The Shape of Needles

Observing the needles on conifersis the most efficient means of identifying these trees. The shape and length of the needles are key to differentiating these species.

You can determine the shape of a needle (i.e., whether it is four-sided, round or flat) simply by rolling it between your thumb and index finger. Or you can cut the needle width wise, that is, with your scissors at a right angle to the needle, and examine the shape of the cut edge. The illustrations will help you understand how to determine the shape of needles.

The needles of some conifers, such as the eastern white cedar and eastern redcedar, are made up of scales layered one on top of the other.

Almost all conifers have evergreen needles that stay on the tree year round. Only the larch, which has deciduous needles, is an exception to the rule. Conifers retain their green coats year round, embellishing winter landscapes. Furthermore, this quality helps to significantly reduce wind speeds, much to the delight of those who love winter sports.

 

Types of Needle Bundles

The pine familly has needles that are grouped together in bundles, consisting of 2, 3 or 5 needles joined together at the base.

In other species, such as the larch, the bundles may consist of more than 5 needles.

Because the base of the needles or needle bundle in some species is covered in a very thin sheath, you should use a twig for identification, not just a single needle. You will therefore be able to properly observe how the needles or needle bundles are arranged.

Conifers such as firs and spruces have single needles.

 

The arrangement of needles

The way needles are arranged on a twig is a key feature. Many conifers are characterized by this observation criterion.

As you can see, needles are either arranged in bundles or singly placed on the twig. Identifying conifers with needles in bundles is easy to do. However, to identify conifers with single needles, you need to look at other features such as the way the needles are arranged on the twig.

Needles may be arranged in pairs opposite each other at the same position on the twig. These needles are said to be opposite needles. They can be observed on the eastern white cedar.

When needles are placed around the twig at the same position, they are said to be alternate. Take a look at a black spruce branch and check to see whether the needles alternate. Then try to find other species with alternate needles.

If the needles are placed star-like around the twig at the same position, they are said to be whorled. Although you may occasionally see whorled needles on some junipers, in most cases they are in opposite pairs.

Needles are often arranged on one plane, not all round the twig. This occurs mainly when the needles are flat. You will see this feature if you look at a balsam fir branch.