European Larch

Larix decidua

Pinaceae · coniferous tree · introduced

Last updated May 27, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

99 ft

Spread

49 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Size at 20 yr

20 ft

Lifespan

Long-lived

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Well Drained

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Moderate

Hardiness

Zones 2a–8b

Bloom Time

Non-flowering

Fall Color

Yellow

Origin

northern and central Europe

Wood DecayHigh

Wound Infection Window

View full calendar (7 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Needle emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	Bright green needle tufts emerging on spur shoots
Pollen release BBCH 61	Apr 1-Apr 30	Male strobili (red) visible and shedding pollen; female strobili developing
Pollen shed complete BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 15	Male strobili dried and mostly shed; pollen dispersal complete
Cone development BBCH 71	May 1-Sep 30	Small upright cones enlarging on branch tips
Needle senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Needles turning golden-yellow; fall color at peak
Needle drop complete BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Tree fully deciduous; all needles dropped; bare branches visible

Cultivars (1)

'Pendula'

Common name: Weeping European Larch

Hardy to USDA Zone 3

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.