Larix lyallii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Gymnospermae |
Division: | Pinophyta |
Class: | Pinopsida |
Order: | Pinales |
Family: | Pinaceae |
Genus: | Larix |
Species: | L. lyallii
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Binomial name | |
Larix lyallii | |
Natural range of Larix lyallii |
Larix lyallii, the subalpine larch, or simply alpine larch, is a deciduous, coniferous tree native to northwestern North America. It lives at high altitudes, from 1,500 to 2,900 meters (4,900 to 9,500 ft),[3] in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta. There is a disjunct population in the Cascade Range of Washington.
Subalpine larch is hardy and can survive at low temperatures and on thin rocky soils, often being found near the tree line.[3] It can grow in a variety of soils as long as the soil is moist but well drained. However, it is relatively shade intolerant.[3]
David Lyall seems to have discovered the species between 1858 and 1861. John Bernhard Leiberg described it in 1900.[3]