Japanese larch

tree

Also known as: Larix leptolepis

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) is an ornamental tree native to Japan. It is characterized by its leaves, which have two white bands underneath, and its cone scales that reflex at the apex.1

Larches, in general, belong to the genus Larix and are coniferous trees found in cool, temperate, and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike many conifers, larches shed their needle-like leaves in autumn, similar to deciduous trees. These needles are arranged spirally on new growth and in whorls on older twigs. Larch wood is known for being coarse-grained, strong, hard, and heavy, making it suitable for uses such as ship construction, telephone poles, and railroad ties.2

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larch
…grown as ornamentals, especially the Japanese larch (L. leptolepis) and L. decidua ‘Pendula,’ a cultivar of the European larch. Larch wood is coarse-grained, strong, hard, and heavy; it is used in ship construction and for telephone poles, mine timbers, and railroad ties.
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…grown as ornamentals, especially the Japanese larch (L. leptolepis) and L. decidua ‘Pendula,’ a cultivar of the European larch. Larch wood is coarse-grained, strong, hard, and heavy; it is used in ship construction and for telephone poles, mine timbers, and railroad ties.
Read More