European larch (Larix decidua): what the forestry bodies record

This page reports what forestry bodies say about one tree. It does not identify trees from descriptions or photos and does not say what should be done with any tree. Each fact names its source, all read on October 9, 2026. Regulated status of the pathogen that affects larch is on the sudden oak death page and is not repeated here.

At a glance

Item	What the source records
Scientific name and family	Larix decidua, family Pinaceae (Woodland Trust)
Origin	Non-native in Britain (Woodland Trust). Forest Research files it as European larch with the code EL and calls it a Principal tree species.
Height and age	Mature trees can grow to 30 m and live for 250 years (Woodland Trust)
Native range	The Alps, the Carpathians and parts of eastern Europe, usually between 1,000 and 2,200 m above sea level (Forest Research)

Range and varieties

Forest Research says European larch is native to the Alps and Carpathian regions and parts of eastern Europe, including the Sudeten region and the Tatras. It has been widely planted in Britain but not to any great extent, because Japanese and hybrid larch are preferred. The entry names two recognised varieties, one from the Carpathian Mountains and one from hills on the Polish plains, and says the latter is listed as endangered by the IUCN. The Woodland Trust says it originates in central Europe and is now widespread in the United Kingdom, having been planted for timber. EUFORGEN, the European forest genetic resources programme, calls it a large, long-lived, fast-growing deciduous conifer native to the mountains of central Europe.

Site and soil

Forest Research says the tree is adapted to sub-continental climates with low temperatures, is wind firm but suffers from exposure, is not affected by winter cold, and is susceptible to damage by early spring frosts, which it links to infection by canker. It names light, moist but free-draining soils of poor to medium nutrient status as suitable, and says it does not tolerate waterlogged, compacted or very nutrient poor soils. Very fertile soils produce rapid growth and often corkscrew leaders. It says the species is not suited to coastal planting because it is sensitive to salt laden winds. It is a pioneer and strong light demander that self-prunes in a well stocked stand. EUFORGEN says it prefers well-drained, deep and aerated soils, is one of the fastest growing conifers in Europe, and can be outcompeted by more shade-tolerant trees.

Needles, cones and wood

The Woodland Trust describes soft, light green needles 2 to 4 cm long in tufts from short woody knobs, turning golden yellow before falling in autumn. Female structures at the tips of shoots are often called larch roses, in pink, green or white. Ripe seed cones are brown, 3 to 4 cm long, and old cones can stay on the tree for many years. EUFORGEN says the wood is valued for strength and durability and used for construction, fences, roofs, bridges and furniture, and that tannin and resin are used in varnishes and paints. Forest Research gives a rotation length of 50 to 60 years on very good sites.

Wildlife

The Woodland Trust says the seeds are eaten by red squirrels, siskins and lesser redpolls, the buds and immature cones by black grouse, and the foliage by caterpillars of moths including the larch pug.

Pests and diseases the sources name

Forest Research says larches are seriously affected by the introduced pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, which is causing widespread mortality of larch in many parts of Britain: Japanese larch is highly susceptible, and European and hybrid larch are also affected. It says the pathogen is notifiable and that the continuing impact limits planting in much of Britain. All three larches can be killed by the larch bark beetle, Ips cembrae, found in mainland Britain, with stressed trees preferentially attacked, and it is also notifiable. Reports go through TreeAlert. The entry adds conifer root and butt rot, Heterobasidion annosum, a butt rot fungus Phaeolus schweinitzii, larch canker, Lachnellula willkommii, which girdles or distorts branches and stems on susceptible provenances, and occasional defoliation by the needle cast fungus Meria laricis. This site's guide to Ips engraver beetles covers the genus from North American sources.

Text on Forest Research is adapted from its tree species database entry and contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.