European Larch Larix decidua
- Phonetic Spelling
- LAIR-iks de-SID-joo-uh
- Description
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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. Performs best in locations with cool summers and cold winters.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Can be affected by larch casebearer, which eats the interior of the needles. Aphids, larch sawfly, and Japanese beetle are some insects that may affect this tree. Diseases include needle cast and rust, and canker. This tree loses its uniform habit with age.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Pendula'
Weeping form
- 'Pendula'
- 'Pendula'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Pendula'
Weeping form
- 'Pendula'
- 'Pendula'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Larix
- Species:
- decidua
- Family:
- Pineaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central and Southern Europe
- Wildlife Value:
- Attractive to birds.
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Cover/Habitat
- Dimensions:
- Height: 60 ft. 0 in. - 100 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Horizontal
- Irregular
- Pyramidal
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- more than 60 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- This tree is non-fruiting but produces 1.5" reddish-brown cones that are covered with brown hairs.
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Flowers:
- Flower Description:
- Non-flowering
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The 1", bright green needles will turn a yellow-amber color in the fall.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Surface/Attachment:
- Scaly
- Bark Description:
- The bark on larger branches can be attractive.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Screen/Privacy
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
