Pseudolarix amabilis

A beautiful, deciduous conifer with excellent autumn colour, native to China where it is important to Chinese herbalism and considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Pseudolarix amabilis is a slow growing, deciduous conifer with long, lush green needles which turn a brilliant, rich golden-yellow in autumn before they fall.

The spectacular autumn colour produces what is known as the 'dragon's eye' effect (shown by the first photo), where the needles on a spur shoot, colour to gold and bronze, with a small area in the center which is still green. This green area fades as the autumn colour advances.

• Position: Sheltered in full sun.
• Soil: Well drained, lime-free fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Pseudolarix amabilis requires protection from cold winter winds and late frosts as a young plant.
• Rate of Growth: Slow.
• Habit: Eventually a medium sized tree with a conical habit when young and open, spreading branches once established.
  • Height: up to 15 m (50 ft).
  • Spread: 4 m (13 ft).

• Notes: Pseudolarix amabilis is slow growing and will take many years to reach the above height in the U.K.