28 Top Types of Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees come in various species and families, with the pine tree being one of the most recognizable.
These trees can grow taller than 60 feet and are often found in the Pacific Northwest. Needles on evergreen trees may reach lengths of up to 18 inches.
A wide range of evergreen options exists, but in this guide, I'll introduce 28 popular ones providing resilience against both cold and hot weather while keeping their green color all year round.
The Black Spruce (Picea Mariana)
Black Spruce trees have a conical shape that narrows at the top.
Their branches hang down, featuring dark needles in shades of blue and green with upturned tips. This tree thrives in cool climates, often found in northern parts of North America and Canada.
Wet soil suits them well, making these evergreens hardy plants for various environments. Many people use Black Spruce pulp to produce paper, highlighting its importance beyond just aesthetics.
Evergreen Species: The Rhododendron
Rhododendrons, often called "red trees," belong to a special group of evergreen plants.
They vary greatly in height, from tiny dwarf varieties reaching just 4 inches to impressive trees standing up to 40 feet tall. Their thick leaves and vibrant flowers come in many colors like blue, white, pink, yellow, and purple.
Evergreen trees have unique features such as cones that protect seeds and needle-like or scale-shaped leaves that help them survive different climates. Over 600 species exist worldwide; among them are fast growers like the Murray Cypress and privacy-friendly Arborvitae which can grow a foot each year when young.
The Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)
Eastern white pines, known as the Tree of Peace, have a rich history linked to Native Americans on the east coast of the United States.
These magnificent trees can live for centuries, with some reaching ages around 200 years. Gymnosperms by classification, they typically grow to heights of at least 50 feet and spread about 25 feet wide.
Soft pine needles add beauty; each needle measures up to 5 inches long and displays a subtle blue hue while growing in clusters. Their impressive stature makes them notable features in any landscape.
The Bald Cypress (Taxodium Distichum)
Bald cypress trees can reach heights over 70 feet and widths of up to 25 feet.
Their unique shape changes with age; younger trees grow in a pyramidal form, while older ones have flat tops. These hardy evergreens thrive in coastal areas and swamps, often near water sources.
With a wide base that narrows upward, mature bald cypresses may have diameters of about six feet. Many have adapted well through climate changes and continue to live long lives, producing numerous cones along the way.
The Ponderosa Pine (Pinus Ponderosa)
The Ponderosa Pine stands tall, reaching heights of up to 125 feet and spreading at least 25 feet wide.
A conical shape gives it a classic tree appearance, while its greenish-yellow needles grow in bundles. Oval cones can measure as long as 6 inches, adding to the tree's unique characteristics.
Young trees feature dark brown bark that changes color with age into scaly plates. Crushing any part of this tree releases a scent reminiscent of turpentine or resin, making it easily identifiable in the forest.
Hemlock Trees: The Pacific Yew (Taxus Brevifolia)
Bright red fruit hangs from the Pacific Yew tree, which also has needle-like leaves.
This evergreen thrives in forests filled with maple, fir, and hemlock while often being covered by moss and lichens. Strong timber gives it durability; Native American tribes crafted tools and bows from its wood for hunting.
Canoe paddles, handles, and posts find their origin here too but are not commonly made commercially. Caution is necessary since the tree's parts can be poisonous to animals if ingested.
Evergreen Species: The Mahogany (Swietenia Mahagoni)
Mahogany trees, known scientifically as Swietenia Mahagoni, thrive in tropical areas.
Their impressive height can reach up to 75 feet with a spread of about 50 feet. Unique red wood becomes even richer in color as the tree matures.
Feather-like leaflets without a terminal leaflet add to their distinct appearance, while clusters of white flowers bloom beautifully each season. This dense hardwood withstands strong winds when properly trained and provides excellent shade for landscapes.
The Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens)
The Mediterranean cypress features tall, blueish-green needles and thrives in rocky or coastal areas.
This tree often takes on a columnar shape, especially when grown in gardens. Young trees require regular watering, but as they mature, they become more drought-resistant.
Pruning helps maintain their upright form while ensuring minimal upkeep is needed for landscaping. For successful transplantation, April or September is the best time to move them while their roots are actively growing.
The Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa)
Red Pine trees, known scientifically as Pinus Resinosa, can grow over 115 feet tall.
Their trunks stand straight while the crowns take on a narrow and conical shape. A reddish bark covers their flaky surface, adding to their distinct appearance.
