Unlike most conifers, this species is deciduous. In spring, tiny, bright red cones are formed, which turn yellowish-brown at maturity. They are ovoid, 0.75 to 1.25 inches long and are held upright on the twigs, persisting for some years. Cone scales are overlapping and covered with soft, brown down on the back sides. Terminal buds are slightly resinous, globose and short-pointed, with pointed, brown, overlapping scales.
Lateral buds are smaller and blunter.
The European larch is native to the Alps in central Europe from southeast France eastward to Vienna. It is widely planted in Europe and the US and is the only deciduous conifer commonly planted in Iowa. Hardy from zone 2 to 6, the European larch prefers moist, well-drained soils or deep, fertile soils overlying limestone or sandstone. It grows well on moderately calcareous soils, but is intolerant of dry, shallow, highly calcareous soils, compaction and drought. Trees require free circulation of air and a sunny position.