The Larch Family
European Larch
| Scientific Name: | Larix decidua |
| Location: | Central Europe |
| Dried Weight: | 36lbs/ft3 |
| Janka Hardness: | 740lbf |
| Crushing Strength: | 7,540lbf /in2 |
European Larch has a heartwood which ranges from a yellow to medium reddish brown color. The sapwood is nearly white in color. The grain is straight or spiraled and it has a medium to fine texture. The wood has a greasy or oily feel to it. It is rated as moderately durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but its natural resins have a tendency to gum up saw blades.
Japanese Larch
| Scientific Name: | Larix kaempferi |
| Location: | Japan |
| Dried Weight: | 31lbs/ft3 |
| Janka Hardness: | 600lbf |
| Crushing Strength: | 6,010lbf /in2 |
Japanese Larch has a heartwood which ranges from a yellow to a reddish brown color. The sapwood is nearly white in color. The grain is straight and it has a medium to fine texture. The wood has a greasy or oily feel to it. It is rated as moderately durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but its natural resins have a tendency to gum up saw blades.
Western Larch
| Scientific Name: | Larix occidentalis |
| Location: | Northwestern North America |
| Dried Weight: | 36lbs/ft3 |
| Janka Hardness: | 830lbf |
| Crushing Strength: | 7,620lbf /in2 |
Western Larch has a heartwood which ranges from a yellow to medium reddish brown color. The sapwood is yellowish white in color. The grain is straight or spiraled and it has a medium to fine texture. It has small resin canals present. The wood has a greasy or oily feel to it. It is rated as moderately durable in regards to decay. It is fair to work with but its natural resins have a tendency to gum up saw blades. As well it has a blunting effect on cutters.