Larix kaempferi ( Japanese Larch ) is a deciduous conifer that is native to mountainous regions of Honshu, Japan. The Japanese Larch is popular as a bonsai species due to its bright yellow foliage during Autumn. It is also widely grown in temperate gardens around the world. Cold tolerant, low-maintenance and a great source of excellent wood, the Japanese Larch is an ideal addition to any cold or temperate collection.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
In Japan this species is more commonly referred to as Karamatsu and has another often used botanical name called Larix leptolepis. Larch is a tree in forestry plantations throughout central and northern Japan as well as in northern Europe, particularly Ireland and Britain. The wood is prized for its durability in general construction work and for fencing and furniture.
The Japanese Larch is considered a great plant for beginners of bonsai growing. After the first season, the growth rate increases and the natural structure of the tree becomes more visible. The tree usually grows with a straight trunk and has uniform horizontal branches that reduces the need to shape. Beautiful soft, green, needles that turn colour in autumn also add to the interest.
Check out our page on the European Larch.
Growth
Larix kaempferi is a vigorous conifer that reaches heights in its native range of up to 35 metres (114 feet) but under cultivation rarely exceeds 20 metres (66 feet). Japanese Larches in their native habitat cluster in high altitudes (1200-2700 metres / 3800-8600 feet) in quality soils left behind by relatively recent volcanic eruptions.
When compared to the European Larch, this species is better suited to being cultivated as they naturally grow in rich soils. Oddly, in the wild is never found on peat.
The soft leaves or needles are green, roughly 2-5 cm long. Buds come on early in Spring and in our garden the tree is one of the first deciduous types to have foliage. Japanese Larches enjoy a position of full sun when established but do require protection as young seedlings from exposure to hot summers.
The main attraction arrives in Autumn. Green needles give way to bright orange and yellow colours which resemble Maples at their best. The cones are erect up to 3.5cm long with 30-50 reflexed seed scales. They change from a green colour into brown before releasing their seeds roughly 4-6 months after pollination. Some of the old cones can remain on the tree for many years after.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Warm Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15°C to 25°C / 5 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 35 metres (114 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 7 metres (22 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind
MATURITY:
10-15 years to produce seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
25-55%
GERMINATION TIME:
4 weeks cold stratification + 2-4 weeks germination
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 160
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 8 years.
FACTS ABOUT LARIX KAEMPFERI (Japanese Larch)
The Larix genus recently became blacklisted by Australian Customs when imported from overseas. This is partly due to an outbreak of Sudden Oak Death found in trees in England. This has made seed importation extremely difficult at the same time popularity for Larches has increased. Any seed batches we harvest ourselves tend to sell very quickly.
