Black Spruce Black spruce (Picea mariana) is a small evergreen tree native to the boreal forest of North America. This coniferous species of tree grows in Canada and the northern United States. Black spruce grows at elevations under 2,600 feet and at latitudes above 40 degrees north. The bark is dark brown or black and…
Coniferous trees Needles on a tree. Finally, something good. Not long ago, the coniferous trees in our backyard were promising to resemble thin needles at all times of the year, but they had yet to deliver. For some time the evergreens made promises that never turned into reality; the trees weren’t always green and not…
Cedars and junipers are two groups of trees. Both cedars and junipers are conifers. Conifers are cone-bearing trees that have needles or scale-like leaves, and they’re an important part of the ecosystem because they provide food and shelter for a variety of birds and other wildlife. They also make excellent landscaping plants. Cedars and junipers…
Balsam Fir The balsam fir, also called the Canadian balsam, bracted balsam fir, or balm of Gilead fir, grows in mature form to a height of 50 to 70 feet and a width of 15 to 20 feet. Douglas Fir Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is the most widely used Christmas tree in the United States….
Loblolly Pine The most common tree in North America, the loblolly pine is a fast-growing, popularly used for lumber and pulpwood. The tree grows up to 100 feet in 30 years, with a straight trunk that can be 80 percent of its height. The name “loblolly” refers to the species’ low-lying habitat—namely wetland areas. Slash…
The Nuttall pine tree is a slow-growing evergreen conifer first identified by William Shakespeare in the “Henry IV” play. So you’ve found a slow-growing evergreen conifer and think it might be a Nuttall pine. Congratulations! The Nuttall pine is a very special tree with an unusual history. First identified in the “Henry IV” play by…
Identifying Trees By Seed Comparison If you want to identify a tree, the best time of year to look is during the winter months, when there are no leaves present. A common technique for identifying trees by seed is to find a tree in your yard or an area that you’re familiar with. Once you’ve…
The flowers of a tree can help tell you which kind of tree it is. A tree’s flowers can be an important clue in identifying it. If a tree is flowering when you identify it, examine the flower carefully, noting its color and shape. Note how many petals the flower has and whether or not…
There are over 2600 species of palm tree that mostly thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Historically, it has been the symbol of tranquillity, triumph and fertility. In modern times, it is very useful in the food industry and plays a major role in landscaping. Palm trees grow in a straight and upward position. They…
The oak tree has long been the symbol of endurance and strength. Oak is actually a common name of a number of tree species in the genus Quercus. This genus is popularly bred in the northern hemisphere primarily in America and parts of Asia. At A Glance The leaves of an oak tree are spirally…