Larch

Larix decidua

• The only Conifer (cone bearing tree) to lose its needles in the winter.
• Another non-native, imported into Britain for its fast growing timber.
• Easily remembered as “Lots of Lumpy Larch” because the needles grow out of a lump on the branch in clusters. At this time of year, just as they are emerging, I always think that they look like a mini version of a traditional style shaving brush.
• They have a fantastic female flower, which has a stunning bright pink growth that resembles an exotic pot plant, rather than a tree commonly now found in Britain.
• Like all conifers Larch has resin rather than sap. This energy rich solution can be collected off wounds in the bark and used like wax or vaseline in fire lighting.