Conifer and Broadleaf Trees

It’s easy to divide trees into two groups.

Conifers have needles or scales, rather than leaves, and include pine, fir, spruce, hemlock cypress, juniper and cedar. Maturing seeds are generally protected in cones.

Douglas Fir – photo © Neal Kramer

Some conifers have braided needles made from scales. Juniper’s cone looks like (and is commonly called) a berry. But they’re all easily recognizable as conifers.

California Juniper – photo © Neal Kramer

Broadleaf trees don’t have needles or scales for leaves. They have broad leaves and have flowers that produce fruit rather than cones.

Gray Alder – drawing © John Muir Laws

Want more? See Wikipedia.

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