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Larix decidua

European larch

A deciduous conifer making a large conical tree, broadening with age, with cream young shoots bearing soft, light green needle-like leaves in whorls, turning yellow in autumn. Flowers small, cones to 4cm, erect

Other common names
common larch
Venice turpentine
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Pinaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Larix are deciduous trees of conical habit, with good autumn colour from the soft, needle-like leaves which are borne in whorls on spur-like lateral shoots and spirally arranged on young growth; small ovoid cones persist on the branches

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Alps, Carpathians

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any deep, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in early spring, graft in winter, or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer under mist; cuttings are difficult to root

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to adelgids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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