European larch

Larix decidua

Height can be over 40 m. Deciduous, coniferous. On a mature tree the lower stem is clear of branches. Branches higher up are sparse, thick and horizontal. Needles are light green and soft. On long shoots they grow singly, on short shoots they are clustered in rosettes. Bark is light brown.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Native to Alps and Carpathians. Mountainous, but now widely planted for forestry and ornamental.

What are its young like?

Female flowers are loganberry-red with green stripes. Male flowers are yellow and globe-shaped. Egg-shaped cones 1.5 cm wide.

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