This tree will shortly be coming into flower.The cones stay on the tree for several years. The larch is the only deciduous (sheds its leaves in autumn) conifer. A native to the Alps, it is now clutivated throughout Europe. It grows to 40 metres and has a thin set crown. In old trees the bark is deeply furrowed. The needles are borne in clusters on older twigs. The tree flowers in early April and in Autumn it bears ovoid cones. The tree begins to produce seeds by the time it is 15 years of age. It is a sun loving, frost resistant, fast growing tree. Its wood is used for building boats, paneling and furniture. Pictured at Maulden Woods, Bedfordshire -8th April 2007.