Western Larch

Heartwood is russet or reddish brown; sapwood is straw brown. Usually marketed and sold as Douglas fir-Larch.

Main Uses

Used principally as structural framing timber; when rotary cut, for veneer and plywood sheathing.

Distribution & Availability

Native to the high mountains of the upper Columbia River Basin in Southeastern British Columbia, Northwestern Montana, Northern and Central Idaho, Washington and Northern and Northeastern Oregon.

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Tough fibred and somewhat oily in appearance, the wood weighs 577 kg per cubic metre and is stiff, moderately strong and hard, with moderately large shrinkage. The wood is usually straight grained, splits easily, and is subject to ring shake. Knots are common but generally small and tight.

Durability

Slightly durable. Moderately easy to treat