Larch ID From Cone

East Bridgewater, MA

I pulled the left cone off a larch tree in Vermont, thinking it was most likely an American Larch. Now I'm not so sure...The right cone is a Japanese larch for comparison.

Thumbnail by neefman Thumbnail by neefman
Lake Stevens, WA(Zone 8a)

I think it is likely a Larix decidua,(European Larch). The cone seems too long and has too many scales to be Larix laricina, the Tamarack Larch (it seems to have a lot of names and I am assuming this is the species you are mentioning.
Per my ancient copy of "Fruit Key & Twig Key" by Harlow, L laricina cones are about 5/8" long, and L. decidua 1" to 1 1/4" long.
This is fun, but most folks would think we are odd.

Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

Yep, European Larch Larix decidua.

Pics for comparison:
Larix decidua http://www.pinetum.org/cones/LAdecidua.jpg
Larix laricina http://www.pinetum.org/cones/LAlaricina.jpg

Resin

(Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a)

MLM, only non-gardeners would think you odd. In the gardening realm...you rock!

East Bridgewater, MA

Very cool. I'm glad to add a new species to my brain inventory!

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP