Silvics of North America (1991),[1] a forest inventory compiled and published by the United States Forest Service, includes many conifers.[a] It superseded Silvics of Forest Trees of the United States (1965), which was the first extensive American tree inventory.[3]
All of the conifers in the inventory except the larches and some bald cypresses are evergreens.[4] Apart from two species in the yew family, all are in either the pine family (including firs, larches, spruces, pines, Douglas firs and hemlocks) or the cypress family (including junipers, redwoods, giant sequoias, bald cypresses and four genera of cedars).[2][5][6][b]
Softwood from North American conifers has a variety of commercial uses. The sturdier timber is used for plywood, wood veneer and construction framing, including structural support beams and studs. Milled logs can be fashioned into posts, poles and railroad ties. Less sturdy timber is often ground and processed into pulpwood, principally for papermaking. Resins from sap yield pine tar, turpentine and other terpenes.[7]
West of the Mississippi River: AK Alaska AR Arkansas AZ Arizona CA California CO Colorado IA Iowa ID Idaho KS Kansas LA Louisiana MN Minnesota MO Missouri MT Montana ND North Dakota NE Nebraska NM New Mexico NV Nevada OK Oklahoma OR Oregon SD South Dakota TX Texas UT Utah WA Washington WY Wyoming. (Hawaii does not appear in the 1991 inventory.)
These are often divided up into:
East of the Mississippi: AL Alabama CT Connecticut DE Delaware FL Florida GA Georgia IL Illinois IN Indiana KY Kentucky MA Massachusetts MD Maryland ME Maine MI Michigan MS Mississippi NC North Carolina NH New Hampshire NJ New Jersey NY New York OH Ohio PA Pennsylvania RI Rhode Island TN Tennessee VA Virginia VT Vermont WI Wisconsin WV West Virginia
These are often divided up into
Species and a common name[2][8][9] | Notes and commercial uses | Eastern distribution
Western distribution avg height; |
Limits for soil pH, annual precipitation and low temperature | Tolerance: (D)rought (F)ire, (L)iming and (S)hade |
Landscapes, bark and cones with foliage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abies amabilis (Pacific silver fir) | Can reach 230 ft (70 m) in height. The timber is lightweight, with low resin content. The species can easily be distinguished from non-fir conifers by the grey, blistery trunk and rigid branches.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers, winter holiday decorations[10][11] |
—
AK CA OR WA 165 ft (50 m); slow[10] |
pH 3.3–6.0
38–260 in (97–660 cm) |
D: low F: none L: low S: tolerant [10] |
|
Abies concolor (white fir) | The high-grade wood is used widely for framing and plywood.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers, winter holiday decorations[12][13] |
MA ME
AZ CO ID NM NV OR UT WY 120 ft (37 m); slow[12] |
pH 5.5–7.8
18–80 in (46–203 cm) |
D: medium F: medium L: low S: medium [12] |
|
Abies grandis (grand fir) | Can reach 230 ft (70 m) in height. The foliage has a distinct orange-like scent. The wood is soft, and not as durable as in other fir species.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers, winter holiday decorations[14][15] |
—
CA ID MT OR WA 150 ft (46 m); moderate[14] |
pH 4.5–7.5
11–100 in (28–254 cm) |
D: medium F: high L: low S: tolerant [14] |
|
Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir) | Provides habitat for wildlife and nutrition for livestock.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, winter holiday decorations[16][17][18] |
—
All the continental Western states 90 ft (27 m); slow[17] |
pH 4.0–6.5
20–150 in (51–381 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: tolerant [17] |
|
Abies magnifica (California red fir) | Prevalent near many natural water sources at high altitudes in California.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers, winter holiday decorations[19][20] |
NY
CA NV OR 150 ft (46 m); slow[19] |
pH 5.0–6.1
