Botanical Name:

Larix decidua

Common Name:

European larch

Family Name:

Pinaceae – pine family

General Description:

Larix decidua has cones and needle-like foliage, so when the needles turn yellow in autumn and fall off, homeowners become alarmed! It might look like an evergreen but European larch is a deciduous conifer. Other trees in this category include Metasequoia (dawn redwood) and Taxodium (bald cypress). European larch is a central European species introduced into the United States during the colonial period. A large, broad spreading tree, it prefers cold climates, moist soils and full sun. It is not tolerant of heat, drought or pollution. The straight species needs a lot of room to grow but there are a variety of interesting cultivars useful on smaller sites.

Zone:

3-6

Resources Consulted:

Davis, Becke. "ILCA Presents-Deciduous Conifers: In a Class by Themselves." Landscape Contractor June 2003: 29-36. Print.

Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign: Stipes, 2009. Print.

Creator:

Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper, Professor, College of DuPage

Creation Date:

2014

Keywords/Tags:

Pinaceae, tree, conifer, cone, needle, deciduous, larch, European larch

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