Larches are deciduous conifers in the genus Larix, which is part of the Pinaceae family. Larches are large trees, and typically reach heights of 20 to 45 meters (65 to 150 feet) and are native to the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere, dominating the boreal forests of Siberia and Canada. Unlike most conifers, larches lose their needles in autumn.
The tallest species, Larix occidentalis, can grow up to 60 meters (195 feet). Larch trees have sparse crowns, with branches extending horizontally or, in some species, hanging down. Their shoots are dimorphic, featuring single leaves on long shoots (10 to 50 cm) and dense clusters of needles on short shoots (1 to 2 mm). The leaves are light green, measuring 2 to 5 cm in length.
Male flowers are small, orange-yellow cones that fall after pollination, while female cones are erect, ranging from 1 to 9 cm long and changing color from green to brown as they mature. Cones from northern species are smaller, whereas those from southern species tend to be longer. The seeds of larches are winged.
Larches have a broad, deep root system, and their bark is finely cracked. The wood features a distinctive bicolor appearance, with salmon pink heartwood and yellowish-white sapwood.
