European larch
Captured from current WPhistorical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameLarix decidua
Trade / common nameEuropean larch
FamilyPinaceae
RegionThe native range of European larch is separated into four distinct, closed regions plus several outliers centered in the Alps. It extends from Switzerland south to Italy. European larch been widely planted throughout Europe and Great Britain, and has also been planted in southern Canada and the northeastern United States. It has become naturalized in Maine, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The tree prefers moist soils and usually thrives well under cool and humid temperate conditions. European larch is described as a very adaptable tree which grows very quickly when young, but each tree requires enough light and space, which tends to control the number of trees surviving to maturity.
Distribution
The native range of European larch is separated into four distinct, closed regions plus several outliers centered in the Alps. It extends from Switzerland south to Italy. European larch been widely planted throughout Europe and Great Britain, and has also been planted in southern Canada and the northeastern United States. It has become naturalized in Maine, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The tree prefers moist soils and usually thrives well under cool and humid temperate conditions. European larch is described as a very adaptable tree which grows very quickly when young, but each tree requires enough light and space, which tends to control the number of trees surviving to maturity.
Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: planking, Bridge construction, Canoes, Clogs, Decorative veneer, Domestic flooring, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory flooring, Figured veneer, Flooring, Foundation posts, Interior construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Lifeboats, Light construction, Lock gates, Mine timbers, Parquet flooring, Pile-driver cushions, Piling, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Shipbuilding, Siding, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stakes, Stringers, Sub-flooring, Utility poles, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Windows
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
European larch
Captured from current WPhistorical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: planking, Bridge construction, Canoes, Clogs, Decorative veneer, Domestic flooring, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory flooring, Figured veneer, Flooring, Foundation posts, Interior construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Lifeboats, Light construction, Lock gates, Mine timbers, Parquet flooring, Pile-driver cushions, Piling, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Shipbuilding, Siding, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stakes, Stringers, Sub-flooring, Utility poles, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Windows
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Appearance
Heartwood color
Brown
Red
Black
Purple
Reddish brown
Red
Dark brown
Red - pale
Pale red to pink
Greenish to greyish
Brown
Sapwood Color
White
Yellow
Well defined
Paler than heartwood
White to yellow
Thin sapwood
Resinous
Pinkish
Pale yellow
Luster
Slightly lustrous
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: planking, Bridge construction, Canoes, Clogs, Decorative veneer, Domestic flooring, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Factory flooring, Figured veneer, Flooring, Foundation posts, Interior construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Lifeboats, Light construction, Lock gates, Mine timbers, Parquet flooring, Pile-driver cushions, Piling, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Shipbuilding, Siding, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stakes, Stringers, Sub-flooring, Utility poles, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Windows
Full Technical Species Profile
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