It is common to classify wood as either softwood or <answer>hardwood</answer>. The wood from conifers (e.g. pine) is called softwood, and the wood from dicotyledons (usually broad-leaved trees, e.g. oak) is called <answer>hardwood</answer>. These names are a bit misleading, as <answer>hardwood</answer>s are not necessarily hard, and softwoods are not necessarily soft. The well-known balsa (a <answer>hardwood</answer>) is actually softer than any commercial softwood. Conversely, some softwoods (e.g. yew) are harder than many <answer>hardwood</answer>s.
Is balsa a softwood or a hardwood?
hardwood