Larix kaempferi 'Grey Pearl' is an irregularly globose dwarf selection of Japanese larch with foliage that is held closely to the stem giving the plant more of a silver-Blue-green appearance than do most in this species. Older plants tend to develop terminal leaders, becoming more densely conical in shape. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and 3 feet (1 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).
This cultivar originated as a witch's broom found in 1989 by Andre van Nijnatten Nursery, Zundert, The Netherlands. It is often seen misspelled using the name, L. kaempferi 'Gray Pearl,' the American English spelling. In spite of it being a minor nomenclature error, the purist will insist on using the Queen's English spelling.