Branches curve upward and spread wide, giving the tree a unique silhouette. Needle-shaped leaves measure at least 4 inches long and break cleanly toward the center when snapped off.
The Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron Giganteum)
Giant Sequoias stand out with their unique orange hue, featuring deep red tones.
These impressive trees can grow rapidly and reach great heights in a relatively short time. While many of them are ancient, they do not rival the oldest trees on Earth.
Their primary branches often remain close to the trunk until reaching significant height. Even so, this evergreen species can live for thousands of years, showcasing its remarkable longevity.
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis)
Eastern hemlocks grow tall and wide, reaching heights of at least 40 feet and widths over 25 feet.
Found mostly in the eastern United States, these trees thrive in mountainous regions where the soil drains well but retains moisture. Sunlight plays an important role in their growth as well.
With a lovely conical shape and drooping branches adorned with cones, they add beauty to any garden or landscape. For smaller spaces, choosing a dwarf variety can provide all the charm without overwhelming your yard.
The Balsam Fir Trees (Abies Balsamea)
Balsam Fir trees, known as Abies Balsamea, thrive in cooler climates.
Their natural habitat stretches from Alberta down to Pennsylvania. These trees prefer soil that is moist, acidic, and drains well.
A delightful scent emerges when the needles are crushed, accompanied by a good amount of sap from the bark and cones. With shapes varying from conical to narrow crowns and upright cones on display, these firs stand resilient through cold winters thanks to their strong needle structure.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens)
Colorado Blue Spruce stands out with its pyramidal shape and dense growth.
Needles display a beautiful mix of silvery and bluish-green hues, while stiff, curved needles can grow up to 1 inch long. This evergreen tree reaches heights of 60 feet and spreads about 20 feet wide.
Cones take on a cylindrical form as they mature, adding more character to the tree. Often chosen for ornamental purposes, it serves well as an accent or windbreak in gardens or landscapes.
Evergreen Species: The Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica)
Tamarind trees thrive in tropical areas, growing tall—up to 65 feet or more.
Originally from East Africa, these evergreens have a thick trunk and wide-spreading crown with light green leaflets. During summer, colorful flowers bloom and later droop down.
Pods filled with bean-like fruit appear as the flowers fade; this fruit turns into tasty pulp when ripe and features prominently in many dishes. A dry climate can lead to the shedding of leaves despite their evergreen nature.
The Canadian Yew (Taxus Canadensis)
Height reaches a maximum of 5 feet, making the Canadian Yew an excellent choice for compact spaces.
This evergreen thrives in shady spots with cool, moist soil. Found near lakes, streams, and swampy areas, it also grows in the mountains of North Carolina.
When its stems touch the ground, they can sprout new growth and form colonies. Utilizing this plant helps stabilize soil along ponds and bogs while providing effective ground coverage.
Grand Fir (Abies Grandis)
Grand Fir trees thrive in the Pacific Northwest, particularly at high elevations.
Known for their pleasant scent, these evergreens serve well as Christmas trees and enhance any landscape with their impressive height. Wildlife often relies on them for shelter and food, making the Grand Fir a vital part of its ecosystem.
Two varieties exist, with one reaching great heights along the coast. Naturalizing this tree in your area adds beauty while supporting local wildlife.
Western Hemlock (Tsuga Heterophylla)
Height can reach nearly 200 feet, while the base often exceeds 30 feet in width.
Needles vary in length and display different shades of green. A conical crown adds to its pyramidal shape, creating a broad appearance.
Brown seeds grow abundantly on these trees. Distinguishing between western and eastern hemlocks is possible by examining needle size and arrangement, along with the differences in band size and bud shape.
The Common Yew / European Yew (Taxus Baccata)
Common Yew, also known as European Yew, can grow up to 60 feet tall.
This tree has a conical shape and features dense branches adorned with green needles. While beautiful, it’s important to note that the Yew is highly poisonous; toxins can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled if released.
Male trees produce cones without seeds, while females bear scarlet red fruit that contains seeds wrapped in arils. These evergreen plants are found widely in their natural habitat but should be approached with caution due to their toxic nature.
The Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)
Norway Spruce (Picea Abies) reaches heights of up to 60 feet and spreads about 30 feet wide.
This tree displays a conical, pyramidal shape with branches that droop elegantly. Young trees have outward-spreading limbs, while mature bark transitions from thin to thick, taking on a brownish-gray hue.
