Conifers are often called evergreens because most hold their leaves all year long. However, some conifers are deciduous. All conifers are also called softwoods because their wood is relatively soft when compared with that of other trees. The Ponderosa pine is the most common tree east of the Cascades and is Oregon's No. 2 tree. Mature ponderosa pines have an interesting bark that flakes off in shapes like jigsaw puzzle pieces.
Older trees have a distinct yellow or orange color.