How inconstant are your feelings! But a moment ago you were moved by my representations, and why do you again harden yourself to my complaints? I swear to you, by the earth which I inhabit, and by you that made me, that with the companion you bestow, I will quit the neighbourhood of man and dwell, as it may chance, in the most savage of places. My evil passions will have fled, for I shall meet with sympathy! My life will flow quietly away, and in my dying moments I shall not curse my maker." Pine needles are relatively long, soft, and grow in clusters. Spruce needles are shorter and sharper and don’t grow in clusters.

The Chihuahua pine is a medium-sized pine with glossy, green to yellow-green needles in bundles of three to five. Its cones are egg-shaped and dark-brown in color. It has an open, rounded crown. The pine is found at high altitudes of 5250 to 9840 ft. (1600 – 3000 m). Pine trees can also be identified by their needles, as the length of pine needles can vary widely. Longleaf pine ( pinus palustris) has the longest pine needles, measuring 18” (45 cm) long. Foxtail pine ( pinus balfouriana) has the shortest pine needles, measuring 1” (2.5 cm) long. Soft Needled Pines vs. Hard Needled Pines The long needles of the pitch pine tree give its branches a somewhat spiky look. Although pitch pines are a hardy conifer that grows in difficult environments, they are not an important timber tree. Mostly, pitch pines are used for pulp or constructing pallets.

Identifying Spruce, Pine or Fir Based on their Bark and Growth Habit

The limber pine is a native species of white pine with a conical, contorted crown, light gray bark, dark green needles, and tan-colored ovoid cones. The limber pine is a species of five-needled, soft pine tree. Its bluish-green needles measure 3” (8 cm) long, and its cones measure 2.7” to 6” (7 – 15 cm) long. You propose," replied I, "to fly from the habitations of man, to dwell in those wilds where the beasts of the field will be your only companions. How can you, who long for the love and sympathy of man, persevere in this exile? You will return and again seek their kindness, and you will meet with their detestation; your evil passions will be renewed, and you will then have a companion to aid you in the task of destruction. This may not be; cease to argue the point, for I cannot consent."

Some species of fir trees have needles growing from both sides of the twig and others grow like a comb. The Arizona pine produces asymmetrical, slightly curved reddish-brown cones that are 2 to 4 inches (5 – 11 cm) long. Its bark is rough, grayish-brown, and divided into large plates. The pine is often utilized for its timber, which makes great firewood.

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)

The Lumholtz’s pine is known for its pendulous, light green needles that grow in bundles of three. The pine has egg-shaped, grayish- to reddish-brown cones that hang similarly to the needles. Other identifying features include scaly, red-brown bark and a broad, rounded, open crown. The easiest way to tell a fir apart from a spruce is to feel the needles. The soft flat shape of fir leaves makes it impossible to roll between your fingers. This is unlike spruce needles that are rounded, stiff and sharp. How to Identify Other Conifers Similar to needles on spruce trees, fir tree needles grow singularly from a single point on the branch. Looking at pictures of fir branches and needles, you will see they attach to the branch with something that looks like a suction cup. The Canary Island pine is a large pine tree that can grow up to 200 ft. (60 m) tall. It can be recognized by its green or yellow-green, drooping needles that grow in bundles of three. The pine has an attractive conical-shaped crown. Another feature to help identify the Jeffrey pine tree is the sweet scent the needles and bark emit. Try rolling the stout needles in your hand or break off some bark to detect lemon, vanilla, apple, or even butterscotch aromas. Pine tree identification