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Western Larch Hardiness zones: 4 to 7
Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is native to the higher elevations of western Montana, northern Idaho, eastern portions of Washington and Oregon, and southeastern British Columbia. One of the tallest species of larch, it reaches up to 150 feet tall. Typical of larch species, this deciduous conifer drops its leaves in the fall. The needles turn a bright yellow before they drop. The spring growth of new needles is also very attractive. The tree has a nice pyramidal form, but should only be used in areas that can accommodate its wide branching habit. Western larch is adapted to wet or well-drained sites and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH. It should perform well in much of the United States and southern Canada.
River Birch 'Little King' Hardiness zones: 4 to 7
'Little King' River Birch (Betula nigra) is an unusual cultivar of the commonly used River Birch tree. The unusual species is native to the eastern United States west to Minnesota and Kansas and can be found as far south as Florida. 'Little King' is a low-branched, small tree that grows only 7 to 8 feet in a 10-year period. The tree has a pronounced, rounded-pyramidal habit. Early spring foliage is bright green, the slightly darker summer foliage is glossy. The exfoliating (peeling) bark is broken into patterns of pale salmon and shades of cinnamon-red. 'Little King' has excellent resistance to borers, chlorosis and heat stress. The neat, compact habit of this cultivar should make it ideal for use as specimen plants, borders, low maintenance landscapes and hedges. 'Little King' will perform well throughout the eastern United States and adjoining southern Canada, the Midwest, protected areas in the Great Plains and throughout much of the West with adequate moisture.
