Coniferous trees have small and waxy leaves, sometimes needles, which are usually kept all year. There is more variety in the shape that coniferous trees grow to from bushes and shrubs to great big trees. Look out for these next time you are out and about.
EASTERN HEMLOCK Tsuga canadensisThe branches of this conifer rest on the ground when they are long enough. The shoots are covered with small dark green needles and oval shaped cones.
MAIDENHAIR TREE Ginkgo bilboaAn unusual conifer as its leaves look like those of maidenhair fern.During summer they are dark green becoming a beautiful transparent yellow in autumn.
PENCIL CEDAR Juniperus virgineanaThis species is one of the narrowest junipers.It can often be seen in rows lining parks and other large empty areas because they keep out winds.
MOUNTAIN PINE Pinus mugoThe long narrow needles of this pine are arranged in pairs around the stems.It has brown, oval cones.
DEODAR Cedrus deodaraDeodars look beast grown as specimen trees in a large lawn. When young the needles are light green. They darken as they become older.The branches droop as the tree gets older, giving it a weeping look.
LAWSON CYPRESS Chamaecyparis lawsonianaAs this tree gets older it widens at the bottom, making a nice ‘candle flame’ shape suitable for formal planting. It can also be used for hedging.The leaves are blue-grey in colour.
WESTERN RED CEDAR Thuja plicataThis species is the fastest growing of the thujas and is a tall, conical tree.The flat, scale-like leaves have a fruity smell.
HINOKI CYPRESS Chamaecyparis obtusaThis is a very slow growing variety, although it will eventually make a large shrub or small tree.Useful in rock gardens as it will take many years to outgrow its space.
LEYLAND CYPRESS Cypressocyparis leylandiiThe Leyland cypress can grow very tall and is one of the fastest growing conifers available.
COMMON YEW Taxus baccataThis hardy species is tolerant of bad weather conditions.The narrow waxy leaves are dark green.The red berries is the only part of the tree which is NOT poisonous.
COLORADO SPRUCE Picea pungensA very popular blue spruce.The needles are arranged spirally so that each shoot looks like a small bottle brush.