• Larix laricina Tamarck
• Larix lyallii Subalpine Larch
• Larix occidentalis Western Larch

About a dozen species are members of the genus Larix, although there is a great deal of disagreement about species limits in the Old World. Three species are found in North America, the widespread Tamarack (Larix laricina) occurring throughout the northern boreal forests and the woods northern and eastern United States and Canada. The two other species have much more restricted ranges in the Pacific Northwest. The genus is also found in the northern and montane regions of Europe and Asia.

The species are deciduous dropping their needles at the end of the growing season. The most distinctive feature of the genus Larix is the clumps of needles (leaves) arranged in irregular sworls on short, stubby spurs.

The wood of the larches is hard and decay resistent and is heavily used in the construction of boats.

Identification Features:

The needles (leaves) occur in loose, multiple needle sworls on stubby, woody spurs. The female seed cones have thin, papery cone scales (male cones are shown in this picture not female cones). The cone brachts may or may not project beyond the cone scales.