Identifying a conifer tree

Conifers, commonly known as softwoods, are classified by botanists as gymnosperms. The term “gymnosperm” comes from the Greek words gymnos (naked) and sperma (seed), and means “naked seed,” reflecting the fact that, unlike apple seeds, for example, conifer seeds are not contained in fruit tissues. Instead, the seeds are borne on scales, which are grouped together to form cones, hence the name “conifer,” meaning “cone bearing.” Conifers generally have persistent foliage consisting of needles or scale leaves. As with any biological classification, however, there are exceptions to these general characteristics (e.g., tamarack, which is a deciduous conifer because it loses it needles each fall but bares cones).

The following identification key for conifers makes field identification easier by artificially grouping trees by leaf shape and arrangement along the twig.