Cones sometimes stay on old, bare branches. Needles are attached singly to twig. When taken off twig, needles leave what looks like a miniature twig. Needles are sharp and stiff. Needles are flat, not sharp, and are at varying angles to twig.
Needles come out of all sides of twig.
Needles are the same color on top and bottom and are all about the same length. Needles come out of only the sides of the twig , allowing you to see the top and bottom of the twig easily. Needles are unequal in length and are whiter on bottom than top. Removal of needles leave a smooth or slightly indented space on twig. Buds on end of twigs have sharp points.