33–64 in (84–163 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: tolerant [19] |
|
Abies procera (noble fir) | Limited to the Cascade Range and coastal mountain ranges west of that range. It is the largest fir. The wood is stronger (and generally more expensive) than in other firs.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers, winter holiday decorations[21][22] |
—
CA OR WA 230 ft (70 m); rapid[21] |
pH 6.0–7.5
64–120 in (160–300 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: medium [21] |
|
Callitropsis nootkatensis (Alaska cedar)[23] | Formerly a significant timber tree providing durable, multi-use wood. Most of the trees have already been cleared, aside from limited numbers in protected areas. It is listed as Chamaecyparis nootkatensis in the 1991 inventory. | —
AK CA OR WA 75 ft (23 m); slow[24] |
pH 5.5–7.0
45–100 in (110–250 cm) |
D: low F: low L: none S: tolerant [24] |
|
Calocedrus decurrens (incense cedar) | Known as Libocedrus decurrens in the 1991 inventory. The heartwood is often used for siding. | —
CA NV OR 100 ft (30 m); slow[26] |
pH 4.6–7.1
20–80 in (51–203 cm) |
D: medium F: low L: low S: medium [26] |
|
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Port Orford cedar) | Susceptible to root rot. The logs are frequently exported to Japan. As an ornamental tree, it has more than 200 known cultivars. | —
CA OR 200 ft (61 m); moderate[28] |
pH 4.2–7.5
49–110 in (120–280 cm) |
D: low F: medium L: medium S: tolerant [28] |
|
Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) | Used locally since the 19th century for durable poles and as firewood, and now also for furniture, toys and paneling. | —
CA ID NV OR WA 33 ft (10 m); slow[30] |
pH 6.0–8.5
8–24 in (20–61 cm) |
D: high F: low L: high S: intolerant [30] |
|
Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper) | Usually a shrub or small tree. The wood is durable, especially when seasoned, and suitable for furniture. The resins are aromatic. | —
All continental states west of the Mississippi, except for AK, CA and the states bordering the river 50 ft (15 m); slow[32] |
pH 5.0–8.5
9–26 in (23–66 cm) |
D: high F: low L: high S: intolerant [32] |
|
Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar) | An important support species for wildlife throughout its range. Although the tree has limited commercial use, the wood is highly valued for its appearance and robustness. The resins are aromatic. J. silicicola is also listed in the 1991 inventory, but this is now a synonym of a variety of J. virginiana.
Uses: landscaping, posts, veneers, winter holiday decorations[34][35] |
All states east of the Mississippi
AR CO IA KS LA MN MO ND NE OK OR SD TX 50 ft (15 m); slow[34] |
pH 4.7–8.0
15–68 in (38–173 cm) |
D: high F: low L: high S: medium [34] |
|
Larix laricina (tamarack) | Adapted to a variety of poor soil conditions, including peatland. The tree has one of the widest distributions among North American conifers. | The eastern Midwest, New England and the Mid-Atlantic except for DE and VA
AK MN 80 ft (24 m); rapid[36] |
pH 5.5–6.5
7–55 in (18–140 cm) |
D: low F: none L: low S: intolerant [36] |
|
Larix lyallii (subalpine larch) | Distinguishable from western larch by its woolly buds and new growth. In its range, the subalpine larch is often found growing higher on cold mountain slopes than other trees. | —
ID MT WA 40 ft (12 m); slow[38] |
pH 3.9–5.6
26–95 in (66–241 cm) |
D: high F: low L: none S: intolerant [38] |
|
Larix occidentalis (western larch) | The largest larch, and the most important one commercially for its timber. Also a significant source of arabinogalactan, a gum used as a thickening agent.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, veneers[40][41] |
—
ID MT OR UT WA WY 200 ft (61 m); rapid[40] |
pH 6.0–7.0
13–50 in (33–127 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: intolerant [40] |
|
Picea breweriana (Brewer spruce) | Also called "weeping spruce", for the fringe-like branchlets that hang from the horizontal branches. It is a popular tree for landscaping in Europe. | —
