Pseudolarix amabilis Autumn Leaf (20/10/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 35m
Eventual Spread: 20m
Hardiness: 4a – 8b
Family: Pinaceae
Pseudolarix amabilis is a slow growing, medium sized deciduous coniferous tree with a broad conical crown. Its bright green leaves are linear, flattened, arranged spirally up to 55mm long and 4mm broad. Its leaves turn golden yellow in autumn before they fall. Its trunk is usually straight and may achieve a diameter of up to 1.5m. Its grey/ brown bark is rough, flaking and largely scaled. Its male flowers are yellow and appear as dense clusters of catkins. The female flowers are green and insignificant. Its fruit is a cone, similar in appearance to a globe artichoke, up to 7cm long and 6cm broad. Its cones are initially purple green, maturing to a red/ brown.
Pseudolarix amabilis (20/10/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Pseudolarix amabilis, commonly known as the Golden Larch (although it is not a Larch), is native to east and south China. Pseudolarix amabilis is the only species in this genus.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pseudolarix is derived from the Greek pseudo meaning ‘false’ and Larix referring to the plants similarity to the Larix genus. Amabilis is from the Latin meaning ‘loveable’.
The landscape architect may find Pseudolarix amabilis useful as an ornamental parkland tree with attractive autumn color. This tree prefers a sheltered position.
Ecologically, Pseudolarix amabilis is of little value to UK wildlife.
Pseudolarix amabilis Bark (20/10/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Pseudolarix amabilis their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Pseudolarix amabilis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid to neutral pH of soil.
Pseudolarix amabilis requires little maintenance.