Larix decidua (European Larch)

The European larch is a deciduous conifer endemic to Europe, where it thrives alongside Norway spruce in the same region and is commonly observed growing together. It may grow to be a very large tree with a trunk diameter of 4 feet, and it is hardy in zones 2-6. Even though it loses its needles in the winter, the European larch is an excellent windbreak tree. Its many branches assist to block the wind, and it will grow more quickly than any other conifer I've ever seen in Iowa.

* It is very cold tolerant, able to survive winter temperatures down to at least -50°C, and is among the tree line trees in the Alps, reaching 2400 m altitude, though most abundant from 1000–2000 m. It only grows on well-drained soils, avoiding waterlogged ground.