Common Name: Chinese Larch

General Information

Larix potaninii is a deciduous tree with a broad, conical crown; it can grow around 40 - 50 metres tall with a straight or curved trunk around 100 - 150cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is much exploited for its high quality, both from the wild and through cultivation. The plant is also harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials and is used in afforestation projects.
Larix potaninii is a common and widespread species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Nepal, southern and central China

Habitat

Sparingly in moist forests at low elevations, especially by stream, forming pure stands at higher elevations, especially on moist soils; it grows best at elevations above 2,500 metres, reaching up to 4,300 metres and can growing up to the tree line[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	35.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Larix potaninii is a high mountain species generally occurring at elevations from 2,350 - 4,300 metres. The soils are acidic mountain podzols. The climate is cold, the mean annual rainfall varies from 800 - 2,000mm annually according to location[].
Prefers an open airy position in a light or gravelly well-drained soil[]. Plants are intolerant of badly drained soils, but they tolerate acid and infertile soils[]. Succeeds on rocky hill or mountain sides and slopes[]. A north or east aspect is more suitable than west or south[].
This species is very cold-hardy when fully dormant, but the trees can be excited into premature growth in mild maritime regions by mild spells during the winter and they are then very subject to damage by late frosts and cold winds[]. Plants generally do not do well in Britain, growing best in the south-west of the country[, ].
The species is cultivated for timber use in Asia and is also used for afforestation[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
Open ground plants, 1 year x 1 year are the best for planting out, do not use container grown plants with spiralled roots[]. Plants transplant well, even when coming into growth in the spring[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used in afforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The bark contains tannin[, ].

Wood - strong, heavy, durable[]. A valuable timber tree in China where it is used for general construction, pit props, railway sleepers ,making furniture, veneer and to provide pulp for paper[, , ].

Propagation

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.