Difference Between Deciduous and Coniferous

Written by Nannette Richford; Updated December 14, 2018

If you grew up believing that deciduous trees are trees with broad leaves that drop their leaves in the fall and that coniferous trees are evergreen trees with fine needles, you might be surprised to learn that this is only partially correct. This common description, often found in grade-school textbooks, may be accurate, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous refers to any tree that drops its leaves in the fall and goes dormant during cold weather. When the weather warms, deciduous trees produce new leaves. Although most deciduous trees are broadleaf trees, this in not always the case. Some trees with needles are also deciduous trees.

Coniferous Trees

Coniferous trees are often referred to as evergreens, and the name is associated with trees that have needles instead of broad, flat leaves. Although this is true in many cases, it isn't always true. A coniferous tree is any tree that reproduces via cones.

Deciduous Coniferous Trees

Some coniferous trees are also deciduous. Some, such as larch and tamarack (Larix spp.), have needles and cones but also lose their leaves in the fall. These trees typically grow wild in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 6. The pond cypress (Taxodium ascends) thrives in USDA zones 6 through 9 and is also a deciduous coniferous tree. These trees prefer full sun and adapt to a variety of soils.

Evergreen Broadleaf Trees

Some evergreen trees are neither coniferous or deciduous. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) have broad, flat leaves that remain green all year. These trees, or shrubs, thrive in USDA planting zones 4a through 8a, depending on the cultivar. The mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is another evergreen broadleaf tree, which thrives in USDA planting zones 4 through 9. Both prefer full sun.

About the Author

Nannette Richford


bibliography-icon icon for annotation tool Cite this Article