Golden larch Pseudolarix amabilis
Golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Mountains of south-eastern China. It grows 12–25 m (39–82 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Golden larch in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Golden larch at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 12–25 m (39–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of south-eastern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Golden larch toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden larch
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Golden larch
- How far apart should I plant Golden larch?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Golden larch need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden larch need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Golden larch?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- Is Golden larch poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Golden larch?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Golden larch. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A deciduous conifer whose soft needles turn clear gold in autumn; artichoke-like cones break apart on the tree. Needs acid soil and a long, warm summer.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis