Western Larch


Name Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)
Type Softwood.
Other Names Also known as larch, tamarack, western tamarack, hackmatack, Montana larch, and mountain larch.
Sources Grows in British Columbia and northwestern United States. Most important Larch timber species.
Appearance Straight grained with a coarse texture and oily appearance. Reddish brown heartwood and yellowish white sapwood.
Physical Props Moderately heavy and hard with high stiffness, bending and crushing strength, and moderate decay resistance. One of the harder, stronger, and heavier softwoods. Stable in service.
Working Props Works fairly well although stringy grain can cause problems when planing. Turns, routs, and bores well. Glues satisfactorily. Holds nails and screws well but pre-drilling recommended to prevent splitting. Primer recommended for paints and other finishes.
Uses Used for construction lumber, interior finish, sash, flooring, doors, boxes, crates, pallets, casks, veneer, plywood, and glue-laminated beams. Properties are similar to those of Douglas-fir and is often marketed and sold as “Doug fir-Larch”.