Larix decidua, the European larch, is a species of larch native to the mountains of central Europe, in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains, with small disjunct lowland populations in northern Poland.

Larix decidua, commonly called European or common larch, is a deciduous conifer although it looks like a needled evergreen in summer. It is a large tree that will grow to 60-100’ tall with a pyramidal shape, horizontal branching and drooping branchlets.

The European larch, Larix decidua (= europaea), is hardy to zone 2. In its native range in the Alps and Caucasian mountains, it forms extensive forests at high altitudes. It has also naturalized in other parts of northern Europe on moist soils in temperate regions.

A sight to behold in the fall, Larix decidua (European Larch) is a large deciduous conifer of elegant beauty. It features an upright, conical form when young, becoming broad with age. In older trees, the branches tend to droop gracefully.

May turn a rich yellow color in fall. Cones narrowly ovate, 2.5-4 cm long, 40-50 seed scales, upright, light brown. Sun. Readily transplanted when dormant. Best with sufficient moisture, well-drained and sunny conditions. Does not grow well in very dry or wet soils. Hardy to USDA Zone 2 Native to northern and central Europe.

European Larch is a large deciduous conifer with a pyramidal to irregular shape with drooping horizontal branches. Its size makes it an ideal plant for a large property. Its slender form when young becomes more irregular with cones and dead branches persisting as the tree ages. It is intolerant of hot, humid conditions.

Luminous, lime green foliage brightens the weeping Larix decidua ‘Pendula’ in early spring and the deciduous, grass green foliage persists through summer. In fall, needles turn golden before dropping to reveal tawny twigs. As trees age, branches divide and the tree’s girth increases.

Larix decidua ‘Horstmann’s Recurva’ develops wispy branches that twist and curl to fantastic effect, especially in winter, after needle drop. In late winter, rosy buds swell along the gray curlicues and herald the coming longer days earlier than other conifers.

European larch (Larix decidua) is a large, long-lived, and fast-growing deciduous conifer native to the mountains of central Europe. European larch is light-demanding and prefers well-drained, deep, and aerated soils.

As a mountain-dwelling species, Larix decidua is outside its comfort zone in the warm and dry summers of the English Home Counties, but is still capable of growing old and picturesque. The giant aerial root of this veteran in St Albans' Verulam Park in Hertfordshire suggests that it may have been planted on a long-eroded bank or mound.