You mean they're not all pines?

No, they're not all pines - pine trees, that is. Pine trees, spruce trees, fir trees, cedar trees, and so many more "needled" trees fall under the category of evergreen. But did you know that they're all very different as far as needle and bark formation goes? Not to mention size and habit (shape) and preferable habitat.

To make a quick distinction between spruces and firs (these are trees with shorter needles in branches and clusters as opposed to long and slender pine needles that hang) try this little field test. Take a needle or two off the suspect tree. Attempt to roll one needle between two fingers. If it rolls, you know it's a spruce. The fir needle will not roll because it only has two flat sides, but the spruce has 4, so it rolls.

Next time you're enjoying a picnic outdoors beside an evergreen, impress your date with this easy tree test. Suddenly the natural world will be wonder-filled, and you will be wonderful.