1 / 4
Hardyplants at English Wikipedia, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Larix decidua 'Pendula'
Weeping European Larch
Central Europe (species); cultivar of garden origin
Learn more
Overview
Larix decidua 'Pendula' is the weeping European larch, a deciduous conifer typically top-grafted onto a standard (straight trunk) at 48–96 inches (120–240 cm), reaching 96–180 inches (240–450 cm / 8–15 feet) tall and 48–96 inches (120–240 cm / 4–8 feet) wide. The branches cascade downward from the graft point, creating a curtain of weeping foliage that reaches the ground. The mature height depends on the graft height — the weeping branches do not grow upward on their own (unless staked). Bright green soft needles in rosettes on spur shoots — turning golden-yellow in fall before dropping. Pink to red female strobili in early spring. Bare through winter — the sculptural twisted weeping branch structure is visible after needle drop. A deciduous weeping conifer: the seasonal cycle includes bright green spring emergence, full green summer curtain, golden-yellow fall color, and bare winter branch architecture — four distinct seasonal appearances. Small brown cones 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm). In the pine family (Pinaceae). The bare winter form is a sculptural feature — the twisted weeping branches are visible against the sky. Tolerates extreme cold (zone 2). Intolerant of heat and humidity (zones 7+). Full sun. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 2–6. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
The species L. decidua is native to the mountains of central Europe. 'Pendula' is a weeping cultivar, typically top-grafted.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen in zones 2–6. The four-season cycle (green, green, gold, bare sculpture) is the cultivar feature. The graft height determines mature height. Intolerant of hot humid summers. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Early spring (March–April). Pink to red female strobili appear before needles fully expand. Small brown cones persist. The four-season cycle (green spring, green summer, gold fall, bare winter sculpture) is the primary feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to red female strobili; yellow male strobili (early spring)Foliage Description
Bright green (spring-summer), turning golden-yellow in fall; soft needles in rosettes on spur shootsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. The height depends on the graft height. Branches cascade to the ground — do not prune the weeping growth. Intolerant of heat and humidity (zones 7+). Tolerates extreme cold (zone 2). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 2–6.Pruning
Minimal pruning — the weeping form develops naturally from the graft point. Remove any upward-growing shoots from below the graft (rootstock suckers). Train a leader up a stake if additional height is desired. The bare winter branch sculpture requires no maintenance.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons