Larix gmelinii is a medium-sized deciduous coniferous tree reaching 10–30 m tall, rarely 40 m, with a trunk up to 1 m diameter.

The cones are erect, ovoid, 1–2 cm (rarely 2.5 cm) long, with 15–25 moderately reflexed seed scales; they are green (rarely purple) when immature, turning brown and opening to release the seeds when mature, 3–5 months after pollination.

Due to the species' variability, it has acquired numerous synonyms in the botanical literature, including L. cajanderi, L. dahurica, L. kamtschatica, L. komarovii, L. kurilensis, L. lubarskii, L. ochotensis.

In its native region, daily minimum temperatures above freezing do not occur until late May or June, with no further frost until the brief summer is over.

Larix gmelinii cone scales are used as food by the caterpillars of the tortrix moth Cydia illutana.