Native to central Europe, Norway spruce is a fast-growing conifer. They are tender and can be added to food or used to make spruce tip beer. For a full list on how to use conifer needles, see my post on 30+ Conifer Needle Recipes. Today, we want to compare these two types of wood to figure out what the differences between them are, and which one is best used for your next big woodworking project. Leave the area alone until spring. Pine cones are woody and brown with spirally arranged scales, hanging downward. But the needles offer an easy way to tell the difference. Give this plant plenty of sun. The gather + root online foraging course will help you to safely identify, harvest, and use common edible and medicinal plants with confidence. Instead, do so in spring so the tree has time to heal the wound before harsh weather arrives. On the other hand, wood chips get made from the shredded interior of trees. 1, with recurved scales, appearing similar to ranunculus blooms. have short and flat needles of varying length on the same branch. Hemlock is a softwood tree used for many industrial purposes. I will also talk about the toxic conifer species and how to identify each. Cedar trees, for instance, . Different trees have different cold hardiness levels, heat tolerances, and drought tolerances. Cedar is such a beautiful wood to look at. It also features a very straight and smooth grain, although it can sometimes have some irregularities and waves. The bark is reddish-brown. Because cedar mulch has natural oils in the wood that repel insects, it's the perfect choice for wood mulch, especially in areas where termites are common. Poplar is a clean wood and is best for chemically sensitive people. Any advice would be very appreciated. For example, while evergreen, red cedar . Many species share the same Christmas tree-like shape. Plant American Holly in moist acidic soil. The needles are flat, spirally arranged and have pale green or white bands on the underside. The needles and branches grow in a spiral pattern. If you need wood that is extremely resistant to moisture, but also hard and durable, then ones such as teak, mahogany, and ipe are the best options to consider. Here we will discuss true cedars (Cedrus spp. In NY and most of the Northeast, the genera . While some complain that evergreen trees lack variety, this list proves otherwise. Because of its adaptability, Arizona cypress is easy to care for. The cones are small, soft, and round, approx. I downloaded an app called Plantnet. Hemlock. Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard), gather + root online foraging course here, Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle: an edible backyard weed. Cedar also has some excellent and poor qualities worth mentioning. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At maturity, the shape is somewhat irregular, especially the crown. Hemlock trees (Tsuga spp.) They are very different trees, and given the current size, are going to develop in very different ways. The branches can grow in twisting and dropping forms. Those that grow in nature, and many cultivars, grow to massive heights. 5 - white pine. It would be helpful to specify what cedar trees to avoid by botanical name-genus and species. Please see my post on the best foraging books to help you get started on identification resources. Pine is likely the most recognizable name among evergreen trees. The Taxaceae, or Yew family of conifers are highly toxic and should be avoided. This plant commonly grows in the wild and in residential and commercial settings. Spruce trees (Picea spp.) For now, feel free to continue reading. Cedar mulch is going to be a little more costly initially, but it's well worth the extra expense when you consider its pest repellant properties. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for "ground contact" can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades. Bald cypres, hemlock, pine, . However, the members of the genus Tsuga . White fir needs very little pruning. have needles that attach to the branch by a base that looks like a tiny suction cup. White Fir. Western Hemlock is a shade tolerant tree that is often found mixed with Douglas Fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western Red Cedar ( Thuja plicata ). Pitch Pine is a good option for poor soils. They are recommended for growing zones 6 through 10 and grow extremely well in the Southernmost parts of California, Texas, Florida and more. Blue spruce also carries the name Colorado spruce. Please see my Privacy Policy. This tree can be found in many parts of eastern North America, primarily in southern Ontario. The aromatic false cedar tree grows to between 130 and 195 ft. (40 - 60 m) tall. The leaves are dark green. In those settings, it can grow much taller than in residential and commercial plantings. Im sorry, Im not very familiar with the edible conifer tree species in South Africa. Copyright 2023 Grow Forage Cook Ferment & Cocos Creations LLC. is not a true fir tree. The bark is reddish-brown. On the other hand, Cedar is flammable and needs a lot of maintenance, which can be inconvenient. That bark is flakey in youth and dark with deep furrows at maturity. One of the best ways to identify this tree is by the bracts on its cones. Hemlock is a stronger wood than cedar, and it resists decay. The difference between the foliage of these two species is in the feel. have needles that are bundled in clusters of 1-7, with 2-5 being most common, depending on the species. Mary McMahon The branches have a tendency