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Larix kaempferi - (Lamb.)Carrière.

Common Name Japanese Larch
Family Pinaceae
USDA hardiness 4-6
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Mountains in C. Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - Japan.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Larix kaempferi Japanese Larch


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Inti-sol
Larix kaempferi Japanese Larch

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Red, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Pyramidal.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Larix kaempferi is a deciduous Tree growing to 45 m (147ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fire retardant  Shelterbelt  Tannin  Wood

The heavy leaf-fall of this species has lead to it being planted as a fire-break in some areas where pine trees are grown[185]. A fast-growing tree, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings[200]. The bark contains tannin[229]. Wood - strong, heavy and durable[50, 229].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Specimen. Prefers an open airy position in a light or gravelly well-drained soil[200]. Plants are intolerant of badly drained soils, but they tolerate acid and infertile soils[200]. Succeeds on rocky hill or mountain sides and slopes[200]. A north or east aspect is more suitable than west or south[1]. This species is very cold-hardy when fully dormant, but the trees can be excited into premature growth in Britain by mild spells during the winter and they are then very subject to damage by late frosts and cold winds[1]. Slow growing for its first two or three years from seed, it is then very vigorous making between 1 and 1.5 metres increase in height a year[185]. The belief that older trees do not do so well is erroneous, 50 year old specimens in Britain are still growing rapidly[185]. Trees have been planted for timber in N.W. Europe[50]. The heavy leaf-fall from this species soon suppresses any other vegetation, including rhododendrons[185] Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value, most of these are dwarf forms[200]. Open ground plants, 1 year x 1 year are the best for planting out, do not use container grown plants with spiralled roots[200]. Plants transplant well, even when coming into growth in the spring[200]. The trees are attractive to small finches, tits and treecreepers[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in pots in a cold frame. One months cold stratification helps germination[113]. It is best to give the seedlings light shade for the first year[78]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Although only a few centimetres tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer providing you give them an effective weed-excluding mulch and preferably some winter protection for their first year. Otherwise grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. The seed remains viable for 3 years[113] If you are growing larger quantities of plants, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in late winter. Grow on the seedlings in the seedbed for a couple of years until they are ready to go into their permanent positions then plant them out during the winter.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Japan (Honshu)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Larix deciduaLarch, European Larch, Common LarchTree45.0 3-6 FLMNM233
Larix gmeliniiDahurian Larch, Kurile larchTree30.0 0-0 SLMNM003
Larix laricinaTamarack, Hackmatack, American LarchTree18.0 2-5 MLMNMWe223
Larix lyalliiSub-Alpine LarchTree25.0 3-7  LMHSNM103
Larix occidentalisWestern LarchTree45.0 2-6 FLMNM223
Larix potaniniiLarchTree35.0 4-8 MLMNM003
Larix sibiricaSiberian LarchTree30.0 -  LMHSNM003
Larix x marschlinsiiDunkeld Hybrid LarchTree50.0 2-6 FLMNM003
Pseudolarix amabilisGolden Larch, Chinese golden-larchTree40.0 5-7 SLMHSNM022

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Lamb.)Carrière.

Botanical References

58200

Links / References

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Subject : Larix kaempferi  
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