Western Larch | Medium Tree Seedling

This species was “discovered” on the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1806. It is no wonder that Western Larch drew the explorers’ attention, as it is a highly impressive species with striking clumps of tufted needles and imposing stature. Western Larch is the largest of all larches, growing to heights in excess of 250 feet, with trunks that can bulge to more than 6 feet across. Ninety years after Lewis and Clark first noted the species, botanist C. Sargent wrote of it: “The most remarkable fact, perhaps, about this tree is the smallness of leaf surface in comparison with height and thickness of stem, and there is certainly no other instance among the trees of the northern hemisphere where such massive trunks support such small short branches and sparse foliage.”

Western Larch, also known as Tamarack, Hackmatack, and American Larch, is native to mountain valleys from British Columbia down through Washington and Oregon and over into Montana and Idaho. This is a fast-growing, long-living tree (900+ years), and one of only a handful of deciduous conifers. Western Larch’s circular clusters of 1 to 2-inch long needles transform from iridescent grass green when they emerge in the spring to brilliant gold and finally bright yellow before they fall in the autumn. This arresting display of colors makes the tree stand out boldly in the forestscape. During the winter, the bare tree strikes a statuesque pose in the forest as it waits for winter’s end to once again “wake up.”

Beauty and singularity are not Western Larch’s only attributes. It supports a wide variety of wildlife, and is an especially popular tree for hole-nesting birds. This tree affords many benefits for humankind as well. Western Larch is the most important larch in commercial timber production; its wood is close-grained, strong, durable, and hard, and can be used for everything from long-straight utility poles to railroad ties to fine veneers. Western Larch is also a favorite firewood — it gives off a sweet fragrance as it burns and pops and sputters cheerily as its volatile oils ignite. The uses do not stop there. Western Larch produces a sweet gum that has long been appreciated by humans. Native peoples would chew this gum for medicinal purposes, and it is still used in the pharmaceutical industry today, as well as in the printing and paint industries.

If you are looking for a beautiful over-achiever, Western Larch is the tree for you!

All of our trees are seed-grown at our nursery on California's Redwood Coast, which is inspected monthly and licensed by the California Department of Agriculture. Trees can provide a natural barrier against high winds, temperatures, noise pollution and soil erosion, all while benefiting local air quality, wildlife and property values — a Jonsteen seedling will only grow in value and beauty!

About Jonsteen's 100% Guarantee

All of our trees are guaranteed to arrive healthy and in good condition. If your tree perishes despite your honest efforts, we will be happy to replace it with a small-sized seedling for just the cost of shipping/handling. You can learn more about our guarantee and tree replacement policy here.