Western larch
Larix occidentalis
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA 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.
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.
Ready to grow Western larch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz