Larix x eurolepis

Dunkeld larch is a disoriented hybrid ('Varied Directions') between the European larch (L. decidua) and the Japanese larch (L. kaempferi). The hybrid larch is a conifer which first grew in Dunkeld, Scotland.

The hybrid offspring can be nearly Japanese type or nearly European type but will grow faster, are hardier and more resistant than either parent. These exceptional characteristics are given the general term “hybrid vigour”.

• Deciduous needles are light, spine tipped, up to 3 cm long, bright green, 15–30 per short shoot. The foliage appears early in spring and remains clean until turning intense golden-yellow to orange in autumn.
• Species is monoecious; males are light yellow, small and round, drooping beneath the shoot; females are yellow to red, with long, curved scales.
• Mature female cones are up to 3.5 cm long, almost round, cone scales somewhat reflexed, flower-like in appearance, upright on the twig, maturing fall to early winter. Many remain on the twigs over winter.
• Twigs are gray-brown with rounded buds, spur shoots on older growth; bark is thin, scaly on younger trees, becoming furrowed with age.