Conifers and Evergreens

Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Red Pine, Pinus resinosa: A native tree to Michigan known for its distinctive reddish bark. Also used in timber and pulp production. Red pine is an excellent tree for reforestation and provides winter food for birds and other wildlife. They are slow growing at first though once established they can grow up to a foot per year and can reach up to 80’ in height when mature.  Considered a long lived tree, it requires a sunny location with well-drained sandy loam soil.

Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

White Pine, Pinus strobus: Michigan's state tree, white pine became popular during the lumber era of the late 1800s. The foliage consists of long, fine, blue-green needles bundled in 'fives'. It is a large, moderately fast growing tree that can reach up to 90 feet when mature. Used in reforestation and windbreaks and it also attracts turkeys and hummingbirds. Does best in a cool, humid site with well-drained soil.

Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea: A medium sized spire-shaped tree with short, flat aromatic needles  native to Michigan. Grows up to 60’ tall. Needles are ½ - 1” and dark green. Soft wood. Mainly known as an important source of pulp and a fragrant Christmas tree.

Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Blue Spruce, Picea pungens: A medium sized tree native to the western U.S. with stiff silvery blue needles. Moderately fast growing on a good site, reaching 80-100’ tall at maturity. Prefers well-drained to somewhat poorly drained soils. Used as a windbreak and a source for winter wildlife food.

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Norway Spruce, Picea abies: A tall sized, pyramidal tree native to Europe with short, stiff, dark green needles. Grows up to 50-70’ tall. Prefers shaded or partially shaded site with deep, rich, moist soils. An excellent windbreak tree.

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

White Spruce, Picea glauca: A medium sized tree with spirally arranged stiff needles native to Michigan. Prefers well drained to somewhat poorly drained soils, but tolerates dry soils as well. Can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Used in windbreaks and reforestation.

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Tamarack, Larix laricina: A coniferous tree native to Michigan with soft, deciduous needles that turn yellow and shed each fall. Grows up to 40-80’ tall when mature.  Prefers cold, wet sites such as bogs and swamps but grows well on moist, well-drained upland sites. Provides habitat for birds.

Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis: A small, compact tree native to Michigan reaching heights of 30-50’ tall. Grows in swampy areas with high snowfall and calcium-rich soils. Shade tolerant. Important winter food for deer.

Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Common Juniper, Juniperus communis: A medium sized tree or sprawling shrub with green-gray to blue green branches in the summer. Can be a good ground cover for sandy soils.