Larch

A high-altitude pioneer tree, its young needles are fine enough to allow light to filter through. It is the only conifer to drop its needles in winter. Another distinctive feature: in the spring, its cones are a characteristic dark purple. The larch is one of the few European tree species that is imputrescible, that is to say, it does not rot. This is why, despite the fact that it twists as it dries out, it is widely use in frameworks, drinking troughs and other water holding vessels in the mountain villages. Incapable of germinating in its own undergrowth, it needs natural openings such as avalanche corridors for the young shoots to develop.