Larix decidua - Larch

The Larix decidua, more commonly known as the European larch, is a large iconic conifer of the Alps, and the only deciduous conifer in Europe. This large tree bears rather soft foliage that successively turns from light green in spring to dark bluish-green in summer before becoming golden yellow in autumn. Very hardy, this mountain species adapts well to the plains, provided it is given sunny exposure, well-drained soil, even poor and calcareous, and space.  

The European larch, Larix decidua, is a large conifer that can reach 30 m (98 ft 5 in) in height and 15-20m (49 ft 2 in-65 ft 7 in) in width, whose needles fall in autumn. It originates from the mountains of central and southern Europe, at altitudes between 1400 and 2400 m (4593 ft 2 in and 7874 ft). It is a pioneer species capable of improving poor or degraded soils, with great hardiness (up to -40°C), which develops a long tap root allowing it to resist wind perfectly and to seek moisture in depth. It belongs to the Pinaceae family, such as pines, firs, and spruces. It is a species very close to the Japanese Larix kaempferi. 

The Larix decidua has a generally rounded pyramidal habit, relatively airy. Its growth is moderately fast. Its trunk is straight, it develops numerous almost horizontal branches, the ends of which are sometimes trailing. The bark is greyish in colour, cracked, and very thick on old specimens. On the trunk, this bark becomes reddish-brown and cracks into large scales with age. In spring, the branches are dressed in soft needle-like foliage, of a brilliant light green. They are inserted in rosettes on the branches, and grouped in tufts composed of 35 to 40 units. They take a darker bluish-green hue in summer before turning golden yellow in autumn. The flowering starts before the appearance of the needles in spring and takes place between March and July. The tree produces male and female cones. It is only when the latter have been pollinated that the foliage appears and the branches lengthen. The male cones are numerous, small and yellowish, and hang under the branches. The female cones, on the other hand, are erect and of a pretty bright pink colour, before turning brown at ripeness. At the end of summer, they release brown seeds that are a delight for squirrels and certain birds.

The common larch is a low-demand conifer, easy to grow in the mountains but also in plain gardens, provided the soil remains somewhat fresh in depth and it is placed in a sunny exposure. It will be placed in isolation or in an airy grove, in a large garden or in a park. It can also be made into a delightful bonsai. The graphic qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which favours forms, silhouettes and textures over the waltz of foliage and flowering. 

Advice : Water regularly during the first two years, and in cases of prolonged drought. While it accepts relatively dry soil in cool or mountainous climates, this conifer will be disappointing in climates that are too dry in summer.