Overview
Larix decidua is a deciduous conifer with a broad conical shape. It can live for 250 years and can grow to 30 metres tall.
 
Description
European Larch is the only conifer in the UK to lose its needles over winter, although the cones stay on the tree. There are two species of Larch; European and Japanese. It is a fairly fast growing conifer with a cone like crown when young and as it ages it grows broader.
 
Planting Position
European Larch is very tolerant to cold weather and is able to survive winter temperatures down to at least -50°C. Best grown in well-drained soil and full sun.
 
Size
Growth Rate: Medium
Final Height: 25-45m
Final Spread: 4-8m
 
Foliage & Flowers
The bark is a pinky brown colour, with the smaller branches either amber or pink in colour. The leaves are soft and needle like which grow in clusters from short woody knots. Yellow male flowers form on the underside of shoots and the female flowers are pink/green or white and form at the end of the shoots, these then form into brown cones, which stay on the tree over winter.
 
Plant Interest
European Larch is attractive to wildlife with the buds and cones providing food for various birds and small mammals and the leaves attracting various species of caterpillars. The tree has attractive autumn colour, leaves turn a buttery yellow before they drop.
 
Landscape Use
European Larch is predominantly found in UK woodlands. It can be used as a specimen tree in a large garden or park setting.
 
Uses
The timber from European Larch is hard and rot resistant and is often used for garden furniture, gates and fencing.