• The coniferous forest"gust" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: jenny downing (jenny downing) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
  
  

History

• At one time both species were referred to as fir trees. The distinction of spruce originated in Prussia during the 1300s as a reference to one specific type of tree---the spruce fir.
  
  

Needle Types

• Firs are often distinguished from their spruce cousins through the characteristics of their needles. Those of spruce trees are rather firm and rectangular when cut in cross section, while fir-tree needles are softer, flatter, and two-sided.
  
  

Cones

• The cones of fir trees are erect and have scales that fall off in autumn. Spruce-tree cones hang more loosely and do not lose their scales.
  
  

Bark

• Bark found on spruce trees is usually rough to the touch and becomes furrowed and scaly with age. Generally, the bark of a fir is smooth and grayish when young, but these also become more furrowed over time.
  
  

Considerations

• Due to the similarities between fir and spruce trees, their distinguishing features can best be found through a close inspection.