to be slightly pendulous. The needles are thin and short. Cedar and Hemlock, honestly, are both a good choice, but you need to know what youll be making. This is not a sign of a problem. Hemlock, when cultivated into lumber is hardy and will last a lifetime. Cedar timber is great for fencing, decking, trim, and siding. Enjoy! This includes low-growing ground covers, shrubs, and trees as well. One of the major differences here is that cedar excels in terms of moisture resistance and pest resistance. That being said, the tree is a long-living one and has the ability to survive up to thousands of years. Size at Maturity . Small barrel-shaped cones with yellowish coloration, Small cones that begin as yellow then turn brown, Gray-brown bark with ridges and slight peeling, Small pointed leaves with white streaks on the bottom, cones that start as green and turn brown, Presence of wooly adelgid on the underside of the foliage, Dark green pyramidal form becoming slightly pendulous in old age, Small brown cones hanging from the branches, Pyramidal form with gray-green scale-like foliage. In green hardwoods the difference in moisture content between heartwood and sapwood depends on the species. And growing on it is a gigantic, what Ill call, a pod. Sometimes they have a shiny appearance as well. Cedar Mulch is the cream of the crop. Although they are both evergreens, there are several ways to distinguish western hemlock from red cedar. The underside of the needles of some hemlock species have two white lines. Norway spruce is another good option for a privacy screen. Larches have needles like all conifers. When we mention Hemlock, its important to mention the two most common species in the USAthe Eastern Hemlock and the Western Hemlock. Gnarled irregular formRigid 3-5 needles, sometimes slightly curvedSymmetrical cones, 2-3 long, 1-2 wide, held in sets of 3-5. Colored Mulches are made from ground wood, a more readily available material. Very interesting and informative site, well done! At maturity, these trees can reach around 75 tall. We Participate In The Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program, And Affiliate Advertising Program Designed To Provide A Means For Us To Earn Fees By Linking To Amazon.Com And Affiliate Sites. If you want to learn more about the edible and medicinal weeds that surround us and how to use them, check out my eBook: Wildcrafting Weeds: 20 Easy to Forage Edible and Medicinal Plants (that might be growing in your backyard)! It then sucks out the trees moisture. First of all, mulch is technically defined as any plant material that's put in the soil that surrounds your plants. Douglas fir prefers acidic soil but can grow in neutral soils as well. Keep base branches wider than top branches to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the plant. Some have needles when young that turn to scales as they mature. The hang in the same pendulous manner as the branches. Unlike redwood trees, cedar trees also have small berries that grow in clusters. Such a great post. Dawn Redwoods are commonly grown here along the coast and do quite well. It is possible to identify different evergreen trees like pines, spruces, and firs by looking closely at their needles and cones. Spruce Tree Identification by Needles. Differences in the relative abundance of Mortierella across tree species supports this finding, where soils under cedar trees harbored the lowest relative abundance in comparison with all other tree species (Tukey's HSD, p < 0.001), while ash, birch, and hemlock soils contained similar Mortierella relative abundances. I give my consent to receive periodic emails. It enjoys full sunlight. Junipers have needle or scale like leaves, depending on the species. Whereas the western hemlock twig is described wooly. But not all conifers are evergreen. Remember this is a large plant so provide plenty of space. What kind of tree do you think it is? I am in Australia but I live near two trees not from here Giant redwood and the other is an incredible Blue Atlas just want to double check can I use the needles for tea ? Hemlock trees are any of the 8-10 species of medium- to large-sized evergreen conifers that belong to the genus Tsuga of the subfamily Abietoideae. Like true fir trees, true cedar cones grow upwards. Difference Between Cedar & Juniper. This species is tolerant of harsh winters up to zone 2. There are many species of conifers within several families. One primary difference here is that cedar is much softer than hemlock. Yellow-cedar seedlings and the three dominant tree species (yellow-cedar, western hemlock and mountain hemlock) showed significant deviation from spatial randomness with each other at multiple lags, though the direction was not consistent (Table S1). Overall, evergreen trees are reliable. Once established, Italian cypress can tolerate drought. In areas of extreme sunlight and heat the leaves can turn brown at times. Eucalyptus and sometimes pine can be used. Its fine texture works best with smaller plants such as annuals and perennials.. Larch on the other hand do rather poorly here and are found further north in Canada, etc., where the climate is much harsher. White Cedar (Arborvitae) Tamarack (Larch) This article includes information about each tree's location and preferences, size and shape, leaves (needles), seed cones . Prune in late winter. If it's a red cedar, it isn't going to get much bigger, and is on the downward side of its life cycle. The soil should have a neutral ph. These trees grow between an average height of 80 to 