland.

Common Names

Eng: alaskan larch, american larch, eastern larch, hackmatack, red larch, tamarack, alaska larch, juniper, larch
Nld: amerikaanse lork
Deu: amerikanische lärche
Hun: kanadai vörösfenyo
Ita: larice americano
Swe: kanadalärk
Fra: mélèze laricin, tamarac, épinette rouge, fausse épinette rouge
Rus: лиственница американская (listvennica amerikanskaya)
Zho: 美加落叶松 (mei jia luo ye song)
En: Alaskan larch, American larch, Eastern larch, Tamarack, Hackmatack, Red larch, Alaska larch, Juniper, Larch
Zh: 美加落叶松 (mei jia luo ye song)
Nl: Amerikaanse lork
Fr: Mélèze laricin, Tamarac, Épinette rouge, Fausse épinette rouge
De: Amerikanische Lärche
Hu: Kanadai vörösfenyo
It: Larice americano
Ru: Лиственница американская (listvennica amerikanskaya)
Sv: Kanadalärk

Synonyms

• Larix tenuifolia (Salisb.)
• Picea microcarpa ((Lamb.) Peterm.)
• Pinus larix var. rubra (Castigl.)
• Pinus intermedia (Du Roi)
• Larix laricina f. depressa (J.Rousseau)
• Larix laricina f. parvistrobus ((Jaurès & Ferré) Ouden & Boom)
• Larix laricina var. americana ((Michx.) Lemmon)
• Larix laricina var. alaskensis ((W.Wight) Raup)
• Larix americana var. prolifera (Loudon)
• Larix laricina f. lutea ((Jaurès & Ferré) Ouden & Boom)
• Larix laricina subsp. alaskensis ((W.Wight) Silba)
• Larix americana var. incurva (Peck)
• Pinus larix var. americana (Pall.)
• Pinus larix var. alba (Castigl.)
• Larix intermedia ((Du Roi) Lodd. ex J.Forbes)
• Larix laricina var. parvistrobus (Jaurès & Ferré)
• Larix rubra (Steud.)
• Pinus larix var. nigra (Castigl.)
• Larix americana (Michx.)
• Pinus laricina (Du Roi)
• Larix dahurica var. americana ((Michx.) Henkel & W.Hochst.)
• Larix fraseri (Curtis ex Gordon & Glend.)
• Larix laricina var. lutea (Jaurès & Ferré)
• Larix americana var. rubra (Loudon)
• Abies microcarpa ((Lamb.) Lindl.)
• Larix microcarpa ((Lamb.) Mirb.)
• Larix alaskensis (W.Wight)
• Abies pendula ((Aiton) Lindl. & Gordon)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Vera BAKIC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2022 by Rémi Abel-Coindoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 26, 2020 by Agustín Rivas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2018 by anaïs demagny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2018 by anaïs demagny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Jörg Kerkhof (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Enrico Konrad (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2018 by anaïs demagny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 15, 2021 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Vera BAKIC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Vera BAKIC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Vera BAKIC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2686231)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262435-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Larix laricina (Du Roi) K.Koch)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5