Larix occidentalis - Western larch
Western LarchLarix occidentalis
Family: PINACEAE
The larch is a deciduous conifer that drops its soft needles during fall. The turning of its needles from green to golden yellow make for an incredible autumn display in the mountainous regions. L. occidentalis is extremely fire resistant and grows faster than any other regional conifer. Larches provide ecological niches for a wide variety of animal species.