Wikipedia states: It is a medium-size to large deciduous coniferous tree reaching 25-45 m tall, with a trunk up to 1 m diameter (exceptionally, to 55 m tall and 2 m diameter). The crown is conic when young, becoming broad with age; the main branches are level to upswept, with the side branches often pendulous. The shoots are dimorphic, with growth divided into long shoots (typically 10-50 cm long) and bearing several buds, and short shoots only 1-2 mm long with only a single bud. The leaves are needle-like, light green, 2-4 cm long which turn bright yellow before they fall in the autumn, leaving the pale yellow-buff shoots bare until the next spring. The cones are erect, ovoid-conic, 2-6 cm long, with 30-70 erect or slightly incurved (not reflexed) seed scales; they are green variably flushed red when immature, turning brown and opening to release the seeds when mature, 4–6 months after pollination. The old cones commonly remain on the tree for many years, turning dull grey-black. It is very cold tolerant, able to survive winter temperatures down to at least -50°C, and is among the tree line trees in the Alps, reaching 2400 m altitude, though most abundant from 1000-2000 m. It only grows on well-drained soils, avoiding waterlogged ground. The seeds are an important food for some birds, notably Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Citril Finch, while the buds and immature cones are eaten by Capercaillie. European Larch needles are the only known food for caterpillars of the case-bearer mothColeophora sibiricella.

The Plants For A Future Database describes on its website: Larix decidua - Mill. Larch Author Mill. Botanical references 11, 200 Family Pinaceae Genus Larix Synonyms Larix europaea - DC. Known Hazards None known Range C. Europe - Alps to N. Russia and Siberia. Naturalized in Britain. Habitat Forms extensive open forests at high altitudes[81]. Edibility Rating 2 (1-5) Medicinal Rating 3 (1-5) Physical Characteristics A decidious Tree growing to 45m by 15m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 4 and is frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution. Habitats Woodland Garden; Canopy; Edible Uses Edible Parts: Inner bark; Manna. Inner bark - it can be eaten raw or can be dried, ground into a powder and used with cereal flours in making bread etc[2, 177]. A sweet-tasting manna is obtained from the trunk, it can be eaten raw but is mainly used medicinally[2, 7, 46, 61, 105]. Another report says that 'Briancon manna' is exuded from the leaves in the summer[4]. It is white, sweet and almost odourless[4]. Medicinal Uses Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Anthelmintic; Antidote; Antiseptic; Astringent; Bach; Balsamic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Haemostatic; Laxative; Rubefacient; Stimulant; Vermifuge; Vulnerary. The bark, stripped of its outer layer, is astringent, balsamic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and vulnerary[4, 21]. Its main application is as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis and has also been given internally in the treatment of haemorrhage and cystitis[4, 238]. A cold extract of the bark is used as a laxative[9]. As an external application, it is useful in the treatment of chronic eczema and psoriasis[4]. The powdered bark can be used on purulent and difficult wounds to promote their healing[21]. The bark is harvested in the spring and should be dried rapidly[4]. The turpentine obtained from the resin is antiseptic, balsamic, diuretic, haemostatic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4, 238]. It is a valuable remedy in the treatment of kidney, bladder and rheumatic affections, and also in diseases of the mucous membranes and the treatment of respiratory complaints[4]. Other reports say that it is contraindicated for anyone with a kidney complaint[7, 238]. Externally, the turpentine is used in the form of liniment plasters and inhalers[4]. It has also been suggested for combating poisoning by cyanide or opium[4]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Lack of confidence', 'Anticipation of failure' and 'Despondency'[209]. Other Uses Pioneer; Resin; Tannin; Wood. Large quantities of resin are obtained by tapping the trunk[4]. Small holes are bored into the trunk, most resin being obtained from near the centre of the trunk[171]. When properly made, the same borehole can be used for 20 - 30 years[64]. The resin has a wide range of uses including wood preservatives, varnish, medicinal etc[4, 64]. It needs no preparation other than straining through a cloth to remove plant debris etc[4]. The hole is made in the spring and the resin extracted in the autumn[64]. Resin can be extracted from May to October[4]. The yield is about 40 grams per tree[64]. A fast-growing tree that establishes itself rapidly and is also said to improve the quality of the soil, the larch can be used as a pioneer species on cleared and exposed land in order to assist the establishment of other woodland trees[4]. The bark contains tannin[171]. This is much utilized in N. Europe[223], though in Britain the oak is considered to be a better source[4]. On a 10% moisture basis, the bark contains 11.6% tannin[223]. Wood - durable, tough, elastic, easy to split, takes a good polish[4, 46, 61, 81]. Larch produces one of the toughest woods obtained from conifers and is also resistant to woodworm[4]. It is widely used in