Larix decidua
Europäische Lärche
European Larch
Meléis
Melèze commun

Size:
After rapid juvenile growth, the larch can grow up to 35 m tall.

Leaf: 
The larch belongs to the conifers and sheds its needles in autumn - the only one among the European conifers to do so. The needles are arranged in clusters and are slightly fragrant. In autumn they fall after a golden autumn colouring.

Flower/Fruit: 
Flowers appear early in early April. The female cone inflorescences are then reddish and the male flowers yellow. The distinguishing feature of the larch is the small egg-shaped cones that can remain on the tree for several years.

Wood:
The wood of the larch is one of the most durable and hardest European woods. Because it has a high resin content, it can be used permanently outdoors (roof shingles, constructions). It is also used to make vats.

Trivia/Use: 
The larch loves windy locations with cold winters but warm summers and needs a lot of light. It is therefore a typical tree of the low and high mountains. In the Alps it is often planted as a house tree.