Identification: Larch species?

Discussion in 'Gymnosperms (incl. Conifers)' started by Green Crown, Sep 13, 2017.

  1. Green Crown

    Green Crown Active Member 10 Years

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    This struggling larch growing in a back yard in Kitsilano has an enormous trunk. Is anyone familiar enough with the genus to tell whether it's Larix decidua or occidentalis?
     

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  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Larix decidua, easy from the cones.
     
  3. Green Crown

    Green Crown Active Member 10 Years

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    Thanks Michael,
    I was leaning that way, but hadn't seen one with a trunk diameter that big in Vancouver before...
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Doesn't look that large to me! But in cultivation, European Larch puts on trunk diameter at least twice as fast as Western - the latter is really difficult to grow well away from its native climate.

    This is what a big European Larch looks like ;-)
    File:Ecaussinnes-d'Enghien AR1bJPG.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    (in a garden in Belgium)
     
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  5. Green Crown

    Green Crown Active Member 10 Years

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    The size is misleading from the photos, though nowhere as big as that one. The trunk is actually about 80 cm in diameter (DBH), but it has been badly cut back for power line clearance for a very long time...
     

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