How much sun does Western larch need?

Western larch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Western larch bloom?

Western larch blooms in April and May.

Where is Western larch native?

Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Western larch attract?

Western larch draws wind-pollinated.

Western larch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Larix occidentalis

Last reviewed: November 2026

Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is a perennial tree native to ID, MT, OR, WA. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Western larch, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

480"–1800" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

ID, MT, OR, WA

Pollinators

wind-pollinated

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

A tall, straight-trunked conifer that is unusual among cone-bearing trees for dropping its soft needles each fall after they turn golden yellow. It grows in a narrow, conical form with an open, airy crown.

Growing Western larch

Grow Western larch in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 1800 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Seed cones feed squirrels and finches, and the open canopy allows understory plants to support additional wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Western larch need?: Western larch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Western larch bloom?: Western larch blooms in April and May.
Where is Western larch native?: Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Western larch attract?: Western larch draws wind-pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Western larch? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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