Golden-larch
Pseudolarix kaempferi (amabilis)
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Pseudolarix kaempferi, better known by the synonym Pseudolarix amabilis and the common name golden larch, is a rare, slow-growing deciduous conifer native to eastern China. Despite the name, the golden larch is not a true larch but the sole member of its own genus, Pseudolarix, prized for a graceful broad-pyramidal form, soft texture, and a brilliant golden fall color that rivals any maple or ginkgo.
Through the growing season the tree is clothed in soft, spiraled tufts of bright green needles arranged in rosettes along the branches. In autumn the needles turn a rich, buttery yellow before dropping, leaving a stately, sculptural silhouette, and the bark exfoliates subtly with age to add winter texture.
In China the bark of the golden larch, known as tu jin pi, has a long place in traditional medicine as an antifungal wash for ringworm, athlete's foot, and other damp skin conditions, and modern study has taken an interest in the antifungal compounds behind that tradition.
Grow the golden larch as a specimen in well-drained, evenly moist soil and full sun, with shelter from drying winds in hotter climates. Slow and long-lived, the tree suits a large garden, an arboretum, or a naturalistic planting as a botanical showpiece, and rewards patience with one of the finest gold-conifer displays of the fall.
Photos courtesy of Suzanne Cadwell and Jim Robbins.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–9
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 30–60 Feet · Spread 20–40 Feet
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Seasonality
- Deciduous
Small yellow male cones in spring; a conifer, not a flowering tree
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- For external use in tradition; not for internal use
- Traditional use only, not clinically evaluated
- Consult a professional before use
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.