Larch

There are many species of larch, but the two most familiar to prairie gardeners are the tamarack (Larix laricina) and the Siberian larch (Larix siberica). The Siberian larch is better suited to gardens. It is a lot shapelier and better proportioned, but it is also BIG. It is capable of reaching over 60 ft. It is one of the few deciduous conifers, with fine textured, soft green needles that glow brilliant yellow in the fall before dropping. Fast growing and undemanding, larch prefers moist soil but is extremely drought tolerant once established. There are few trees as beautiful as a larch, and they are also extraordinarily long lived.