Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
European larch

How to identify European larch (Larix decidua)

European larch, also known as White larch

European larch is a majestic, large-sized conifer that exhibits a distinctive pyramidal to irregular silhouette with age. This deciduous species boasts drooping, horizontal branches that contribute to its graceful structure. In its youth, european larch presents a more slender outline, which becomes more eclectic in form as it matures. The tree is characterized by its cones and withered branches that often cling on, adding to the tree's character. It has a preference for cooler climates and demonstrates poor tolerance to hot, humid environments. As a sizable tree, european larch is suitable for expansive spaces, where it can flourish best with ample room to grow.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify European larch

1

Needle-like, bright green leaves in clusters of 20 to 40, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long.

2

Distinctive bark transitions from smooth and grayish to rugged, furrowed, and flaky.

3

Conspicuous conifer cones, reddish-brown, with ovate to conical shape, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).

4

Graceful, pyramidal to irregular silhouette, with drooping, horizontal branches and robust, grooved trunk.

5

Yellow-amber color change of leaves in autumn, adding a striking seasonal feature.

European larchEuropean larchEuropean larchEuropean larchEuropean larch

Detailed Traits of European larch

Leaf Features

European larch has needle-like leaves that are typically 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long. These bright green needles grow in clusters of 20 to 40 and exhibit a soft, flexible texture. Each needle is slender and pointed, with a smooth surface. In autumn, the needles turn a striking yellow-amber color before falling off the branches. This seasonal color change is a distinctive feature.

Leaf Shape

Acicular ,
Linear

European larch Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Arrangement

Fascicled

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,
Obtuse

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

European larch's flowers are inconspicuous and not the primary feature for identification. They are small and emerge early in the spring. Male flowers are yellowish-green, spherical, and about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. Female flowers are reddish or pinkish, larger, oval, and reach up to 0.4 inches (10 mm) long. They lack a noticeable scent and are pollinated by wind. The flowering period occurs in late April to early May.

European larch Flower image
Corolla Type

Apetalous

Inflorescence Type

Panicle

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The 'fruit' of european larch is actually a conifer cone, typically measuring about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in size. These cones are characteristically reddish-brown and possess a distinct texture due to the brown hairs that cover their surface. Their ovate to conical shape can aid in their identification. These cones are not fleshy fruits, as found in many plants, but rather serve as the reproductive structures whereby european larch disperses its seeds.

European larch Fruit image
Fruit Type

Cone

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify European larch easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About European larch

Attributes of European larch
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
25 m to 45 m
Spread
18 m to 24 m
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Flower Size
3.5 mm to 5 mm
Flower Color
Pink
Yellow
Red
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of European larch

Family
Pine
Icon allow
Genus
Larches
Icon allow
Species
European larch (Larix decidua)
Learn More About the European larch

Distribution Map of European larch

European larch is native to mainland Europe, where it can form large forests or can be found planted in urban settings. It has also been cultivated in other parts of Europe, Turkey, and North America. Unfortunately, it has become invasive in New Zealand.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app