Larch

Description

Larches are conifers, Although they are conifers, larches are deciduous trees that lose their needles in the autumn.  Growing from 20 to 45 m (66 to 148 ft) tall. Its life span is given by different authorities as anything between 100 and 350 years, but the most reliable is normally about 200 years.

European larch needles are the only known food for caterpillars of the case-bearer moth Coleophora sibiricella; its cone scales are used as food by the caterpillars of the tortrix moth Cydia illutana. The Leaves will make a beige dye while the bark makes a brown

If using in as  hedge: All species in a wildlife hedge can be cut back or “Coppiced” without harm. In the 1st year after establishment the hedge can be cut back to stimulate growth of the hedge from the base thereafter cut every 2-3 years. If the weather is unsuitable for planting or receiving the hedging, dig a hole and bury the roots of the bunched plants, they can be held like that till planting. After planting it is advantageous to mulch the hedge with lawn mowing or leaf mould to suppress weeds and also be done with plastic or carpet cuts and covered with soil.