Low-elevation Conifers

Douglas Fir
– Pseudotsuga menziesii

Needles: All around twig, soft points

Cones: 3-pointed bracts

Bark: Gray with deep, brown furrows on large trunks

Where: Below 5000 ft (1500 m)

Grand Fir – Abies grandis

Needles:  Flattened on twig, white lines below

Cones: Upright at the tree top

Bark: Smooth, gray, small furrows on large trunks

Where: Below 5000 ft (1500 m)

Western Hemlock
–Tsuga heterophylla

Needles: Short, flat, irregular, white lines below

Cones: Small. Rounded scales

Bark: Small furrows, gray

Where: Below 4000 ft (1200 m)

Western Red Cedar
– Thuja plicata

Leaves: Flat, scaled, white butterflies below

Cones: Tiny, rose-shaped

Bark: Brown, stringy

Where: Wet areas below 5000 ft (1500 m)

Pacific Yew – Taxus brevifolia

Needles: Flat, flattened on twig, lighter green underneath

Fruit: Red berry-like aril

Bark: Thin gray scales over smooth red bark

Where: Wet shady areas below 5000 ft (1500 m)

Ponderosa Pine
– Pinus ponderosa

Needles: Bundles of 3

Cones: Egg shaped with prickles on scales

Bark: Orange puzzle pieces

Where: Below 5000 ft (1500 m)

Sitka Spruce – Picea sitchensis

Needles: All around twig, sharp points

Cones: Douglas fir size, paper-thin scales

Bark: Gray, scaly

Where: Near coast and Columbia River

Lodgepole Pine – Pinus contorta

Needles: Bundles of 2

Cones: Egg shape and size

Bark: Dark gray, scaly

Where: Along the coast and above 3000 ft (900 m) in the mountains