European Larch
Larix decidua
- Native to:
- Austria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Ukraine
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Pinaceae
- Genus:
- Larix
- Species:
- Larix decidua
- USDA Symbol:
- LADE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 4500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae), larch budmoth (Zeiraphera diniana), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma), Winter moth (Operophtera brumata), Zale helata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained, sandy loam
- pH:
- 4.5 - 7.0 (acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cooler climates with seasonal moisture
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy; sow in spring.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)