# subalpine larch (*Larix lyallii*) The subalpine larch is a special tree that grows in cool, high places. Its soft, green needles turn golden yellow in the fall, making it look like it's wearing a bright coat! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![subalpine larch](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/SubalpineLarch_7735tl.jpg&width=800) Photo: Walter Siegmund ( talk · contribs ), CC BY 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SubalpineLarch_7735tl.jpg) ## Appearance The subalpine larch has short, soft needles that turn a brilliant golden yellow in fall before they drop. Its bark is thin and scaly, often purplish-red to cinnamon-brown, and it grows in a gnarled, often wind-swept shape. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Pinopsida - **Order:** Pinales - **Family:** Pinaceae - **Genus:** Larix ## Interesting facts - Growing in high mountains, it can withstand freezing winds and deep snow! - Its cones start as beautiful purplish-red structures, like tiny jewels! - It’s one of the rare conifers that drops all its needles every autumn! - The subalpine larch's needles turn a spectacular golden color before winter! ## Special abilities - **Winter Shedder:** The subalpine larch sheds its needles each fall, which helps it save water and survive icy mountain winters. - **Mountain Survivor:** The subalpine larch has super tough wood and deep roots that anchor it against extreme alpine winds. - **Fire Resistor:** The subalpine larch possesses thick, scaly bark that helps protect its inner layers from intense forest fires. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 1000-2500 cm - **Spread:** 300-800 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring - **Edible:** No - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Wind ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Douglas Squirrel (*Sciurus douglasii*) — Relies on larch seeds for food. - **Eats:** [Pine Grosbeak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pine-grosbeak) (*Pinicola enucleator*) — Feeds on seeds from larch cones. - **Eats:** American Black Bear (*Ursus americanus*) — May strip bark for the inner cambium. - **Shelter:** [Northern Flying Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-flying-squirrel) (*Glaucomys sabrinus*) — Nests in tree cavities and dense foliage. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Coniferous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coniferous): Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Stay on paths when exploring and be careful around trees. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify subalpine larch? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is subalpine larch? 1000-2500 cm ### How wide does subalpine larch spread? 300-800 cm ### When does subalpine larch bloom? Spring ### Is subalpine larch edible? No ### Is subalpine larch toxic? None ### What is subalpine larch's lifecycle? Perennial ### How is subalpine larch pollinated? Wind ## Where to spot - [Sherburne Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sherburne-ranger-station-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/akamina-kishinena-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Cathedral Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cathedral-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see subalpine larch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/subalpine-larch) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Subalpine Larch: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/subalpine-larch)