pictures of evergreen trees types

Pictures of Evergreen Trees Types – A Guide to Identifying Common Varieties

Evergreen trees provide year-round greenery and structure to gardens and landscapes. With so many types to choose from, it can be tricky identifying one evergreen from another In this guide, we’ll explore 25 common evergreen tree varieties, with pictures and details to help you recognize each species.

Whether you’re a landscaper selecting new trees or a nature enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge, this overview of evergreen tree types will come in handy. Read on to learn how to identify firs, pines, cypress, junipers, and more based on their needles, cones, bark, and other distinguishing features.

#1. Douglas Fir

The Douglas Fir is one of the most popular Christmas trees and lumber trees. Identifiable by its soft, green needles and interestingly shaped cones, this tall evergreen thrives in zones 4-6 and appreciates acidic, well-drained soil.

#2. Eastern Red Cedar

Aromatic and adaptable, the Eastern Red Cedar sports bluish-green needles and reddish-brown bark that peels in strips. Growing in zones 2-9, this hardy evergreen makes a great hedge, screen, or windbreak in various landscapes.

#3. White Spruce

The state tree of South Dakota, the White Spruce is known for its short blue-green needles and tidy pyramidal form. It provides food and habitat for wildlife and thrives in cold climates in zones 2-6.

#4. Arborvitae

With its flat sprays of scale-like foliage Arborvitae makes a popular hedge and screen. Varieties range from giant trees to dwarf shrubs suitable for compact spaces. Most prefer full sun and moist well-drained soil.

#5. Norway Spruce

Graceful and statuesque, the Norway Spruce is identifiable by its drooping branches and large, cylindrical hanging cones. It brings architectural beauty to parks and gardens in zones 3-7.

#6. White Pine

A towering pine native to North America, the White Pine grows up to 150 feet tall in the wild. Its long, soft needles come in bundles of five, and the tree provides lumber and ornamental appeal.

#7. Leland Cypress

The fast-growing Leland Cypress is prized for its screen and windbreak capabilities. It has a conical shape with lacy, gray-green foliage and does well in zones 6-9.

#8. Balsam Fir

A forest favorite, the Balsam Fir has a lovely fragrance and retains its flat, soft needles well as a Christmas tree. It thrives in zones 3-5 and appreciates cold climates and acidic soil.

#9. Eastern Hemlock

The Eastern Hemlock has a gently drooping, pyramidal form with flat, green needles marked by white lines below. This shade-loving tree grows in zones 3-7 and makes a graceful addition to forested areas.

#10. Blue Spruce

Iconic and bold, the Blue Spruce is aptly named for its sharp, steel blue needles. It maintains a symmetrical pyramidal shape and brings year-round color to landscapes in zones 3-7.

#11. Southern Magnolia

Beloved for its fragrant white blossoms and glossy foliage, the Southern Magnolia makes a graceful specimen tree. It flourishes in zones 6-10 and needs well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

#12. Atlas Cedar

Distinctive for its flattened sprays of blue-green needles, the Atlas Cedar forms majestic silhouettes in arboretums and parks. This large ornamental hails from Morocco and grows in zones 6-9.

#13. Japanese Cedar

The tall, narrow Japanese Cedar has feathery foliage that emerges bright green before maturing to deepest green. Itsreddish bark peels attractively on mature specimens.

#14. Arizona Cypress

Arizona’s state tree, the Arizona Cypress has fine, bluish-gray foliage and smooth, reddish-brown bark. This adaptable native thrives in hot, arid regions in zones 7-9.

#15. Deodar Cedar

Sometimes called the California Christmas tree, the Deodar Cedar has a grand, weeping form with stunning blue-green needles. It brings bold texture to zones 7-9.

#16. Eastern White Pine

The state tree of Maine and Michigan, the Eastern White Pine grows straight and towering in its native forest habitat. Its long, soft needles come in bundles of five.

#17. Black Hills Spruce

Black Hills Spruce is a hardy native fir with short green needles and pleasing uniform shape. Its versatility makes it suitable for screens, windbreaks, and ornamental use.

#18. Bald Cypress

Though technically deciduous, Bald Cypress looks like an evergreen in warmer regions, where its lacy leaves turn orange-brown before falling in late autumn. It thrives near water.

#19. Dawn Redwood

Another deciduous conifer, the Dawn Redwood bears feathery, light green needles that turn reddish-brown in fall. This fast-growing, towering tree is hardy in zones 4-8.

#20. Carolina Sapphire Cypress

The Carolina Sapphire Cypress has eye-catching blue needles and grows in a pyramidal, symmetrical form. Though beautiful, it can outgrow small spaces in zones 7-10.

#21. Sawara Cypress

Sawara Cypress is a handsome specimen tree featuring green scale-like foliage with white markings along the underside. It hails from Japan and appreciates humid summers.

#22. Cedar of Lebanon

The Cedar of Lebanon forms dramatic horizontal layers with age, creating an impressive crown and silhouette. This iconic conifer thrives in zones 6-9.

#23. Eastern Redbud

Though deciduous, the Eastern Redbud’s pink spring blooms and heart-shaped leaves make this small understory tree an attractive ornamental option for four-season interest.

#24. American Holly

A classic southern tree, the American Holly bears glossy, spiny leaves with red berries on female trees. It grows well as a specimen plant or clipped hedge in zones 5-9.

#25. Lacebark Pine

Mature Lacebark Pines have uniquely mottled and patchy bark in various hues of gray, green, orange, and purple. The needles are bundled in threes.

When shopping for evergreens, take note of the tree’s mature size, growing zones, and preferred conditions to select the right fit for your landscape. With proper siting and care, evergreens can provide beauty through every season for years to come.