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Woody > Pseudolarix > Pseudolarix amabilis > Pseudolarix amabilis

Pseudolarix amabilis


Golden Larch, Dragon's Eye (China)




Origin:  Native to southeastern China. The genus name refers to the fact that these trees closely resemble the true larches, (Larix).
Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Pseudolarix
Species
amabilis
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Synonyms
Pseudolarix kaempferi, Chrysolarix amabilis.
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
6b - 7a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
6a - 6b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H6
Temperature (°C)
-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)
-5 - 5
Height
15 - 40 m
Spread
6 - 12 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
Pseudolarix amabilis or Golden Larch is a deciduous conifer with distinct horizontal branching, drooping branchlets and clusters of soft, bright green needles that turn a beautiful golden colour in autumn.
Landscape
When deciding on a place to plant this tree, ensure that there is lots of room to grow. Its softly-textured needles and fall colour make it an attractive specimen planting. May also be used as a bonsai.
Cultivation
Grow in a location protected from strong winds, in full sun and moist, acidic humus . Tolerant of some shade. Since it is a large tree it should be planted in the larger, generous landscapes.
Shape
Broadly conical, often as wide as it is tall when immature.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Cones are different from the true larches (Larix): they are bigger, in clusters (versus singly), scales are pointed and fruiting cones disintegrate right after the seed ripens. Also, the needles are bigger in both length and width.
Pests
No serious pests or diseases of note.
Habitat
Coastal mountain areas.
Bark/Stem Description
Red-brown, fissured (covered in long, narrow cracks).
Leaf Description
Bright green, 3 - 6 ⨉ 0.2 - 0.3 cm with a rounded tip and two glaucous stomatal bands on the underside, turning brilliant golden yellow in autumn before dropping. Arranged spirally in clusters on short shoots. Needle spacing is such that each is distinguishable from a distance.
Fruit Description
Cones are distinctive, superficially resembling a small globe artichoke, red-brown, erect, 4 - 7 ⨉ 4 - 6 cm, with pointed triangular scales; they mature roughly 7 months after pollination, disintegrating to release winged seeds.
Colour Description
The autumn colour is gold to russet.
Texture Description
The slender, smooth needles create a bushy, soft feathery texture.
Notable Specimens
Pinetum Park and Pine Lodge Gardens, Cornwall, England.
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