The defining feature of any conifer is, of course, its needles. Depending on the species, these needles can look and feel totally different. If you’re looking to add some greenery to your backyard or even your balcony, I always recommend going for varieties with softer, blunter needles—they’re much more “user-friendly” to handle!
Different Conifers, Different Needles
Conifers come in all shapes and sizes, and their needles are just as diverse. We aren’t just talking about different lengths and widths here; the colors can be stunning, too. While classic green is the standard, you can find gorgeous varieties in shades of blue-gray or even vibrant yellow.
Some needles are stiff and prickly (watch out for those!), while others are surprisingly soft to the touch. Those soft-needled varieties are perfect for gardens or patios and balconies. Just a quick tip: since many conifers can grow into giants, make sure you look for compact or dwarf varieties if you’re working with a smaller space.
Popular Conifers with Soft Needles
If you’re looking for a tree that won’t poke you every time you walk by, here are some of the most common soft-needled conifers:
- European Larch
- Common Juniper
- American Arborvitae (Thuja)
- Douglas Fir
The European Larch
The needles on a European Larch are incredibly soft. One of my favorite things about this tree is its autumn transformation—the needles turn a brilliant golden yellow before falling off. That’s right, the Larch is a bit of an oddball; unlike most evergreens, it’s actually deciduous, meaning it sheds its needles every winter and grows a fresh coat in the spring.
The Common Juniper
If you pick the right variety, Junipers can be wonderfully soft. Cultivars like ‘Green Carpet’ or ‘Repanda,’ as well as Creeping Juniper and Pfitzer Juniper, feature long, flexible needles. Just be careful when shopping—some other Juniper species are notorious for having very sharp, prickly needles, so always do a “touch test” first!
The American Arborvitae
Also known as Thuja, the Arborvitae has soft, scale-like needles that almost look like tiny leaves. These are great for adding texture to your landscape. If you want to break up the green, look for varieties like ‘Sunkist,’ ‘Golden Globe,’ or ‘Europe Gold’ for a splash of bright yellow foliage.
The Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir is another great option with blunt, soft needles that won’t scratch you. One thing to keep in mind, though: in the wild, these beauties can tower up to 200 feet tall! Because they grow so large, the standard species is best suited for big backyards or open parklands rather than a small garden plot.
