European Larch
Larix decidua
European Larch (Larix decidua) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40 to 70 ft tall and 25 to 40 ft wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun.
medium to high water40 to 70 ft tall and 25 to 40 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Jens-Christian Svenning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jens-Christian Svenning
- Photo 2: (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (c) Wolfgang Jauch, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (c) Wolfgang Jauch, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2 to 6
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40 to 70 ft tall and 25 to 40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Gold
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Frequently asked questions
- Is European Larch good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Larch is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does European Larch get?
- It matures to about 40 to 70 ft tall and 25 to 40 ft wide.
- How much room does European Larch need?
- Give European Larch about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European Larch grow into?
- European Larch typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is European Larch hardy on the Front Range?
- European Larch is hardy in USDA 2 to 6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does European Larch need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does European Larch grow?
- European Larch is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European Larch live?
- European Larch is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does European Larch turn in fall?
- European Larch turns gold in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is European Larch native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
