1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native hybrid. A cross between European Larch (Larix decidua) and Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi). Bred in the UK in the early 20th century for forestry plantations.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous conifer – unlike most conifers, larches shed their needles each autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Soft, needle-like, 2–4 cm long, borne in clusters on short shoots. Fresh green in spring, turning golden-yellow in autumn before falling.
Bark: Grey-brown, scaly, and fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male flowers are small, yellow clusters; female flowers are bright pink-red, upright cones in spring. Mature cones 2–4 cm long, with scales slightly reflexed (less than Japanese larch).
Overall shape: Tall, straight tree with a conical crown when young, broadening with age.
4. Typical Size
25–35 m tall; spread 8–12 m. Very fast-growing.
5. Habitat & Range
Widely planted across the UK in forestry plantations for timber. Thrives in upland areas on a variety of soils. Rarely found outside plantations, though locally naturalised.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Deciduous needles, soft and clustered.
Cones with slightly reflexed scales (intermediate between European and Japanese larch).
Very fast growth, often in plantation blocks.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Fresh green needle clusters appear; female cones are bright pink.
Summer: Dense green foliage.
Autumn: Needles turn golden-yellow before dropping.
Winter: Bare branches with persistent cones.
8. Human Uses
Important forestry tree – timber strong, durable, and resistant to rot. Used for fencing, posts, cladding, and outdoor structures.
Occasionally planted ornamentally in estates or arboreta.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides nesting habitat in plantations.
Supports some moth caterpillars and insects.
Deciduous habit allows light through to the forest floor, supporting ground flora.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Developed in Britain to combine the fast growth of Japanese Larch with the timber quality of European Larch.
Sometimes called “Dunkeld Larch” after the Scottish site where it was first bred.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates acidic soils but not waterlogging.
Light: Requires full sun.
Watering: Water regularly for first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: 2–4 m in plantations; 8–10 m for specimen planting.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Stake young trees in exposed sites. Minimal pruning required.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Not suitable for streets or small urban sites; better in parks or large landscape plantings.
Garden: Suitable only for large gardens, estates, or arboreta. Too vigorous and large for smaller spaces, but ornamental in autumn.