Natural Habitat: Cool moist mountain forests, north and east facing slopes, mixed conifer stands
Foliage / Flowers: Deciduous conifer with soft bright green needles in clusters of 15-30, turning golden yellow in fall before shedding. Small reddish spring cones develop into upright brown seed cones.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
20-year Height: 25-40 ft depending on site quality
Elevation Range: Common from 2,000-6,000 ft
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-6
Fire Tolerance: High, thick bark and self-pruning branches help older trees survive moderate fire
Wind Tolerance: High
Soil Preference: Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils with moderate moisture
Alkali / Saline Soil Tolerance: Low
Life Span: 300 to 600 years, occasionally older
Minimum Annual Precip: Performs best with 20 to 30 in of annual moisture
Drought Tolerance: Medium once established
Windbreak Spacing: 10 to 16 ft apart
Potential Pests / Disease: Larch casebearer, bark beetles, needle cast fungi
Deer Resistance: Moderate, young seedlings browsed but older trees less palatable
Wildlife Value:
- Seeds eaten by small mammals and many bird species
- Provides habitat and nesting sites in mixed conifer stands
- Bark and decaying wood support insects that birds feed on
- Seasonal canopy structure provides shelter for wildlife
