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Alaskan Larch
Famartin / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
ConiferPinaceaeZone 1-5

Alaskan Larch

Larix laricina

Extremely cold-hardy conifer adapted to bogs and muskeg environments.

Field reference

Family
Pinaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
40–80 ft tall, 15–25 ft spread
Hardiness zone
1-5
Soil preference
Wet, acidic, boggy soils; tolerates permafrost edges
Sun
Full Sun
Pruning window
Late winter
Wood properties
Strong, dense softwood; high resin content; used for poles and rough construction
Native range
Alaska, Canada, northern United States wetlands
Green weight
55 lb/ft³

Common questions

Is larch a deciduous tree?
Yes. Larch is a conifer that sheds its needles every fall.
Where does Alaskan larch grow naturally?
It grows in cold wetlands, bogs, and muskeg across Alaska and northern Canada.
How cold tolerant is larch?
It is extremely cold hardy and can survive in subarctic climates.
Does larch grow fast?
It has a moderate growth rate under favorable wet conditions.
What is larch wood used for?
It is used for poles, rough lumber, and applications requiring strength and moisture resistance.

Related species in Pinaceae

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