Herb: Japanese Larch


Latin name: Larix kaempferi


Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
45 m
(148 feet)

Flowering:
March

Habitat of Japanese Larch:

Mountains in C. Japan.

Other uses of the herb:

The heavy leaf-fall of this species has lead to it being planted as a fire-break in some areas where pine trees are grown. A fast-growing tree, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings. The bark contains tannin. Wood - strong, heavy and durable.

Propagation of Japanese Larch:

Seed - sow late winter in pots in a cold frame. One months cold stratification helps germination. It is best to give the seedlings light shade for the first year. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Although only a few centimetres tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer providing you give them an effective weed-excluding mulch and preferably some winter protection for their first year. Otherwise grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. The seed remains viable for 3 years If you are growing larger quantities of plants, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in late winter. Grow on the seedlings in the seedbed for a couple of years until they are ready to go into their permanent positions then plant them out during the winter.

Cultivation of the herb:

Mountains in C. Japan.

Medicinal use of Japanese Larch:

None known

Known hazards of Larix kaempferi:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.