CA OR 100 ft (30 m); slow[42] |
pH 4.6–7.5
21–110 in (53–279 cm) |
D: low F: low L: none S: tolerant [42] |
|
Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) | Typically contains many small wood knots that lower the grade of the timber. The light colour, long fibres and very low resin content contribute to the quality of its pulpwood.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[44][45] |
—
All the continental Western states 120 ft (37 m); slow[44] |
pH 6.0–8.0
21–160 in (53–406 cm) |
D: low F: low L: high S: tolerant [44] |
|
Picea glauca[c] (white spruce) | Used to build furniture, pallets and musical instruments. | MD MI NJ NY PA WI and New England
AK ID MN MT SD WY 100 ft (30 m); slow[46] |
pH 4.0–8.2
7–50 in (18–127 cm) |
D: high F: low L: low S: medium [46] |
|
Picea mariana (black spruce) |
Mainly harvested for pulpwood; construction uses are limited by the small size (for a spruce). The pale yellow wood is lightweight but strong. Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, terpenes, winter holiday decorations[49][50] |
IL MI NJ NY PA WI and New England
AK MN 65 ft (20 m); slow[49] |
pH 4.7–6.5
5–60 in (13–152 cm) |
D: low F: none L: low S: tolerant [49] |
|
Picea pungens (blue spruce) | The brittle wood has little economic value, but the tree's symmetry and unusual color make it a popular ornamental tree with at least 38 cultivars. | MD ME NY PA
AZ CO ID MN NM UT WY 100 ft (30 m); slow[51] |
pH 5.5–7.8
20–45 in (51–114 cm) |
D: medium F: low L: high S: medium [51] |
|
Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) | The largest spruce. The strong wood is used in light aircraft, masts and turbine blades. It is also used in many musical instruments for its resonance. | —
AK CA OR WA 200 ft (61 m); moderate[53] |
pH 3.9–5.7
22–225 in (56–572 cm) |
D: low F: none L: medium S: tolerant [53] |
|
Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine) | A slow-growing and long-lived pioneer species that helps reduce the movement of soil and snow. The seeds are a source of nutrition for birds, small mammals, black bears and grizzly bears. | —
CA ID MT NV OR WA WY 65 ft (20 m); slow[55] |
pH 4.8–8.0
18–72 in (46–183 cm) |
D: high F: none L: low S: medium [55] |
|
Pinus banksiana (jack pine) | Sometimes milled for utility poles and railroad ties.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes[57][58] |
NY PA WV, the eastern Midwest and New England except for CT
MN MO ND 80 ft (24 m); rapid[57] |
pH 6.0–8.2
15–35 in (38–89 cm) |
D: low F: none L: low S: intolerant [57] |
|
Pinus clausa (sand pine) | Grown on plantations for biofuel.
Uses: construction, pulpwood, winter holiday decorations[59][60] |
AL FL GA MS NC
TX 80 ft (24 m); slow[59] |
pH 4.2–5.5
40–65 in (100–170 cm) |
D: low F: low L: none S: medium [59] |
|
Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) | Used in paneling, and sometimes milled for utility poles and railroad ties. The trees usually grow rapidly when young and can be harvested economically.
Uses: construction, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[61][62] |
—
SD and all the continental Western states except AZ NM 99 ft (30 m); rapid[61] |
pH 6.2–7.5
18–25 in (46–64 cm) |
D: low F: low L: high S: intolerant [61] |
|
Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) | One of the most economically important softwood trees in the Southeast, providing mainly pulpwood and construction timber.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers, winter holiday decorations[63][64] |
OH IL KY, the Southeast and the Mid-Atlantic
AR LA MO OK TX 100 ft (30 m); rapid[63] |
pH 4.0–6.0
34–65 in (86–165 cm) |
D: medium F: high L: low S: intolerant [63] |
|
Pinus edulis (twoneedle pinyon) | The large, edible seeds are the most valuable product of the tree. Many isolated communities in the southwestern US have relied on the trees for firewood.
