European Larch: The Only Conifer That Drops Needles in Autumn
Trees

European Larch: The Only Conifer That Drops Needles in Autumn

Larix decidua

European larch: the only deciduous European conifer, needles turning golden yellow before falling in autumn. Grows in the Alps, frost-hardy.

Characteristics

Scientific nameLarix decidua
Height30-50 m
Sunlightpieno sole
Watermedia
Soildrenante acido
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthmedia
Temperature-40 a 25 °C
FloweringApr, May
IrrigationWater in the first 3-4 years after planting, then self-sufficient in cool mountain climate.

European larch is a unique conifer in Europe: unlike all others, it drops its needles in autumn after turning a magnificent golden yellow. It grows in the Alps and Carpathians between 1,000 and 2,400 metres, withstanding extreme cold down to -40 °C. Long-lived, some specimens exceed 600 years.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante acido. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Why does larch drop its needles in autumn?
It is the only deciduous European conifer: its soft needles, not very resistant to deep frost, turn yellow and fall in autumn, reducing winter transpiration.
Where does European larch grow?
Widespread in the Alps between 1,000 and 2,400 metres of altitude, forming the characteristic high-altitude larch forests of Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy and Trentino.

You may also like