Larch

conifer · boreal forest · deciduous

Unusual needle-droppers. Larches are the only conifers that lose all their needles in autumn, just like trees such as birches and aspens. In spring, their needles grow back again, making them special among their needle-bearing relatives.

Earth's most abundant tree. Larches are the most common tree genus on the entire planet, especially dominating the vast boreal forests of Siberia and Canada. Billions of larches stretch across the far north like a green ocean.

From lowlands to mountains. Larches grow everywhere from flat, frozen forests in the Arctic to high mountainsides much further south. This makes them incredibly adaptable to many cold climates.

Super-strong wood. Larch wood is extremely tough and long-lasting, so it's perfect for building boats, decks, furniture, and even the outside walls of houses. People have trusted larch for construction for thousands of years.

Useful tree products. Larches give us more than just wood, they produce turpentine, rosin for violin bows, and essential oils used in medicines and perfumes.