Larix kaempferi 'Paper Lanterns' is a unique narrow upright tree form of Japanese larch with slightly contorting or twisting branches and twigs that bear numerous papery lantern-shaped cones which become very prominent in fall along with the yellow-orange needle display. Foliage is typical medium green during the growing season. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 10 feet (3 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide, an annual growth rate of nearly 1 foot (30 cm).
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the 1980s by Edsel Wood of Aurora, Oregon. Don Howse at Porterhowse Farms, Sandy, Oregon named and introduced it to the nursery trade.
