Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Larix lyallii (Alpine Larch)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Coniferophyta – Conifers

Class Pinopsida

Order Pinales

Family Pinaceae – Pine family

Genus Larix Mill. – larch

Species Larix lyallii Parl. – subalpine larch

The deciduous nature of this conifer allows it to survive extreme weather conditions.

The needles turn a wonderful yellow color in fall which is one of Alpine Larch’s most outstanding features.

The clusters of soft green needles that emerge in spring are also attractive.

It is an open branched tree reaching from 15-to 60’ depending on how difficult the conditions. In less harsh settings it will likely be a tall tree but never dense allowing sun to reach plants underneath.

Tamarack is found in pure stands in limited areas at timberline levels in the eastern portions of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana as well as parts of Canada, USDA zones 3-8.

Alpine Larch is a versatile tree capable of handling full sun and draught as well as wind and snow.