Uses: landscaping, posts, winter holiday decorations[65][66] |
—
AZ CA CO NM NV OK TX UT WY 50 ft (15 m); slow[65] |
pH 6.5–8.5
9–27 in (23–69 cm) |
D: high F: low L: low S: intolerant [65] |
|
Pinus elliottii (slash pine) | Still one of the most frequently planted North American timber trees, it has supplied much of the world's demand for turpentine and resin since the 1700s. It is native to the Southeast.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[67][68] |
The Southeast except for TN
LA TX 100 ft (30 m); rapid[67] |
pH 4.0–6.4
40–80 in (100–200 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: intolerant [67] |
|
Pinus flexilis (limber pine) | A slow-growing species not usually planted for its timber, but sometimes harvested along with other species. It is adapted to harsh climates, including windy and dry conditions, and provides the only tree cover available on some sites. The species is long-lived; one specimen was found to be 1650 years old.[69] | —
ND NE SD and all the continental Western states except WA 66 ft (20 m); slow[70] |
pH 5.7–6.5
20–70 in (51–178 cm) |
D: high F: low L: medium S: intolerant [70] |
|
Pinus glabra (spruce pine) | Grows near water or in swampland in coastal plains. The wood is brittle, not durable, and not highly valued. | The Southeast except for NC and TN
LA 90 ft (27 m); rapid [72] |
pH 3.8–5.6
35–66 in (89–168 cm) |
D: low F: none L: none S: tolerant [72] |
|
Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) | Discovered in 1852 by John Jeffrey, the tree produces wood similar in structure and quality to ponderosa pine wood.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[74][75] |
—
CA NV OR 180 ft (55 m); rapid[74] |
pH 5.6–8.4
20–80 in (51–203 cm) |
D: medium F: medium L: none S: intolerant [74] |
|
Pinus lambertiana (sugar pine) | The largest and tallest pine, and one of the oldest, sometimes living 500 years or more.[76] Mature trees often have long cones weighing down the tips of the upper branches. | —
CA NV OR 229 ft (70 m); rapid[77] |
pH 5.6–8.0
25–90 in (64–229 cm) |
D: medium F: low L: none S: medium [77] |
|
Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon) | One of the slowest-growing conifers. Many of the trees are wider than they are tall. The edible seeds are harvested and sold commercially.
Uses: landscaping, posts, winter holiday decorations[78][79] |
—
AZ CA NV ID NM UT 50 ft (15 m); slow[78] |
pH 6.2–7.5
11–20 in (28–51 cm) |
D: high F: low L: high S: intolerant [78] |
|
Pinus monticola (western white pine) | Straight-grained, lightweight and low in resin, the timber is often used in framing and woodworking.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[80][81] |
—
CA ID MT NV OR UT WA 200 ft (61 m); rapid[80] |
pH 5.5–7.0
15–30 in (38–76 cm) |
D: low F: low L: medium S: medium [80] |
|
Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) | A traditional provider of turpentine and resins for naval and other uses. Forests of these trees may once have covered 60 million acres (240,000 km2), but have been reduced to less than one-fifteenth of that.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[82][83] |
VA and the Southeast except for TN
AR LA TX 120 ft (37 m); rapid[82] |
pH 6.0–7.0
40–60 in (100–150 cm) |
D: medium F: medium L: low S: intolerant [82] |
|
Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) | Can reach more than 70 m (230 ft) in height. It is a widely distributed tree in western North America, and one of the main sources of timber, with a relatively fast growth rate.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[84][85] |
—
All continental states west of the Mississippi, except for AK, KS and the states bordering the river 223 ft (68 m); moderate[84] |
pH 5.0–9.0
15–25 in (38–64 cm) |
D: high F: high L: low S: intolerant [84] |
|
Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) | Internationally, the most widely planted pine species, mainly for timber and pulpwood. The wood tends to be lower-grade and is not widely sold in the US. | —
CA 120 ft (37 m); rapid[86] |
pH 4.5–5.2
16–30 in (41–76 cm) |
D: low F: none L: low S: medium [86] |
|
Pinus sabiniana (California foothill pine) | Not widely used today, but it provided food and was crafted into baskets and drums by Indigenous peoples of California. | —
CA OR 80 ft (24 m); slow[88] |
pH 6.0–8.3
14–24 in (36–61 cm) |
D: high F: low L: medium S: intolerant [88] |
|
Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) | The most economically valuable forest tree in the Southern US, representing more than half of the total volume of erect pines.
