# western larch (*Larix occidentalis*) The western larch is a tall tree that loves cool, wet places. In the fall, its needles turn a beautiful golden color before they fall off, making it a special sight in the forest. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![western larch](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Larix_occidentalis_16822.JPG&width=800) Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Larix_occidentalis_16822.JPG) ## Appearance The western larch is a tall, slender conifer with unique soft, green needles that grow in clusters. Unlike most conifers, its needles turn brilliant golden-yellow in autumn before shedding, leaving the tree bare in winter. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Pinopsida - **Order:** Pinales - **Family:** Pinaceae - **Genus:** Larix ## Interesting facts - A special sugary sap, called 'larch manna,' can sometimes be found on its bark! - Its sturdy wood is resistant to decay, great for building bridges and outdoor structures! - Larch trees are the only conifers in North America that shed all their needles in autumn! - Western larch can live for over 800 years, standing tall through many seasons! ## Special abilities - **Fire Shield:** Western larch has incredibly thick, fire-resistant bark that helps it survive forest fires that damage other trees. - **Winter Nap:** Western larch sheds all its needles in autumn, conserving water and nutrients during harsh, cold winter months. - **Deep Root Anchor:** Western larch develops deep taproots, anchoring it firmly on windy mountain slopes and rocky terrain. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 3000-7500 cm - **Spread:** 800-1500 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Wind ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Deer browse on young larch needles and twigs. - **Eats:** [Red Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-squirrel) (*Tamiasciurus hudsonicus*) — Red squirrels harvest seeds from western larch cones. - **Eats:** American Black Bear (*Ursus americanus*) — Bears eat the nutrient-rich inner bark, especially in spring. - **Shelter:** [Northern Flying Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-flying-squirrel) (*Glaucomys sabrinus*) — Flying squirrels may nest in tree cavities or use larch for cover. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage. - [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. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Stay on paths and don't climb trees without an adult. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify western 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 western larch? 3000-7500 cm ### How wide does western larch spread? 800-1500 cm ### When does western larch bloom? Spring ### Is western larch edible? Yes ### Is western larch toxic? None ### What is western larch's lifecycle? Perennial ### How is western larch pollinated? Wind ## Where to spot - [Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/polebridge-ranger-station-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [John A. Finch Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/john-a-finch-arboretum) — Washington, US · Botanical Garden - [Manito Park and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/manito-park-and-botanical-gardens) — Washington, US · Botanical Garden - [Sumpter Valley Railway](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sumpter-valley-railway) — Oregon, US · Historic District - [Arboretum Serach (Esslingen)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arboretum-serach-esslingen) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Park - [Moyie Lake Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/moyie-lake-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see western larch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/western-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: [Western Larch: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-larch)