The trees thrived because they fit the growing conditions, such as climate, type of soil, amount of moisture, and access to sunlight. To identify a tree species, look for the following clues in a leaf. Leaf Type needles simple leaf scales compound leaf Leaf Arrangement opposite alternate Leaf Edges smooth toothed lobed doubly toothed Four Common Coniferous Trees Conifers are often called softwoods. Scientists call them gymnosperms from the Greek word gymnos, meaning bare, and sperma, meaning seed. Conifers have uncovered seeds, which form on the scales of cones.
Conifers have needles, a type of leaf.
Although the needles seem never to fall off, conifers do shed old needles a few at a time. Conifer needles are a lot tougher than deciduous leaves and don't lose water as quickly, which means they can stay alive and green even in the winter. Not all trees with needles are pine trees. Minnesota's native evergreens include spruce and fir too. Look at the leaves.