Charles is out in the forest (7)

I believe the answer is:

larches

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'in the forest' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'charles is out' is the wordplay.
'is out' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'was out' mean this).
'charles' anagrammed gives 'LARCHES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for larches that I've seen before include "Coniferous trees" , "Pine trees for Charles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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