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Larix decidua (European larch)

European larch is a gorgeous conifer native to the Alps and Carpathians, found in montane forests from about 4600 feet to about 7000 feet. It is usually mixed with spruces and firs at lower elevations, but often grows in pure stands at higher elevations. In northeastern North America and the Midwest it is sometimes planted as an ornamental, and has been reported as an occasional escapee.

Mycorrhizal mushrooms associating with European larch are numerous, and include several species of Suillus—including Suillus bresadolae, Suillus cavipes, Suillus grevillei, and Suillus tridentinus.

 

Range of Larix decidua

Larix decidua
stature is tall, conic, and scrappy

 

ALarix decidua
bark becomes scaly . . .

 

Larix decidua
. . . and eventually deeply furrowed


Larix decidua
needles are about an inch long, and radiate from spurs


Larix decidua
cones are initially green . . .

 

Larix decidua
. . . becoming brown and papery

 

Larix decidua
spurs give rise to 30–60 needles


Larix decidua
larch needles are deciduous, turning brilliant yellow and orange in late autumn, before falling to the ground; here the larch trees contrast with spruces and with yellow aspens




Kuo, Michael (January, 2022). Larix decidua (European larch). Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.com website: www.mushroomexpert.com/trees/larix_decidua.html

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