Western larch may grow in nearly pure 

 stands or in mixed forests of Douglas fir, 

 ponderosa and lodgepole pine. Engelmann 

 spruce, and alpine and grand fir. It ranges 

 from 2,000 to 7,000 feet, growing best on 

 moist locations. These conifers are easily 

 recognized because their foliage is a light 

 green, turning to yellow and dropping in 

 the early fall. Larch is a large, slow-grow- 

 ing tree that can live over 500 years. 



Western larch 



Lodgepole pine often grows in dense 

 stands, where it usually has followed 

 forest fires. The cones may stay unopened 

 on the tree for years, but will burst in in- 

 tense heat and take root in the mineral soil 

 exposed by fire. This slow-growing conifer 

 reaches maturity at about 200 years. Be- 

 cause of its shallow root system, it is prone 

 to windfall. The wood is fine-textured and 

 strong, and is used for lumber, mine tim- 

 bers, and railroad ties. 



Lodgepole is found in many forest types, 

 and has an elevation range of 3,000 to 

 8,500 feet. Deer, moose, and elk live in 

 these forests. 



^11 



Lodgepole pine 



Aspen and cottonwood, because they 

 need lots of moisture, are usually found 

 along waterways and in damp locations. 

 Aspen grow in spring-fed groves near con- 

 ifers, where their golden fall foliage 

 splashes color against the dark ever- 

 greens. Along streams beaver often cut as- 

 pen for winter food, and they use the 

 trunks of cottonwoods to build their dams 

 across creeks and ditches. 



