European larch

Larix decidua

Tall deciduous conifer of the European Alps, with bright green spring needles, golden autumn colour, and exceptionally durable rot-resistant heartwood used for external cladding, boat construction, and decking.

Hardiness ratings

European larch hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 2–6 −45.6 °C to −17.8 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 2–7 −40 °C to −7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–4 −15 °C to 5 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Heartwood is exceptionally rot-resistant — the standard durable softwood for external use (cladding, decking, fencing, boat planking) across northern Europe
  • Deciduous conifer — drops all needles each autumn and re-flushes brilliant fresh green each spring, an unusual habit among conifers
  • Cold hardy and wind hardy — succeeds in upland and mountain plantings well into USDA zone 2
  • Source of natural Venetian turpentine, a traditional binder for varnishes and bow rosins

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check European larch against your zones

Reference

European larch on Wikipedia