Larix × marschlinsii 'Varied Directions' / Varied Directions Dunkeld larch

Larix × marschlinsii 'Varied Directions' lives up to its name by growing in a very erratic manner. No two plants are alike in form. Its branches arch laterally and then downward, eventually to the ground. Over time it will require staking to maintain its irregular weeping and horizontal growth. It can develop a vertical leader that will need to be removed if its characteristic shape is to be maintained. It can be a focal point in the landscape but needs to be given plenty of room because it can develop horizontal growth in any direction. Average annual growth is one foot (30 cm) or more, producing a tree 12 feet (3 meters) tall and wide after 10 years in the landscape. A deciduous conifer, like most larches, 'Varied Directions' will turn golden yellow in autumn before dropping its needles, revealing its unusual form during the winter months.

This interesting cultivar originated as a seedling selected in 1985 by Dr. Sidney Waxman of the University of Connecticut at Storrs. This plant is often seen listed and described as a selection of either Larix decidua, laricina or under the former species name, Larix × eurolepis.