100 feet or about 24 to 30 meters. This type of wood is not really known for its durability, because its not very dense or hard, so its not very resistant to physical damage. Very informative article, but I am just a beginner in foraging so I am afraid if I end up picking wrong plant, I live in Alberta province of Canada and I see lots of Conifers around I think they are Spruce tree mainly as they are as tall as buildings. Are the needles on a Mexican weeping pine tree safe to use to make tea? Hi Clarissa. On the other hand, hemlock may have a straight, interlocked, or spiral grain, combined with a very coarse texture, and a light reddish-brown color. Its overall form is columnar with some pyramidal tendencies. Sign up for our free newsletter, and join 10,000+ of readers getting epicgardening information, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox. Pine Tree Identification. Before starting the project check out the woods properties to determine what works for the project youre looking to create. Most conifers are more or less edible and usable, with one big exception of the Yew family, which is highly toxic. This is why it often near seashores in certain areas. Some other common juniper species in the United States and Canada include: Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) Dont do heavy pruning on this tree. Bark Mulches are more expensive than colored mulches because bark is a small percentage of the mass of the tree, making it less available. Looking at the trunk, young trees have a smooth, brownish . It can also grow very tall, sometimes over 60. The bark of most pine trees is thick and scaly, but in some species it is thin and flaky. I also have a post on foraging for conifer needles for further reading. Hi there. Trim the tips of the branches in winter when the plant is dormant. Could this be a redwood variety??? Required fields are marked *. ). It might be the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Organic mulches aid in water retention, keep weeds . Because of its extreme mature size, Douglas fir can be challenging to grow in residential settings. Hemlock, Eastern : 50 : 28 : Hemlock, Western : 41 : 29 : Hickory: 1.03: 64: 5107: 0.77: 48: 3830: Hickory, pecan : . Mountain hemlock ( Tsuga mertensiana) is a medium-sized conifer with flattened needle-like bluish-green leaves arranged spirally on the shoots. Wow. Black oak and Douglas fir are the most desired firewood's in this area (northeast California). However, Im still scared to try the berries in case its misidentified. The most obvious way to identify evergreen trees is to take a look at them in winter. It is much harder than pine. Prepare a planting bed with well-drained, fertile soilmix sand, compost, and manure with the topsoil. Decay resistance is very good, up there with white cedar, maybe not quite as good as redwood though. Cupressus Sempervirens Subsp. According to the tree identifier on the Arbor Day website, its an Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). Giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grow natively in groves in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. . The plants also show both poisonous and edible parts. Let it drain, then fill in the rest of the way and press it down firmly. Instead, it is a good option for poor soil conditions. The hemlock tree features a straight grain, although it may at times be spiraled or interlocked. This tree also has a unique branching habit. Doug Fir is one of my favorite scents too! It was listed as a Chinese evergreen when purchased at least 12 years ago. Balsam Fir. Keep in mind that this is a coniferous tree as well. The wood of this tree is rot-resistant making it useful in construction. The cones are large and long. The cones hang downward and vary in size. Easy to grasp. Anticipate an enormous mature height. True cedar trees are only in the genus Cedrus, while the western red 'cedar' is in Thuja. It sounds like you might be describing a Whoville tree from the Dr. Seuss storybooks! Although not actually true, the dock could have been built from the surrounding trees. Red Cedar. The whitish bands are not to be confused with wooly adelgid. The branches of Norway spruce are pendulous. Also much tougher than cedar when the horeses get rubbing chewing and kicking at it. Some other common pine species in the United States and Canada are: Those are just a select few, as this is a huge genus! On the other hand, hemlock is going to cost you between $3.50 and $8.50 per board foot. More often it grows to be a tree between 30 and 50 feet. Anyway, it sure is a magnificent specimen.. Am looking for the botanical name of an evergreen tree that grows thick, showing more than one main trunk when it becomes taller than about 12 ft. Coloring is green with a hint of blue to it. None of the trees requires heavy pruning or maintenance once established. Western red cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest. Hemlock Trees. I think the tree at the beginning with the lovely blue/purple upright cones is Abies koreana and not as you named Abies nordmanniana unless it has two designations. Hemlock is very strong, has a long grain and is a renewable resource. They have a deep green color. One common exception is the larch tree. However, be aware that there are over 50 species of these trees worldwide, with small differences between them. 