Genus Pseudolarix (Golden larch)

Pseudolarix kaempferi Photo/Illustration: John Glover

Common Name: Golden larch

One species of deciduous, coniferous tree makes up this genus from the forests of China. The leaves are in rosette form on short shoots or spiral around long lateral or upright shoots. Plants are monoecious. Female cones are large and scaly and release their seeds by disintegrating. Male cones are more like catkins. Pseudolarix is an excellent specimen tree, although it is slow-growing when young. Its common name comes from its golden fall color.
Noteworthy characteristics: Golden orange fall color. Attractive branching habit. Ornamental cones.
Care: Needs deep, fertile, acidic to neutral, well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered site in full sun. Prune while dormant to a healthy framework.
Propagation: Take greenwood cuttings in early summer or sow seed in containers outdoors in spring.
Problems: Infrequent.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Pseudolarix

Pseudolarix kaempferi
(Golden larch) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

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The golden larch is a lovely deciduous conifer whose lacy foliage turns golden in autumn. Its bright green needles are slightly larger than those of the European larch. Golden larch becomes a large pyramidal tree with an ultimate height of about 50 feet in cultivation. Its broad, horizontal branches are arranged in an open growth habit. In a big garden, it makes a neat specimen that never fails to attract attention.

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