Larch

Origin: Siberia, Austria.

Latin name.
Larix decidua Mill.

Natural vegetation area.
In Italy, Alpine arc. In Europe, although with discontinuity, in various mountain areas; a similar species (Larix sibirica Ledeb) covers large parts of the North-East area of Russia.

TRUNK CHARACTERISTICS.
The tree can reach 40 m height, with diameter at breast height up to approx. 1 m; the older trees always feature a thick bark. Under normal conditions, the trees are rather straight and regular, but with a high degree of taper of the trunk; on steep slopes at high altitude, the trunks are often curved at the base, with elliptical section and with a strong presence of compression wood.

WOOD APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS.
The yellowish moderately thick sap is clearly distinguishable from the red, reddish dark brown or even purple heart; since it is a mountain species, the growth rings are nearly always quite small. On the radial sections, the medullary rays – although they are very small – can be distinguished for their colour. Abundant presence of resin, which sometimes forms actual pockets within the wood.

Specific weight.
In the fresh condition: 860 kg/m³ on average; after normal seasoning: 650 kg/m³.

Histological structure.
Fine texture; grain not always regular, often spiral grain as a consequence both of the environmental conditions typical of the site, and of the influence of wind.

Shrinkage.
Medium.

Mechanical characteristics.
Axial compression strength 51 N/mm² on average; bending strength 92 N/mm²; low hardness. The impact behaviour is fair.

Modulus of elasticity.
14.000 N/mm².

Most frequent structural defects and alteration.
Compression wood; grain deviation; resin pockets; rarely, fungal attack already in the standing trees.

Durability.
Mediocre for the sapwood; fair for the heartwood.

 

Texts taken from: “Manuale tecnico del legno”, FNALA CNA LEGNO LEGNO, by Prof. Ing. Guglielmo Giordano.

 

Species available for the following products: