Pseudolarix amabilis is endemic to China (probably the lower Chang Jiang valley: N Fujian, Hunan, N Jiangxi, N Zhejiang). It grows on a variety of soils derived from acidic rock in evergreen and deciduous, broad-leaved mixed forests at elevations of 100-1500 meters above sea level. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5 to 7.
Pseudolarix amabilis also called as Golden larch, Pseudolarix fortunei, Pseudolarix pourtetii, is a species of the genus Pseudolarix. This species was described by Alfred Rehder in 1919. It is an excellent ornamental tree with its attractive crown and golden autumn color.
IDENTIFY PSEUDOLARIX AMABILIS - GOLDEN LARCH PLANTS
Pseudolarix amabilis is endemic to China (probably the lower Chang Jiang valley: N Fujian, Hunan, N Jiangxi, N Zhejiang). It grows on a variety of soils derived from acidic rock in evergreen and deciduous, broad-leaved mixed forests at elevations of 100-1500 meters above sea level. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5 to 7.
Golden larch is a deciduous coniferous tree which reaching up to 40 m tall and up to 3 m in diameter trunk that has gray-brown, rough, scaly, flaking bark and broadly conical crown. The long branchlets initially reddish brown or reddish yellow, becoming yellowish gray, brownish gray, or rarely purplish brown in 2nd or 3rd year, finally gray or dark gray. The short branchlets slow growing, bearing dense rings of leaf cushions. The leaves are bluish green adaxially, pale green abaxially, slightly curved or straight, 2-5.5 cm × 1.5-4 mm. Seed cones green or yellow-green (reddish brown when mature). The seeds are white, ovoid, 6-7 mm, mature in October.
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.
PSEUDOLARIX AMABILIS - GOLDEN LARCH PLANTS CARE AND CULTIVATION
The cultivation of these plants presents no special difficulties, if proper soil and exposure are available. The question of hardiness is, of course, all-important. It is not only the problem of temperature the given tree will stand, but also the exposure to winds, and, to a considerable extent, the source from which the tree is derived. If the plants are raised from seeds matured in similar or even more rigorous climates, they are usually more hardy.
Soils:
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 underdrained. 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 benefit to the plants in a more or less juvenile condition.
In many cases manure is not obtainable. In such 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.
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.
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