Sirhowy Hill Woodlands

Scientific name: Larix decidua

European Larch

The European Larch is an unusual conifer as it is deciduous. It has small cones on brittle twigs which start of as green and red, but turn brown as they mature, eventually opening their ‘scales’ to release the seeds inside. In spring, the needles are bright green but they turn golden yellow in the autumn, before they drop.

How to identify?

The European Larch can be recognised by the clusters or ‘tufts’ of short needles on its twiggy branches, and the small, upright cones that look reddish before hardening. There is usually a thick layer of shed needles beneath the tree as well.

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Scientific Name

Larix decidua

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