Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi, J. Gén. Hort. 11: 97 (1856))

Family: Pinaceae

Author: (Lamb.) Carrière

Bibliography: J. Gén. Hort. 11: 97 (1856)

Year: 1856

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Larix

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Japan

Description

The Japanese larch, scientifically recognized as Larix kaempferi, is an intriguing and beautiful conifer belonging to the Pinaceae family. Native to central Japan, this remarkable tree presents a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and adaptability, making it a noteworthy species in both horticulture and forestry.

Larix kaempferi can be easily distinguished by its vibrant green needles, which transition to a gold hue in the autumn before they shed, a characteristic trait of deciduous conifers. This seasonal transformation adds a dramatic splash of color to the landscape, distinguishing it from many evergreen counterparts. Japanese larch typically grows to significant heights, often reaching up to 30 meters or more, with a trunk diameter that can expand to over a meter. The tree’s bark is equally distinctive, starting smooth and grey on younger trees and maturing into a reddish-brown, deeply furrowed surface as it ages.

This species prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils and thrives in cooler climates. It is commonly found in mountainous regions of Japan, where it plays an essential role in reforestation projects and as an ornamental species in formal gardens and parks worldwide. The Japanese larch is especially valued for its wood, which is durable, resilient, and resistant to rot. These qualities make it a preferred material in construction, particularly in scenarios requiring long-lasting timber.

Moreover, Japanese larches are scientifically significant due to their fast growth rates and adaptability, which have led to extensive studies on their ecological and economic benefits. The distinct structural properties and durability of its wood make Japanese larch a highly sought-after resource. In addition to timber, the tree’s resin has historical applications in traditional medicine and as a waterproofing agent.

In terms of its botanical history, Larix kaempferi was first described in the mid-19th century, as recorded in the Journal of General Horticulture in 1856 by author (Lamb.) Carrière. Since then, it has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and appreciation among botanists, foresters, and gardening enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, the Japanese larch stands out not only for its striking aesthetic appeal but also for its practical uses in various fields. Its robust presence in both natural and cultivated settings is a testament to its versatility and enduring appeal in horticulture and forestry.

Common Names

Eng: japanese larch
Deu: japanische lärche, kaempfers lärche
Nor: japanlerk
Nld: japanse lork, goudlork, japanse larix
Swe: japansk lärk
Dan: japansk lærk
Hun: japán vörösfenyo
Ita: larice giapponese
Pol: modrzew japoński
Fra: mélèze du japon
Ces: modrín japonský
Rus: лиственница тонкочешуйная (listvennica tonkocheshujnaya)
Zho: 日本落叶松 (ri ben luo ye song)
Jpn: kara-matsu
Cym: llarwydd japan, llarwydden japan, llarwydden siapan
En: Japanese larch
Hy: Խեժափիճի ճապոնական
Az: Yapon qara şamı
Eu: Japoniar laritz
Be: Лістоўніца японская
Bg: Японска лиственица
Zh: 日本落叶松, 日本落叶松 (ri ben luo ye song)
Cs: Modřín japonský, Modrín japonský
Da: Japansk lærk
Nl: Japanse lork, Goudlork, Japanse larix
Eo: Japana lariko
Et: Jaapani lehis
Fi: Japaninlehtikuusi
Fr: Mélèze du Japon
De: Japanische Lärche, Kaempfers Lärche
Hu: Japán vörösfenyő, Japán vörösfenyo
Is: Japanslerki
It: Larice giapponese
Ja: Kara-Matsu
Kv: Ниппонісь лисвень
Ko: 일본잎갈나무
Lt: Japoninis maumedis
Mk: Јапонски ариш
No: Japanlerk
Fa: سیاه‌کاج ژاپنی
Pl: Modrzew japoński
Ru: Лиственница тонкочешуйчатая, Лиственница тонкочешуйная (listvennica tonkocheshujnaya)
Es: Japonski macesen
Sv: Japansk lärk
Zh-tw: 日本落葉松
Zh-hant: 日本落葉松
Tr: Japon melezi
Uk: Модрина тонколуската
Cy: Llarwydden Japan, Llarwydd Japan, Llarwydden Siapan

Synonyms

• Larix leptolepis f. minor ((A.Murray bis) Rehder)
• Larix leptolepis var. minor (A.Murray bis)
• Abies leptolepis (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Larix leptolepis pendula (Beissn.)
• Laricopsis kaempferi ((Lamb.) A.H.Kent)
• Larix leptolepis var. murrayana (Maxim.)
• Larix kaempferi var. pendula ((Beissn.) C.K.Schneid.)
• Pinus nummularia (Gordon & Glend.)
• Larix leptolepis var. louchanensis (Ferré & Augère)
• Larix kaempferi f. rubescens ((Inokuma) T.Shimizu)
• Larix orientalis (Thunb.)
• Larix kaempferi var. rubescens (Inokuma)
• Pseudolarix kaempferi ((Lamb.) Gordon & Glend.)
• Larix leptolepis ((Siebold & Zucc.) Gordon & Glend.)
• Pinus leptolepis ((Siebold & Zucc.) Endl.)
• Larix japonica (A.Murray bis)
• Larix leptolepis f. pendula ((Beissn.) Sugim.)
• Pinus kaempferi (Lamb.)
• Larix kaempferi f. pendula ((Beissn.) Yonek.)
• Abies kaempferi ((Lamb.) Lindl.)

Distribution

• Japan (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Føroyar (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Alena Svibova (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by Kety Hanky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Тузова Анастасия (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Owllie Owllie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by luc fransolet (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Habit

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Alena Svibova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Alena Svibova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Тузова Анастасия (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by P C (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Alena Svibova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Тузова Анастасия (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 26, 2020 by mario peters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2686157)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60457419-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 5