Photo gallery
European Larch, Alpine Larch
Larix deciduaAbout this product
Larix decidua is a distinctive deciduous conifer native to the mountains of Central Europe, specifically the Alps and Carpathian Mountains. It is also known as Alpine Larch. Though it is not naturalised in the UK, it has been present since its introduction in the early 1600s.
The Alpine Larch has bright green, needle-like foliage that emerges in spring, giving it a frond-like, soft appearance. The seed pods form as erect cones that are green when immature and harden to a dark brown after 4-6 months. These cones often remain on the tree for several years after seed production and contrast nicely with the vivid yellow of the foliage in autumn.
Being a conifer by nature, Larix decidua exhibits a strong dominance from the central stem, ensuring it is regular and pyramidal in shape as it matures. At maturity, the branches of this lovely specimen tend to start to drop, giving an almost pendulous look and broadening the pyramidal shape somewhat.
The European Larch is a stalwart performer. It grows best in well-drained soils and tolerates extreme cold conditions down to -50 °C. This large tree makes a wonderful specimen in parkland or on an estate. Due to its conical shape, it is often planted on verges, and despite its conical shape when young, it should be given ample space to grow and develop.
Mature Height: 20m+