Needles grow in clusters and measure around an inch long with four sides. When cones fully develop, they shine silver and can reach lengths of up to 6 inches.
The Fraser Fir Trees (Abies Fraseri)
Fraser Fir trees thrive in the Appalachian Mountains and are often called Balsam Firs.
Their conical shape is noticeable when they are young, with heights exceeding 50 feet and trunks that can grow thicker than 2 feet. Many people choose these trees for Christmas because of their pleasant scent and long-lasting needles.
Recreational areas and gardens frequently showcase Fraser Firs, making them a common sight outdoors. This species holds a special place among evergreen options available to nature lovers.
Hemlock Trees: The Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga Menziesii)
Douglas Fir trees thrive along the west coast and belong to a group of evergreen pines.
Known for their unique forked cones, these trees can have cones that measure over 4 inches long and often droop. Three types make up the Douglas Fir: Mexican, Coast, and Rocky Mountain varieties.
Needles grow to about 1½ inches in length, showcasing a white band underneath that adds to their beauty. Crushing these needles releases a strong fragrance that enhances the tree's appeal.
The Monterey Cypress (Hesperocyparis Macrocarpa)
Hardy and resilient, the Monterey Cypress thrives in coastal regions where salt spray and strong winds challenge other trees.
This tree can reach impressive heights of up to 90 feet, with a canopy that spreads 70 feet wide. Its trunk can grow over 6 feet in diameter as it ages gracefully for more than 300 years.
Young cypress trees display a narrow, pyramidal shape before maturing into broader forms with flat tops. The unique contorted growth pattern gives this species its remarkable visual appeal, making it memorable among tree varieties found near the timberline.
The Nootka Cypress (Callitropsis Nootkatensis)
Found in the Pacific Northwest, the Nootka cypress thrives near streams and moist soils.
This evergreen tree features drooping branches that fan out into flat sprays. Its greenish-blue leaves add a lovely touch to any landscape.
Growth is generally slow but can speed up under ideal conditions, reaching an impressive height of over 40 feet and spreading 15 feet wide. In nature, some specimens may reach as tall as 90 feet.
The Sugar Pine (Pinus Lambertiana)
Sugar pines, known for their impressive size, can grow to heights of 150 feet or more than 250 feet.
Their trunks develop a rich cinnamon-red color and can reach widths of up to 10 feet as they age. Noticeable clusters of needles measure around 3 inches in length.
Heavy cones hang from the branches, often measuring about 12 inches long and occasionally reaching lengths of up to 20 inches. Once these cones mature, they contain seeds that weigh several pounds inside them.
The Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga Mertensiana)
Mountain hemlock trees thrive in higher elevations, often reaching only 10 feet tall in subalpine areas.
In contrast, lowland varieties can grow over 100 feet high. This evergreen features narrow, medium-sized needles and a conical crown with widely spreading branches that create dense foliage.
Darkish-brown scaly bark adds to its character while purple cone seeds lighten the overall appearance. Commonly found across the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alaska, mountain hemlocks adapt well to different environments.
Evergreen Species: The Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)
Native to Australia and warm areas, the Eucalyptus thrives in dry conditions but struggles in cold climates.
This evergreen can grow as a small tree or woody shrub, showcasing long stems. With hundreds of species available, leaves typically appear smooth and fibrous alongside silver bark.
Caution is necessary; consuming large amounts may lead to poisoning, while skin contact might cause irritation. Unlike many trees found in forests, this unique plant prefers open spaces like the outback.
The White Fir (Abies Procera)
Known for its impressive height, the White Fir can reach up to 300 feet tall.
This tree features a unique layered shape that makes it popular during the holiday season. Grayish-blue needles and silver-gray bark enhance its visual appeal.
Cones grow quite large, sometimes measuring over five inches long. Native to the northwest, this fir thrives in various landscapes and environments, adding beauty wherever it stands.
The Coast Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens)
Coast Redwoods stand out as some of the tallest trees, reaching heights of up to 380 feet.
These evergreens have a unique trunk that rises straight from the ground, with young branches spreading out in a horizontal and pyramid-like manner. Over time, lower branches fall off, resulting in a conical shape as they mature.
Known for their rapid growth rate of about 3 feet each year, these magnificent trees thrive in protected areas like Redwood National Park. Their impressive stature and longevity make them remarkable additions to any landscape.
