European larch Larix decidua
European larch (Larix decidua) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Alps and Carpathians (Polish Sudetes and Tatras). It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -40 °C (-40 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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European larch at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -40 °C (-40 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Alps and Carpathians (Polish Sudetes and Tatras) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is European larch toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with European larch
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about European larch
- How far apart should I plant European larch?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does European larch need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does European larch need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is European larch?
- It tolerates about -40 °C (-40 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does European larch flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is European larch poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with European larch?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for European larch. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Bright green new needles and red “larch roses” in spring, gold in autumn, bare in winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Norway spruce Picea abies
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis