Larix, collectively known as Larches, is a genus of deciduous, coniferous trees of the Pine family, Pinaceae. They grow from between 20 and 45 metres tall and are native to the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere, where they are found in lowland forests in the high latitudes, and high in mountains further south.

Larix decidua, commonly known as the European larch, is a species of larch native to the mountains of central Europe, in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains as well as the Pyrenees, with disjunct lowland populations in northern Poland and southern Lithuania. It is widely naturalized in Scandinavia. Under normal circumstances they live to around 200 years old but in some cases can reach up to 1000 (confirmed) years old or even 2000 (unconfirmed) years old. It is a medium-size to large deciduous coniferous tree reaching 25 to 45m tall, with a trunk up to 1m diameter. The cones are green and variably flushed red when immature, turning brown before opening to release the seeds. The old cones commonly remain on the tree for many years, turning dull grey-black. The tree is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as negative 50°C. It requires a well-drained soil to grow well and should be grown in full sun. They are widely used as bonsai subjects. Larix decidua seeds require a 40 to 60 day cold and damp stratification period at between 3°C and 5°C.