Wild Wednesday - European larch
This tree, scientific name, Larix decidua, originates in central Europe but is now widespread in the UK, being introduced over 400 years ago, having been planted timber.
Unlike most conifers, which are evergreen, the European larch sheds its needles in the autumn, making it one of the few deciduous conifers. The needles turn a golden-yellow before falling. This allows the larch to conserve energy during the winter months.
Old larches are commonly 400 to 600 years old, with occasional trees more than 900 years. It can retain old cones on its stems for many years. It can grow up to 40 meters tall and have a trunk diameter of up to one meter. They are fast-growing, especially in their early years.
Twigs are amber or slightly pink, and hairless. Its needles form in clusters, like rosettes, along the twigs. The bark is pinkish brown in colour and thick and develops wide vertical fissures with age.
Today, the wood is mainly used for fencing, gates and garden furniture and construction, highly valued for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. However, the density and resin content can make it challenging to work with, especially for detailed woodworking. Larch can also be prone to movement (expanding and contracting) with changes in humidity and temperature.
European larch is monoecious, meaning it has both male and female cones on the same tree. The male cones release pollen in spring, which fertilizes the female cones.
A favourite for many species of wildlife including squirrels, deer, moths (the caterpillars feed on the foliage) and several bird species. Birds of prey that nest in these trees include the sparrow hawk and goshawk.
These trees have a rich ecological and economic importance and are an iconic species in many European forests.
Read more: European Larch (Larix decidua) - British Trees - Woodland Trust