Larch trees at Loch Tulla in the Highlands of Scotland

© Fortunato Gatto/SIME/eStock Phot

Striking gold in Scotland. A unique member of the conifer family

Introduced to Britain in the early 17th century, larch trees can live for 250 years and usually grow between 80 and 140 feet tall. Although they are conifers, larches are not evergreen. Unlike its relatives, the larch’s needles turn a golden yellow in autumn – as shown in our photo – before falling to the ground when winter approaches. Here at the serene Loch Tulla, located near the village of Bridge of Orchy in Scotland, the elegant trees have plenty of space to stretch out and spread their branches.