Larch

Larch was introduced to the UK from Central Europe in the early 17th century, primarily for its valuable, durable timber and ornamental appeal, with significant large-scale planting occurring in Scotland from the 1750s onwards under figures like the Dukes of Atholl, becoming a vital pioneer forestry species, with Japanese larch arriving later in the 1860s and hybrids developing in the 20th century. 

Early Introduction & Popularity

• Origin: The European larch (Larix decidua) is native to the Alps and Central European mountains.

• First Arrival: It arrived in Britain around 1629, marking it as one of the earliest non-native trees planted.

• Reasons for Planting: Foresters planted it for its fast growth, light shade (acting as a nurse tree for other species), fire tolerance, and highly durable timber for construction, fencing, and boat-building.

• Key Figures: John Evelyn encouraged its planting, and the Dukes of Atholl heavily promoted it in Scotland, with some of their plantings still standing. 

Spread & Varieties

• Widespread Planting: Larch became a common sight, especially in Scotland, where it naturalized well.

• Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi): Introduced in the 1860s from Japan, it grew faster and was popular for large-scale planting from the late 19th century.

• Hybrid Larch (Larix x eurolepis): Hybrids between European and Japanese larch emerged in the early 20th century, exhibiting superior growth and vigor, leading to their widespread cultivation. 

The history of larch in the 

UK began in the 17th century, evolving from an ornamental novelty into a cornerstone of British forestry. 

European Larch (Larix decidua)

• Initial Introduction (1620s): Native to the mountains of Central Europe, the European larch was first recorded in Britain around 1620 to 1629. It was initially cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens.

• Expansion in Scotland (18th Century): Large-scale planting for timber began in the 1700s, spearheaded by the Dukes of Atholl, often called the "Planting Dukes".

  • In 1738, the second Duke planted the famous "Parent Larch" at Dunkeld Cathedral, which still stands.

  • By the early 19th century, the fourth Duke had planted over 4,000 hectares of larch, much of which was used for shipbuilding.

• Advocacy: Figures like John Evelyn and later the fourth Duke of Atholl (who wrote "Observations on Larch" in 1807) were critical in promoting the species for its durable, decay-resistant timber. 

Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi)

• Introduction (1861): Japanese larch was introduced to Britain in 1861 by John Gould Veitch.

• Rise in Forestry: Commercial planting became widespread by 1885. It was favored over European larch for its faster growth and greater resistance to larch canker. 

Hybrid Larch (Larix x eurolepis)

• Discovery (c. 1904): A natural hybrid between European and Japanese larch was discovered at the Duke of Atholl’s Dunkeld estate around 1904.

• Significance: Known as the Dunkeld Larch, this hybrid exhibits "hybrid vigour," growing faster than both parent species and showing high tolerance for poor soils, making it a staple for modern UK forestry. 

Current Status

While larch remains a vital timber source for fencing and outdoor furniture, its presence in the UK is currently challenged by the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, a fungal-like pathogen that has necessitated large-scale felling of larch plantations in recent years.