Degsnė larch, Protected tree in Degsnė Forest, Lithuania
The Degsnė larch is a tall tree in Degsnė Forest reaching over 24 meters high, with branches that spread outward in a distinctive pattern. Its soft green needles turn gold each autumn, creating a visible seasonal change.
The tree was planted in the late 1800s and ranks among the earliest larches documented in Lithuania. Its long presence in the forest tells the story of how forestry practices changed over generations.
The tree holds importance as a natural monument in Lithuanian forestry, showing how a non-native species was brought into the local forests. Visitors can observe how the larch has become part of the area's natural identity.
The tree can be reached by following marked paths through Degsnė Forest, which lies about 54 kilometers south of Kaunas. Walking in drier seasons makes the forest paths easier to navigate.
This tree grows far outside the natural range where European larches normally thrive, yet shows exceptional growth. Its survival in such an unexpected location offers a fascinating lesson in plant adaptation.
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