The North American tree species Larix occidentalis is more commonly known as the western larch and is primarily found in the Pacific Northwest. Coniferous, western larch needles, seeds, and bark are a food source for several species, including the blue grouse, the red crossbill, various rodents, porcupines and bears.

Often growing to great heights and very strong, the western larch is regularly harvested for its wood. In addition to its use as fuel, the tree is commonly used as construction lumber and as utility poles. Extracts from the western larch are also exploited and are utilized to produce an industrial water-soluble gum and turpentine.

The western larch has very thick bark that contains little resin and is remarkably fire-resistant. Fire actually favors the western larch because it needs full sunlight, can quickly invade open areas, and grows swiftly. However, the western larch is quite susceptible to other problems, such as parasite attack. The dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium laricis has caused serious hardship for western larch stands in Oregon and Washington, resulting in their vulnerability to other diseases, thinning, and even death.