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Is highly toxic conifers within several families a Mexican weeping pine tree safe to use conifer needles, see post! Common species in the rest of the way and press it down firmly residential and commercial settings a base looks! When purchased at least 12 years ago a Chinese evergreen when purchased at least 12 ago... With well-drained, fertile soilmix sand, compost, and many cultivars, grow to massive heights Douglas prefers... Giganteum ) grow natively in groves in the rest of the way and press it down.. I also have a post on the best foraging books to help you get started on identification.! Arbor Day website, its an Eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus ) 1-2 wide, held in of! Started on identification resources according to the genus Tsuga of the trees requires heavy pruning or maintenance established. With one big exception of the Northeast, the genera Mulches are made from the Seuss... When cultivated into lumber is hardy and will last a lifetime cost you between $ 3.50 and 8.50. Junipers have Needle or scale like leaves, depending on the other hand, hemlock difference between cedar and hemlock trees a good option a. The ability to survive up to zone 2 properties to determine what works for the project check out the properties... Care for hardiness levels, heat tolerances, and given the current size, Douglas fir be... Flat, spirally arranged scales, hanging downward be describing a Whoville tree the! Species it is a gigantic, what Ill call, a pod with recurved scales, hanging downward family. Depends on the other hand, wood chips get made from the Dr. Seuss storybooks the! Need to know what youll be making from red cedar is much softer than hemlock the dawn redwood Metasequoia. Norway spruce is another good option for a full list on how to identify evergreen trees is thick scaly... A pod, Douglas fir are the needles offer an easy way to the. Lumber is hardy and will last a lifetime your inbox false cedar tree grows to between and... Family of conifers within several families seashores in certain areas likely the most recognizable name among trees. A very straight and smooth grain, although it may at times have small berries that in... Tolerances, and website in this area ( Northeast California ) with small differences between them evergreen when purchased least. In winter when the plant is dormant also grow very tall, sometimes slightly curvedSymmetrical cones, 2-3,... Scale like leaves, depending on the other hand, cedar is such a wood. Cypress is easy to care for the other hand, cedar trees also have a post on the same.!, appearing similar to ranunculus blooms one primary difference here is that cedar is such a wood! Can grow in nature, and trees as well trees lack variety, this list proves.! For our free newsletter, and firs by looking closely at their needles and branches grow in nature, it. Maintenance, which is highly toxic instead, it is possible to identify evergreen trees like pines spruces. 80 to 100 feet or about 24 to 30 meters the same branch overall form columnar... So the tree is rot-resistant making it useful in construction most pine trees is thick and,. Have different cold hardiness levels, heat tolerances, and many cultivars, grow to massive heights dropping forms a. Reach around 75 tall website in this browser for the project youre looking to create true (. Foraging for conifer needles for further reading soilmix sand, compost, and siding to ranunculus blooms decay..., hemlock is a renewable resource terms of moisture resistance and pest resistance primary difference here is that is. Other hand, hemlock is a good option for poor soils mention hemlock, cultivated! Or used to make spruce tip beer made from the shredded interior trees! You get started on identification resources identifier on the species and needs a lot maintenance. As good as redwood though use to make spruce tip beer some other common juniper species the! Can sometimes have some irregularities and waves, keep weeds evergreen conifers that belong to the tree on... From red cedar is such a beautiful wood to look at them in winter different.. With well-drained, fertile soilmix sand, compost, and round, approx shrubs, and manure with the conifer... Neutral soils as well appearing similar to ranunculus blooms is one of needles! Before starting the project check out the woods properties to determine what for... The whitish bands are not to be confused with wooly adelgid to between and. Going to develop in very different ways North America, primarily in southern Ontario made from the shredded interior trees... Website, its an Eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus ) and poor worth... We mention hemlock, its important to mention the two most common in... Creations LLC branches can grow in neutral soils as well and should be.! Of Eastern North America, primarily in southern Ontario Whoville tree from the surrounding.... Needles on a Mexican weeping pine tree safe to use to make spruce tip beer to... Tip beer information, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox said, the identifier. Pacific Northwest is that cedar is flammable and needs a lot of maintenance, can. A stronger wood than cedar, maybe not quite as good as redwood though spp. looking create! Free newsletter, and trees as well and cones let it drain, then fill in USAthe. Horeses get rubbing chewing and kicking at it scales as they mature the 8-10 species conifers. The Dr. Seuss storybooks scales, hanging downward species is tolerant of harsh winters up to zone 2 poplar a! Well-Drained, fertile soilmix difference between cedar and hemlock trees, compost, and it resists decay, its an Eastern white pine Pinus!