construction, for railway sleepers, cabinet work etc[4, 46, 61, 81]. Scented Plants Leaves: Crushed The young shoots have a delicate mossy fragrance as the leaves unfold. Cultivation details Prefers an open airy position in a light or gravelly well-drained soil[11, 200]. It tolerates acid and infertile soils, though it dislikes very peaty or very chalky soils[11]. Another report says that it tolerates chalky soils[200]. Succeeds on rocky hill or mountain sides and slopes[200]. Tolerates salt-laden gales according to one report[75] whilst another says that it dislikes exposed positions[11]. The larch dislikes atmospheric pollution and so does not grow well in towns[185]. A north or east aspect is more suitable than west or south[11]. It dislikes growing in wet ground or frost pockets[11, 81], and grows best in areas with abundant rainfall[11]. The larch is a very ornamental tree that is widely grown for forestry[11, 81]. It is very fast growing with new annual growth of 1.5 metres often found and trees can average 60cm or more for many years[185]. The dormant trees are very cold hardy, but they are often excited into premature growth in Britain by mild spells during the winter, the plants are then subject to damage by late frosts and cold winds[1, 185]. The young shoots have a delicate mossy fragrance as the leaves unfold[245]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Open ground plants, 1 year x 1 year are the best for planting out, do not use container grown plants with spiralled roots[200]. Plants transplant well, even when coming into growth in the spring[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[81, 200]. Propagation Seed - sow late winter in pots in a cold frame. One months cold stratification helps germination[113]. It is best to give the seedlings light shade for the first year[78]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Although only a few centimetres tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer providing you give them an effective weed-excluding mulch and preferably some winter protection for their first year. Otherwise grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. The seed remains viable for 3 years[113] If you are growing larger quantities of plants, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in late winter. Grow on the seedlings in the seedbed for a couple of years until they are ready to go into their permanent positions then plant them out during the winter. Links This plant is also mentioned in the following PFAF articles: Trees and Shrubs for Shelterbelts: E-M. References [1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951 Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]). [2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6 Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references. [4] Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants. [7] Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5 Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs. [9] Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0-600-37216-2 Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of interesting information. [11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981 A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. [21] Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983 ISBN 0-553-23827-2 Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book. [46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959 An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader. [61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202 Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader. [64] Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber 0 A very good book dealing with the subject in a readable way. [75] Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984 A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas. [78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948 A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants. [81] Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm 1987 ISBN 0-7470-2801-X Deals with conifers that can be grown outdoors in Britain. Good notes on cultivation and a few bits about plant uses. [105] Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976 The most comprehensive guide to edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader. [113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009 A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader. [171] Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952 Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a bit of detail about the plants it does cover. [177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts. [185] Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975 ISBN 0-11-710012-9 A bit out of date (first published in 1972), but an excellent guide to how well the various species of conifers grow in Britain giving locations of trees. [200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. [209] Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. 1985 ISBN 85207 002 0 Details the 38 remedies plus how and where to prescribe them. [223] Rottsieper. E.H.W. Vegetable Tannins The Forestal Land, Timber and Railways Co. Ltd. 1946 A fairly detailed treatise on the major sources of vegetable tannins. [238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. [245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details.