Also called Common Larch, this is Europe’s only native deciduous conifer, thought introduced to Britain and Ireland in the late sixteenth century. The oldest planted specimen, the ‘Parent Larch’ at Dunkeld, Scotland, dates from 1738. The Dukes of Atholl, ‘the planting dukes’, imported much Tyrolean seed and reputedly fired larch seed from cannons to spread it.

Its natural range spans the mountains of central Europe, across the northern Alps of France, Italy and Austria, and more sporadically the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Romania. In continental climates it grows in mixed coniferous forests alongside Arolla Pine.

Monoecious, long-lived, deciduous tree. Flowers early spring, March–April. Female flowers (later cones) a pretty deep ruby colour, appearing among bright green emerging needles in spring, growing on the same tree as unremarkable yellow-tufted male cones.

Deciduous needles are key; leafless, compare with Maidenhair-tree, Swamp Cypress and Dawn Redwood. Tall (to 45m) and elegant, with branches swooping down then rising at the tips. Twigs yellow-brown, not waxy; buds non-resinous. Bright green needles (3-4cm) flush with the flowers, hanging in soft sprays, turning yellow in autumn. Cones 3cm, upright, scales straight. Japanese Larch differs: waxy red-brown twigs, blue-green foliage, reflexed scales.

Grows well at altitude, preferring sheltered, well-drained soils; intolerant of sea winds and pollution. A light-demanding pioneer, easy to establish. Attractive at woodland edges and a good companion for valuable hardwoods like oak. Trees were once carefully pruned to make low-knot ‘boatskin larch’. It was very popular before a water-mould disease arrived.

Seeds attract birds and Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). Fallen needles enrich the soil, while its deciduous foliage allows more ground flora diversity than most evergreen conifers.

Larches suffer several diseases, notably the water mould Phytophthora ramorum (‘sudden larch death’), believed to originate in Vietnam and reaching Britain in 2002 on imported plants, now widespread. Outbreaks are legally reportable and have limited larch planting; symptoms include stem cankers and needle-drop. It also affects Sweet Chestnut. Larches also suffer Larch Bark Beetle (Ips cembrae).

Renowned for strength, durability and impact resilience. Used in construction where durability matters, such as fence posts, cladding, footbridges, boatbuilding and outdoor furniture. As an ornamental, its elegant form, bright green spring foliage and orange-yellow autumn colour make it an unusually attractive conifer.