Uses: construction, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers[90][91] |
DE IL KY MD NJ OH VA and the Southeast
AR LA MO OK TX 100 ft (30 m); rapid[90] |
pH 4.0–7.0
35–65 in (89–165 cm) |
D: low F: high L: medium S: intolerant [90] |
|
Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine) | Formerly called "scrub pine", it has become a principal provider of timber and pulpwood in the Southeast, and a popular choice for reforestation and mine reclamation sites.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers, winter holiday decorations[92][93] |
IL IN KY OH, the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast except for FL
MO 70 ft (21 m); rapid [92] |
pH 4.5–7.5
32–65 in (81–165 cm) |
D: high F: medium L: low S: intolerant [92] |
|
Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (bigcone Douglas fir) | The wood is sturdy and strong but not durable. It is no longer harvested commercially for its coarse lumber. | —
CA 75 ft (23 m); moderate[94] |
pH 5.0–7.0
12–40 in (30–102 cm) |
D: high F: low L: none S: intolerant [94] |
|
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) | Worldwide, one of the most commercially successful timber trees.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, terpenes, veneers, winter holiday decorations[96][97] |
NJ NY PA
MN TX and all the continental Western states 200 ft (61 m); moderate[96] |
pH 5.0–7.5
18–100 in (46–254 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: medium [96] |
|
Sequoia sempervirens (redwood) | Closely related to the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron), this tree relies on the wet winters and foggy summers prevalent along the central and northern coasts of California. Its decay-resistant wood and very hard bark have a variety of uses in construction and landscaping.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, veneers[98][99] |
—
CA OR 250 ft (76 m); rapid[98] |
pH 5.0–7.0
20–200 in (51–508 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: tolerant [98] |
|
Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) | Grown as an ornamental tree in many countries. Because of the tree's extreme size and longevity and restricted natural habitat, most giant sequoia forests have been granted protected status. | —
CA 200 ft (61 m); slow[100] |
pH 5.5–7.5
35–55 in (89–140 cm) |
D: medium F: none L: low S: intolerant [100] |
|
Taxodium distichum (bald cypress) | Grows on soggy or flooded ground in coastal plains in the Southern US. Often displays cypress knees near the base of the trunk. | IL IN KY OH, the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast
AR LA MO OK TX 130 ft (40 m); rapid[102] |
pH 4.5–6.0
40–65 in (100–170 cm) |
D: low F: low L: none S: medium [102] |
|
Taxus brevifolia (western yew) | A shade-tolerant tree of the Yew family. When competing with taller and faster-growing trees, it becomes part of the undergrowth. The seed cones have red arils. | —
AK CA ID MT NV OR WA 40 ft (12 m); slow[104] |
pH 6.2–7.5
24–60 in (61–152 cm) |
D: medium F: low L: low S: tolerant [104] |
|
Thuja plicata (western redcedar) | The only native Thuja species in western North America. The lightweight, durable wood makes good insulation, and is often used in shingles and other roofing materials.
Uses: construction, landscaping, posts, pulpwood, veneers[106][107] |
—
AK CA ID MT OR WA 150 ft (46 m); slow[106] |
pH 5.1–7.1
30–120 in (76–305 cm) |
D: low F: low L: medium S: tolerant [106] |
|
Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) | Used widely in construction. It is also a good source of wood fibre.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers[108][109] |
—
AK CA ID MT OR WA 170 ft (52 m); slow[108] |
pH 4.5–6.0
38–150 in (97–381 cm) |
D: low F: low L: none S: tolerant [108] |
|
Tsuga mertensiana (mountain hemlock) | Grows well in snow-covered subalpine zones.
Uses: construction, landscaping, pulpwood, veneers[110][111] |
—
AK CA ID MT NV OR WA 125 ft (38 m); slow[110] |
pH 4.5–7.3
42–140 in (110–360 cm) |
D: low F: low L: low S: tolerant [110] |