It is a medium-size to large deciduous coniferous tree reaching 20–50 m tall[citation needed], with a trunk up to 1 m diameter.

The male cones are solitary, yellow, globose to oblong, 4–8 mm diameter, and produce wingless pollen.

The mature female cones are erect, ovoid-conic, 2–5 cm long, with 30-70 erect or slightly incurved (not reflexed) and downy seed scales; they are green variably flushed red when immature, turning brown and opening to release the winged seeds when mature, 4–6 months after pollination.

Because of its rot resistance, larch wood is especially valuable for posts, poles, railroad tie sleepers, and mine props.

[5] Larix sibirica cone scales are used as food by the caterpillars of the tortrix moth Cydia illutana.