What hardiness zones is Larix decidua suitable for?

Larix decidua is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

What are the sun requirements for Larix decidua?

Larix decidua requires Full Sun.

How much water does Larix decidua need?

Larix decidua has Medium water needs.

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Coniferous Trees

Larix decidua

European Larch

Pinaceae

Mountains of central Europe (Alps, Carpathians)

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height50-80 feet (15-24 m)

Width20-30 feet (6-9 m)

Maturity30 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 6

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Larix decidua is a large deciduous conifer reaching 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall with a spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 m), developing a pyramidal form in youth becoming more open and irregular with age, with drooping to horizontal branches. One of only a handful of deciduous conifers — drops all needles in autumn, a feature that frequently surprises observers unfamiliar with the genus. Needles are soft, flexible, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, borne in dense clusters (fascicles) of 20-40 on short spurs along the branches, with single needles on new extension shoots. Spring needle emergence is one of the most distinctive displays: bright, fresh, lime-green tufts along every branch, often accompanied by tiny, upright, rose-red to purple female strobili (immature cones) — a combination of green and red that is striking at close range. Summer foliage is medium green. Autumn color is outstanding: clear golden-yellow, lasting 2-3 weeks before needle drop. Winter silhouette reveals the branching architecture and small, persistent, upright, woody cones 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) that remain on the tree for years. Bark is grayish-brown, becoming deeply furrowed and platy on mature trunks. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Native to the mountains of central Europe (Alps, Carpathians). The oldest known Larix decidua specimens in the Alps exceed 1,000 years. Performs well in the Pacific Northwest; prefers the cooler conditions of the region.

Native Range

Native to the mountains of central Europe, primarily the Alps and Carpathians, from the French Alps east to Poland. Occurs at 1,000-7,500 feet (300-2,300 m) elevation. Widely planted in northern Europe and North America.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a large specimen, shade tree, or park tree where the four-season interest — spring green/red, summer green, autumn gold, winter silhouette with persistent cones — can be appreciated, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) apart. The deciduous habit makes it useful where winter light transmission is desired (unlike evergreen conifers). Effective in groups or groves. Not suitable for small residential lots. 'Pendula' is a weeping form for smaller spaces. The autumn golden display is outstanding among conifers.

How to Identify

Identified by deciduous habit (needles drop in autumn — unusual for a conifer), soft flexible needles in dense clusters of 20-40 on short spur shoots, small upright woody cones persisting on branches, and pyramidal form with horizontal to drooping branches. Distinguished from Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) by fewer needles per fascicle, cone scales that are straight (not reflexed/rolled back at tips), and less blue-green foliage. Distinguished from Pseudolarix amabilis (golden larch) by smaller needles and much smaller cones. The soft deciduous needles in dense clusters on spur shoots are diagnostic for the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 80'

Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

gold

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Tiny rose-red to purple female strobili (immature cones) appear in spring alongside the emerging bright green needles — ornamentally notable at close range. Male strobili are small, pendulous, yellow. Mature woody cones are upright, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), persistent on branches for years. The spring combination of bright green needle tufts and red strobili is the most notable reproductive display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rose-red to purple female strobili; yellow male strobili

Foliage Description

Bright lime-green (spring), medium green (summer), golden-yellow (fall)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture. Plant in full sun — larches are intolerant of shade. Prefers cool conditions; grows best in the Pacific Northwest where summers are not excessively hot. Tolerates a range of soils but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Avoid planting in hot, exposed urban heat islands. Larch casebearer moth and larch sawfly are occasional defoliators but rarely cause lasting damage. Canker diseases can affect stressed trees.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January to February) while dormant. Establish a strong central leader in youth. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning — larches have a naturally open branching structure that is part of their character. Lower branches can be removed to raise the canopy for clearance.

Pruning Schedule

winter

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic