Siberian Larch vs Western Larch - TreeTime.ca

Siberian Larch vs Western Larch

Larix occidentalis

Larix sibirica

Western Larch
Siberian Larch

Western Larch is a pioneer species that can survive in nutrient poor soil and is found in the valleys and on the lower slopes of mountains in mixed forests. In the warm months, this larch is covered in clusters of soft green needles that turn golden yellow before dropping in the fall. Its dense, sturdy wood is excellent for lumber, making this Larch valuable in Western North America.

Siberian Larch is a large, cold hardy conifer. Like the Tamarack, its needles turn golden yellow and drop in the fall, and it is able to handle saturated soils.

If you are looking for a long-lived tree for your large property or shelterbelt with quite wet soil, this is the tree for you.

This variety is often used on the south side of a shelterbelt to let sunlight in during the winter and to provide protection or shading during the summer.

Western Larch Quick Facts

Siberian Larch Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1b
Height: 55 m (180 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: Soft needles
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: yellow needles, loses needles
Cones: small cones (up to 5 cm long)
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: hackmatack, western tamarack
Other Names: altaian larch, russian larch