False Larch Pseudolarix amabilis

The golden larch is a medium-sized, slow-growing, broadly conical, deciduous conifer known for its beautiful texture and seasonal color. This tree grows to a height of 30 to 40 feet and 20 to 40 feet wide in cultivation, but can grow to a height of 120 feet in the wild. It has horizontal branches with drooping branchlets. The needles are soft and light green with bluish-green undersides that transition to a brilliant golden color in the fall for seasonal interest. The needles shed, and the architecture of the tree provides further winter interest. Reddish-brown fruiting cones are about 3 inches long. Resembling true larches of the genus, Larix; but, the golden larch is actually a member of the Pinaceae or pine family. 

It native to coastal mountains of southeastern China.

The genus name, Pseudoalarix, is derived from two Greek words, pseudo, meaning false, and Larix, meaning larch, because of its resemblance to larches. The epithet, amabilis, is translated as "lovely."

The golden larch is prefers moist, well-drained, acidic, rich loamy soils in full sun to partial shade. It prefers cool nights and is not particularly tolerant of heat, high humidity, limestone soils, and clay soils. It needs to be protected from strong winds. Requires no pruning.

The golden larch or false larch differs from the true larches by its cone morphology and needle size. The golden larches cones are larger, the scales taper to a point, male catkins appear in clusters, and female cones drop to the ground when the seeds ripen. The golden larch needles are longer and wider than the true larches. 

The golden larch  is an attractive ornamental tree in the landscape; however, it needs a cool nights and large open spaces to thrive as provided in the Pacific Northwest. It is a great choice as a specimen for seasonal interest due to its needled foliage and golden fall color. It may also be used in bonsai.

Seasons of Interest:

Bark:  Winter      Foliage: Spring, Summer, and Fall      Fruits:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• deciduous conifer, broadly conical or pyramidal, 30 to 40 feet tall, and 20 to 40 feet tall
• reddish-brown, fissured bark on mature trees
• soft. whorled, deciduous, 2.5 inch, light green needles, blue-green beneath, and golden needles in the fall
• erect, reddish-brown, 3 inch long, fruiting cones

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The golden larch has no serious insect or disease issues. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.