Larix decidua 'Krejčí' / Krejčí's European larch

Larix decidua 'Krejčí' is, in the opinion of many, one of the most interesting and unique conifers available anywhere. It is very slow-growing and quite monstrous in structure with sparse branching and knobby clusters of buds that increase in size with each passing year. Needles are also twisted and irregular. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 3 feet (1 m) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 3 to 4 inches.

This cultivar originated as a deformed root sprout found in 1984 by Ladislav Krejčí of Zolakovsky, Czech Republic. This plant is notoriously difficult to propagate and keep alive when young, meaning that it will always be rare in the nursery trade. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth the search and should represent a priceless "trophy plant" for every discerning conifer collector.