Contents
Description
Larix Kaempferi, commonly known as the Japanese Larch Tree, is a deciduous coniferous tree native to Japan. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is known for its beautiful, soft needles that turn golden-orange in the fall. The tree can grow up to 20-40 m in height and 10-20 m in width and can live up to 200 years. The bark is reddish-brown and scaly, adding to the tree’s unique appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Larix |
Appearance
The Larix Kaempferi has a unique appearance that adds to its appeal. The tree’s needles are soft and blue-green in color during the growing season, turning a beautiful golden-orange in the fall before falling off for the winter. The branches of the tree are slightly drooping and the bark is reddish-brown and scaly. The tree has a conical shape and can grow up to 20-40 m in height and 10-20 m in width.
Care Guide
The Larix Kaempferi is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips on caring for this tree: – Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the first year of planting. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and more frequently during hot, dry weather. – Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. – Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil. – Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. – Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like many trees, the Larix Kaempferi is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones: – Larch casebearer: This insect feeds on the needles of the tree and can cause defoliation. – Larch sawfly: This insect feeds on the needles of the tree and can cause defoliation. – Canker diseases: Canker diseases can cause the tree to develop sunken areas on the bark and cankers on the branches. – Needle cast: This disease can cause the needles of the tree to turn brown and fall off prematurely.
Habitat
The Larix Kaempferi is native to Japan and can be found in many parts of the country. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The tree is commonly used in landscaping and as a shade tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Larix Kaempferi be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential in terms of size.
Q: Does the Larix Kaempferi lose its needles in the winter?
A: Yes, the tree is deciduous and loses its needles in the winter.
Q: How fast does the Larix Kaempferi grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 1-2 feet per year.
Q: Is the Larix Kaempferi a good tree for landscaping?
A: Yes, the tree is commonly used in landscaping for its unique appearance and hardiness.
Related Plants
– Larix decidua (European Larch)- Larix laricina (Tamarack)- Larix occidentalis (Western Larch)- Pseudolarix amabilis (Golden Larch)
References
– “Larix kaempferi.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286568.- “Japanese Larch.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed July 14, 2021. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=850.
