Larix sibirica (Siberian Larch)

Larix sibirica (Siberian Larch) is a robust tree native to western Siberia and northern Russia that may reach heights of 100 feet. With age, its beautiful red-brown bark becomes severely furrowed and gnarled. The branches sweep down and rise at the tips, preventing heavy snow from accumulating on them. The extremely thin leaves are barely more than an inch long, starting soft and bright green in the spring and becoming gold in the fall, when the tree is also covered with tiny scaly cones.

* Because of its rot resistance, larch wood is especially valuable for posts, poles, railroad tie sleepers, and mine props.

* It is grown in Canada and the northern United States to a limited extent, first cultivated there in 1806.