Larch

The larch, which needs a lot of light, is very variable in its growth form. As a pioneer tree species, it adapts to the local conditions. The European larch grows up to 54 m high and reaches an age of over 1000 years.

From a forestry point of view, the European larch is a valuable tree species. It is highly valued for its frost hardiness, its resistance to snow breakage and storms, and its easily workable and durable wood. Thanks to its strong, deeply anchored roots, the larch strengthens erosion-prone forest soils, especially in the mountains, and is an important element in inner-alpine protection forests.

• Occurrence in cooler regions, mainly in mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America).
• In Switzerland, larches are dominant in the Valais and Upper Engadine.

• Sapwood pale (yellowish), narrow, heartwood reddish brown, darkening strongly, species with mandatory colour heartwood.
• The annual ring line is very clear, thus the distinctive texture.
• Resin channels sparse in the late wood, light in cross-section and in longitudinal section.
• Larch is a wood with an aromatic odour (when fresh).
• Larch wood is one of the hardest and toughest softwoods.

• Furniture and interior design.
• As planed timber.