One of the deciduous genera of conifers, the ten or eleven species of Larix are native to the temperate-cold zones of the northern hemisphere. Larix decidua, in its autumn foliage in these photographs, is native to higher elevations of southern Europe in a range spanning from France to Ukraine.
While most of the oldest tree species grow in the New World (the oldest, a bristlecone pine, tops the list at over 5000 years old), European larch can also reach the 4-digit milestone. At least one tree has been recorded as having a 980 year ring count “that did not go to pith” (the centre of the stem), meaning some rings–an estimated 20 or so–were not or could not be counted.
In cultivation, this species is known to occasionally exceed 50m (164 ft.) in height, though 30m (~100 ft.) is listed as a more typical height.
Larix decidua is an economically important species for its timber. It is used, for example, in constructing housing, troughs, and fencing, as the wood is durable and tough. Although Wikipedia doesn’t include it in its list, the link in the previous sentence notes that European larch is one of the woods used in the construction of alpenhorns.
Some time ago you sent photos of an ancient underground tree that very occasionally sprouted above the surface. Could you please tell me how to find that entry?
The Jacaranda? You can search for it using the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the page. Or search on Google for “site:botanyphoto.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca jacaranda”
As I live in Missouri now, I miss the European larch that I grw up with. Such a beautiful spring green as well as the fall color 🙂
Most of the accurately dated oldest trees in the world may be in the New World but that may be because the Old World species tend to get hollow as they age making accurate dating difficult. The estimated old trees on the Wikipedia page you link are mostly Old World. One yew could rival that bristlecone pine.
Always appreciate your knowledge and insight, Pat. Thanks.
Thank you, for appreciating my photos
This one is Japanese Larch L. kaempferi or Dunkeld Larch L. x marschlinsii – note the recurved cone scales.
Mats, was this one that you had identified which was growing as a street tree?