European larch
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameLarix decidua
Trade / common nameEuropean larch
FamilyPinaceae
RegionWestern Europe · Eastern Europe · Northern Europe
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 the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
Explore possible applications, then tell Woodley what you are interested in making.
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
What would you like to make?
Tell Woodley what you have in mind. Woodley can help explore whether European larch is suitable and guide the next steps.
Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
Red
Black
Purple
Reddish brown
Dark brown
Red - pale
Pale red to pink
Greenish to greyish
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
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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