The larch is a typical coniferous tree and yet it also has a few peculiarities. There is much that is surprising in it, which is not always apparent at first glance. Starting with brightly colored blossoms, through to the hardest wood of the conifer family.

Larches grow up to 50m high

name and species

The larches, bot. Larix, are a separate genus of plants from the pine family. Depending on the source, the genus includes 10 to 20 species. The best known in this country are:

  • European Larch - Larix decidua
  • Siberian Larch - Larix sibirica
  • Japanese Larch -Larix kaempferi

origin and distribution

The European larch is native to us and has its main distribution area in the Central European high mountains. The origin of the other two species can be read from their names. In the meantime, they have also become native to us and are a permanent, albeit small, part of the tree population.

growth and age

The three larch species mentioned above differ slightly in growth and age. These are the key data:

  • Growth height 30 to 50 m
  • Age: 200-400 years
  • occasionally also 600-800 years
  • slender, conical crown
  • with age it becomes more expansive
  • young bark is smooth and gray
  • later thick, scaly and reddish brown
  • Cardiac root system of deep and shallow roots

needles

The larch is one of the two species of conifers that shed their needles in autumn. It is therefore also known as a deciduous tree.

  • 20 - 40 needles, arranged in rosettes in clusters
  • Needles are narrow, flattened and blunt
  • first light green, later dark green
  • soft and pliable
  • Length: 10 to 30mm

blossoms

The larch takes 15 to 40 years before it flowers for the first time. Even in the period that follows, the tree always blooms several years later. Flowering time is March to May.

  • male flowers are yellow gold and ovate
  • they are between 5 and 10 mm long
  • female flowers are ovate and somewhat oblong
  • 10 to 20 mm long and erect
  • they are pink to red, turning green in autumn

fruits and seeds

After flowering, the seeds need a year to mature and fledge. The cones themselves remain on the tree for about 10 years.

  • 4 mm long seeds with wings
  • the cones are light brown and ovate
  • Length is 2.5 to 4 cm
  • Width is 1.5 to 2 cm

propagation

The larch is propagated by seeds or by cuttings about 30 cm long.

location claims

The larch is hardy down to - 40 °C and survives even icy winters. It requires the following conditions:

  • Sun to semi-shade
  • loamy, moist, acidic to slightly alkaline soil
  • enough space for the strong root system

diseases and pests

  • Gray larch moth
  • larch canker
  • gray mold
  • larch degeneration
  • larch chute

use

The larch tree is a good source of wood. The wood is hard and weather-resistant. It is suitable for load-bearing structures as well as for outdoor use.

In parks and gardens, the larch usually stands as an attractive solitaire.

toxicity

The larch is not poisonous. The young shoots can even be made into tea. In addition, the larch has healing ingredients that are used in numerous medicinal preparations.

Category:

Trees