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Latin Name:	Larix russica
Common Name:	Siberian larch
Family:	Pinaceae
Synonyms:	L. sibirica. Ledeb.
Known Hazards:	None known
	Author:  (Endl.)Sabine.
Habit:      Deciduous Tree
Habitat:  Not known
Height:  30.0     Width:
Cultivation Details: Prefers an open airy position in a light or gravelly well-drained soil[200]. Plants are intolerant of badly drained soils, but they tolerate acid and infertile soils[200]. Succeeds on rocky hill or mountain sides and slopes[200]. A north or east aspect is more suitable than west or south[1]. This species is very cold-hardy when fully dormant, but the trees can be excited into premature growth in Britain by mild spells during the winter and they are then very subject to damage by late frosts and cold winds[1]. The tree often comes into growth in January or February and is then very susceptible to frost damage[185]. A 56 year old tree at Kew in 1956 had only reached 4 metres tall and was dying[185]. It is impossible to grow this tree in lowland Britain, though it should succeed above a height of 300 metres in the eastern Scottish Highlands[200]. Growth is normally slow in Britain with average height increases of less than 30cm per year[185]. Trees are planted for timber in N. Europe, especially in Sweden and Finland[50]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Open ground plants, 1 year x 1 year are the best for planting out, do not use container grown plants with spiraled roots[200]. Plants transplant well, even when coming into growth in the spring[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
Propagation Notes: Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. One months cold stratification helps germination[113]. Grow on the seedlings in open ground until they are ready to go into their permanent positions. Give the seedlings light shade for the first year[78]. The seed remains viable for 3 years[113]. If seed is in short supply then it is possible to sow it in pots in a cold frame, pricking out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. The seedlings 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 plant them out in early summer of the following year.
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