Siberian larch Larix sibirica
Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Siberia, Ural Mountains and northern Mongolia. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Siberian larch in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Siberian larch at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Siberia, Ural Mountains and northern Mongolia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Siberian larch toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: resin, needles
Resin can irritate skin and the stomach; pet toxicity is not well documented.
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 Siberian larch
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Phytophthora ramorum: Sudden oak death pathogen; rhododendron, viburnum, camellia and pieris spread it to oaks and larch. Evidence B
Questions about Siberian larch
- How far apart should I plant Siberian larch?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Siberian larch need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Siberian larch need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Siberian larch?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Siberian larch flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Siberian larch poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Resin can irritate skin and the stomach; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with Siberian larch?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Siberian 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).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Deciduous conifer of very cold continental climates; leafs out early, so late spring frosts can damage new needles in milder areas.
- Larch species are hosts of sudden larch death (Phytophthora ramorum) in Atlantic climates.
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
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis
- Lacebark pine Pinus bungeana