European larch is a great choice for specimen plantings or in groups for parks and large areas. Unlike most conifers, it drops its needles in winter. Bright green foliage in spring changes to medium green throughout summer, turning a golden yellow in fall before falling.
Botanical name:
All common names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Massing,
- Shade tree,
- Specimen
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 3,
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6
Soil Preference:
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Alkaline soil
Acid Soils:
- Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
- Moderately Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Intolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Intolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Planting Considerations:
- Intolerant of pollution
Ornamental Interest:
- Spring blossoms,
- Fall color,
- Showy fruit
Seasons of Interest:
- early fall,
- mid fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Inconspicuous
Shape or Form:
- Irregular,
- Pyramidal
Growth Rate:
- Moderate,
- Fast
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Insect-eating birds,
- Moths,
- Seed-eating birds
More Information:
European larch (Larix decidua)
photo: John Hagstrom
Tree & Plant Care
Best in sunny site with moist soil. Tolerant of temporary flooding and wet conditions.
Prune in mid-summer.
Disease, pests, and problems
Larch case-bearer can be a problem.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Europe.
Bark color and texture
Mature bark is a scaly, reddish brown.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Clusters of 2 inch long needles on older branches, singularly on new growth.
Bright green in spring changing to medium green throughout summer.
Fall color is golden yellow. Needles are deciduous.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Female flowers are 1/2 inch long and reddish, male flowers are smaller, yellow , and catkin-like along the same twigs.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Small, 3/4 to 1 inch cones persisting throughout winter.