The larch tree colors its female flowers bright pink. Against the green background of the needles, they can no longer be overlooked and make the male specimens fade completely. This spectacle is not offered every year and should therefore be admired extensively.
When and how does a larch tree bloom?
Larch flowering occurs between March and May, with the tree producing female (pink to red) and male (yellow-brown) flowers. Female flowers are showy and ornamental, while male flowers are edible and tasty.
Mannability and fattening years
Depending on the location, it can take 15 to 40 years for a larch to bloom for the first time and then produce fruit. This ability is called manliness.
The larch invests a lot of energy in flowers and fruits, but even neglects its growth. That's why it takes a few years off until it blooms profusely again. The years in which it adorns itself with many flowers are called mast years.
Early flowering period
The larch tree begins to bloom early in the year, even before it shows its needles. The main flowering period is between March and May.
Two types of flowers: male and female
A larch tree produces male and female flowers at the same time. In botany, this property is referred to as “monoecious, separate sexes”. The flowers also differ externally:
- male flowers appear on unneedled short shoots
- they are egg-shaped and between 5 and 10 mm long
- their color is yellow-brown
- female flowers are ovate and somewhat elongated
- they stand upright
- their length is 10 to 20 mm
- the color palette goes from pink to red
- they turn green in autumn
Tip
While the female flowers are more pleasing to the eye, the male buds pamper our senses of taste. They are edible.
