LARCH (LARIX) - There are two main varieties : EUROPEAN LARCH (LARIX DECIDUA) and JAPANESE LARCH (LARIX KAEMPFERI). Slender, upright trees with bright green, NEEDLE-like LEAVES, which turn golden in autumn before shedding in winter.

The European larch is distinguishable by its pale, straw-like coloured twigs from the Japanese larch's red/orange new twigs which darken to almost purple in winter.

A CROSS between the Japanese Larch and European Larch was found growing naturally in Dunkeld Scotland at the turn of the 20th century. Known as LARIX EUROLEPIS the HYBRID grows faster than either parent and can be found at higher elevations on poorer soil.

STYLE : All styles except broom

WARNING : Needs cool, dry air for compact needles.