Conifers
Others
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Overview on Northwest
Conifers
The conifers native to
the Pacific Northwest are members of
just three botanical families: Pine, cypress, and yew. These
families divide into one or more groups or genera. Each genus divides
into one
or more species. In the Northwest, it's easy to distinguish one genus
from another. You can do that just by looking at the needles or leaves.
Pine Family –
Pinaceae
The Pine Family includes
the following genera that are native
to the Northwest.
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Douglas
Fir –
Pseudotsuga
Needles: 1"
long, soft points, all around twig
Cones:
3-pointed bracts
Bark: Brown, deep
furrows
1
native species
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Hemlocks –
Tsuga
Needles: Short,
flat
Cones: Rounded scales
Bark: Gray, small
deep furrows
Has
drooping top.
2
native species
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Firs –
Abies
Needles:
Groomed with soft
points
Cones: Upright
at treetop
Bark: Smooth, gray,
scaly
plates or small furrows
6
native species
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Pines
– Pinus
Needles:
Bundles of 2, 3 or 5
Cones:
Woody
8
native species
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Spruces –
Picea
Needles:
Sharp points, thin, flat, all around twig
Cones: 3"
long, paper-thin scales
Bark:
Gray, scaly
3
native species
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Larches –
Larix
Needles: Bundles
of 25, 1-2" long
Cones: 1-2" long,
whiskery
bracts
Bark Flaky scales,
furrowed
Where: Cascades
2
native species
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Cypress
Family –
Cupressaceae
The
Cypress Family includes these groups of several
genera.
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Yew
Family –
Taxaceae
The
Yew
Family includes just one genus and one species.
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Yew –
Taxus
Needles: Flat,
flattened on twig, lighter green
underneath
Fruit:
Red berry-like aril
Bark:
Thin gray scales over smooth red bark
1
native species
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