European larch is a species of the pine family. In Latvia, larch is an introduced species mainly used in plantations and parks. The bark is grayish-brown and tinged with red. The crown is broadly pyramid-shaped, with horizontally spreading branches. The needles are soft, narrowly linear, and evergreen. Cones (3-5 cm) start off red, then turn green, and mature into grayish-brown. Notably, European larch is long-lived, surviving up to 500 years or more.

Planted stands thrive in dry mineral soils. Its deep root system provides excellent wind resistance. The wood is resinous, hard, and resistant to decay; the heartwood is particularly valued as a construction material for water structures, greenhouses, and other buildings.

Information sources: https://www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia

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