Larch trees in the Canadian Rockies
by Sara Eve Alarie
And now for something completely different…the larch tree.
So goes the Monty Python skit. And biologists agree: the larch is different. Larches are one of only a few deciduous (seasonally dropping leaves/needles) conifers (pinecone bearing trees). The needles on larch trees change colour from green to yellow and look particularly vibrant against a clear blue sky. September is a great time to head out on a hike and enjoy the beauty of the larch tree!
3 FUN FACTS ABOUT LARCH TREES
Scientists aren’t exactly sure why larch trees drop their needles. Most conifers keep their needles through the winter. One theory is that larch trees, at least in far northern areas, are better able to survive the harsh, cold weather and potential lack of water and heavy snow by dropping their needles. In Siberia, larches can be found near the Arctic Circle.
Did you watch the Caber Toss at the Canmore Highland Games this year? Cabers are most often made out of larch trees.
Larches may live for over 1000 years.
Larch trees at Tryst Lake. Photo by Sara Eve Alarie.
3 LARCH TREE HIKES IN KANANASKIS COUNTRY
One of the most popular places to see the golden larches in the Rockies is Larch Valley, near Moraine Lake (the trees are gorgeous there). But, unless you head out on a weekday, you will often encounter crowds in this area. Here are three less popular suggestions in Kananaskis Country for your larch tree fix.
You’ll find each of these listed in Gillean Daffern’s Kananaskis Country Trail Guide.
Tryst Lake
Burstall Pass
Pocaterra Ridge