Conifer Collection

Conifers are, with a few exceptions, evergreen woody plants that belong to the Pinopsida class. As many coniferous species live in cold climates, they have developed adaptations to withstand these harsh conditions. Their leaves are thin and needle-like (Pinaceae) or with scales (Cupressaceae) which helps to protect them from freezing and water-loss. The cone shape of coniferous trees lets snow glide off the branches. All conifers are wind-pollinated and gymnosperms. This means that the fertilized female gametophyte forms a seed which is stored in a cone.

Our conifer holding include species native to New England as well as from many parts of the world.

Native to Europe:

Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Austrian Black  Pine (Pinus nigra)

Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Native to North America:

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

White Fir (Abies concolor)

Juniper spp. (Juniperus spp.)

American Larch (Larix laricina)

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Native to Asia:

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata)

Abies balsamea: bark

Abies balsamea

Sciadopitys verticillata

Sciadopitys veriticillata: bark

Larix laricina: bud

Metasequoia glyptostroboides: bark (photo by TeunSpaans)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (photo by Alpsdake)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides: leaves (photo by Crusier)

Cedrus libani

Picea alba

Pinus ponderosa

Pinus ponderosa: bark

Pinus strobus

Pinus strobus

Thuja occidentalis

Thuja occidentalis: bark

Thuja occidentalis: leaves and cones

Tsuga canadensis

Tsuga canadensis: bark

Tsuga canadensis: cone

Abies concolor

Pinus nigra