Western Larch is the largest of the larches, reaching 200 feet, and one of the most dramatic trees of the northwestern Rocky Mountains. Like tamarack, it is deciduous, turning brilliant gold in October before needle-fall. It is highly fire-adapted with thick bark protecting old trees, and its open crowns allow forest renewal after fire.
Habitat
Mountain slopes and valley bottoms in the interior Northwest, 2,000–7,000 ft
Diet
Cones eaten by squirrels and crossbills; snags provide critical nesting cavities
How common
Common
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