In its native Japan this ornamental larch was known as the “money pine”. It was used in bonsai work– which is the art of keeping living trees miniature by pruning the roots and branches, and of wiring the branches of normal trees.
The specially dwarfed trees are held to symbolise mortality and the changes of the seasons.
A sacred larch tree was said to exist in Austria up until 1859. If the tree was cut, then the person who cut it was said to be wounded to the same depth as the tree. His wound would not heal until the wound in the tree healed. In addition, no one was allowed to quarrel or swear near the tree… something to bear in mind! |
Larch are fast growing forestry trees which can reach 80ft (24 metres) or more.
The Japanese larch was introduced to Britain in 1861 and has proved particularly suited to this country.
This deciduous conifer is an oriental cousin of the European larch.
The tree grows quickly and is not susceptible to canker like the European larch.
As its vigorous growth shades out vegetation, and its wood smoulders rather than burns, it has sometimes been planted as a fire break between more flammable conifers.
Its uses include boat planking, railway sleepers, fencing, garden furniture and wood pulp. |
