Golden larch is often grown as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. The needles turn golden yellow in the fall, providing a spectacular view. Although called larch, this cold-hardy conifer is not a true larch, hence the name Pseudolarix amabilis.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Pseudolarix amabilis is a species of coniferous tree in the pine family Pinaceae. The species is commonly known as golden larch, but being more closely related to Keteleeria, Abies and Cedrus, is not a true larch (Larix). P. amabilis is native to eastern China, occurring in small areas in the mountains of southern Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei and eastern Sichuan, at altitudes of 100–1,500 m (328–4,921 ft). The earliest known occurrences are of compression fossils found in the Ypresian Allenby Formation and mummified fossils found in the Late Eocene Buchanan Lake Formation on Axel Heiberg Island.
It is a deciduous coniferous tree reaching 30–40 m (98–131 ft) tall, with a broad conic crown. The shoots are dimorphic, with long shoots and short shoots similar to a larch, though the short shoots are not so markedly short, lengthening about 5 mm annually. The leaves are bright green, 3–6 cm long and 2–3 mm broad, with two glaucous stomatal bands on the underside; they turn a brilliant golden yellow before falling in the autumn, hence the common name “golden larch”. The leaves are arranged spirally, widely spaced on long shoots, and in a dense whorl on the short shoots.
The cones are distinctive, superficially resembling small globe artichokes, 4–7 cm long and 4–6 cm broad, with pointed triangular scales; they mature about 7 months after pollination, when (like fir and cedar cones) they disintegrate to release the winged seeds. The male cones, as in Keteleeria, are produced in umbels of several together in one bud.
II. How to Grow and Care
Golden larch thrives best in full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil, making its water needs moderate. Special care points include protecting it from strong winds due to its brittle branches, and ensuring that it is watered deeply but infrequently, to mimic its natural habitat. The plant’s moderate care difficulty lies in its demand for specific soil conditions and protection from physical damage.
Sunlight
Golden larch thrives best under full sun exposure, an essential factor for its growth and optimum health. While golden larch can endure a range of light intensities, its preference for bright, direct light facilitates vigorous growth and the development of its characteristic golden fall coloration. Deviations from these optimal conditions, such as insufficient light, may result in stunted growth and reduced foliage vibrancy. It has adapted well to direct sunlight with needles that can withstand intense light without scorching. Recommended for outdoor planting, golden larch should be positioned to receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day to maintain its health and aesthetic appeal.
Watering
Golden larch thrives in its native habitat with a preference for moist, well-drained soil, reflecting its origins in the forests of Eastern China. It exhibits moderate drought tolerance and enjoys consistent moisture without being waterlogged. Care should include watering once every two weeks to maintain this balance. As an outdoor plant, golden larch is particularly adept at adjusting to seasonal rainfall patterns, ensuring it receives adequate hydration during its active growth phase while allowing for natural dormancy periods.
Soil
Pseudolarix amabilis prefer a well-drained porous gravelly subsoil, overlaid with a light sandy loam. They seem to be particularly happy in a soil underlaid with a porous glacial drift. In cultivation, however, they succeed very well in ordinary well-drained soil. When the plants are set in clay soil, which is often done, the soil should be thoroughly loosened by trenching or subsoil plowing, and well under-drained. Any available humus, woodashes, and well-rotted manure incorporated in the soil greatly aid in rendering it friable and porous for the roots.
Manures and mulches
Mulching with ordinary well-rotted barnyard manure in late autumn affords much stimulus to growth. By the following spring the manure will be in a desiccated condition and can be incorporated with the soil. A heavy mulch of old straw, rotten hay, or any similar material over the roots, and this was maintained throughout the entire growing season is beneficial to the plants in a more or less juvenile condition.
In many cases manure is not obtainable. In such an event, newly moved plants should be heavily mulched with rotten straw, rotten hay, or any similar rubbish for a few years until they become established. The frequent stirring of the ground over the roots subsequently will conserve sufficient moisture.
An area extending from the stem to one to two feet beyond the branches, stirred up with hoe and rake perhaps five or six times throughout the growing season, is very beneficial in conserving the moisture around the roots.
Pruning
Removal of the lower branches of Golden larch is a serious mistake, and, if healthy, they should be retained to the base. Pruning or disbudding can be intelligently performed to add much to the natural symmetry. The extraction or removal, early in spring, of the central or terminal bud, will tend to compel the branches which start from the side buds to spread apart and form a much denser growth. Cutting back the previous year’s terminal growth to a strong bud or branchlet on the main limbs over the tree, if the plant is inclined to be thin in its branching, always produces a much denser lateral growth.
Propagation
A deciduous conifer, golden larch is propagated primarily through sowing. For successful germination, fresh seeds benefit from pre-sowing treatments such as stratification to overcome dormancy. Sow under well-draining conditions and provide consistent moisture without overwatering. Once seedlings emerge and reach a certain size, they should be carefully transplanted to avoid damaging the delicate root system. Maintenance involves ensuring adequate sunlight and protection from harsh conditions until the plants are robust enough to be planted out.
Transplanting
Transplanting can be done at all times of the year, excepting midsummer when they are in full growth. The best success is secured in spring when the buds begin to swell. From the end of August to the middle of September, if there have been abundant rains and the ground has been well soaked, is a very good time to move the plants. They may be planted late in autumn when circumstances compel it, but there is likely to be a considerable percentage of loss. Their roots are very susceptible to injury from exposure to the air, and the utmost vigilance should be exercised to keep them covered and moist.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
Due to its rarity and slow growth the value as a timber tree of this conifer is limited to local use, primarily for boat building, wooden foot bridges, and furniture. It is an attractive ornamental tree for parks and large gardens. A few dwarfed forms have been selected and are grown as cultivars in Chinese and Japanese style gardens.
