Spruces and pines are both classic evergreens, and at first glance, it’s super easy to mix them up. But don’t worry—once you know what to look for, you’ll be identifying them like a pro! Here are a few simple tips to help you tell these two apart next time you’re out for a hike or working in the yard.
Check the Needles
Spruce needles grow individually all around the twig and are usually pretty short, measuring between half an inch and an inch long. They aren’t very flexible, and if you give them a gentle squeeze, you’ll notice they are quite sharp and pointy. Keep an eye out for new growth in the spring, which usually pops in a bright, vibrant light green.
On the other hand, pine needles are much longer, typically ranging from one to three inches. You can also identify them by their texture; they have a distinct waxy coating that you can actually feel if you rub them between your fingers. Color-wise, pines tend to look a bit darker, often showing off shades of silvery-gray or bluish-green.
Look at the Cones
Spruce trees produce long, cylindrical cones that hang downward from the branches. These can get pretty big—up to six inches long! They spend their first year maturing, and by the second year, they start producing seeds. Once those seeds are ready and the weather warms up, the cones turn a reddish or brown hue.
Pines have much smaller cones, usually only about one to two inches long. These cones appear every two years and are typically dark brown or gray. Comparing the cones is one of the most reliable ways to tell these two evergreens apart.
How tall do they get?
- Spruces are the giants, often reaching heights of nearly 200 feet.
- Pines are a bit shorter but still impressive, usually topping out around 130 feet.
Bark Texture and Color
The bark is another dead giveaway. Spruce bark is relatively thin and scaly, usually appearing in shades of brown or red. Pine bark looks completely different; it forms large, thick plates that get even chunkier as the tree ages. You’ll mostly see pine bark in a grayish-brown tone. If you take a close look at the trunk, the difference in texture between the two is actually pretty striking!
