What’s the Difference between Deciduous and Coniferous Trees?

Trees are classified into deciduous and coniferous groups according to their leaves and method of seed production. Understanding the differences between these two types of trees can help identify tree species and their role in the ecosystem.

Deciduous Trees:

Deciduous trees are broad-leafed and lose all their leaves for part of the year (usually winter) in a process called abscission and enter a process of dormancy to survive winter and conserve water.

Identifying deciduous trees:

• Leaves – Since deciduous trees lose their leaves, they need to maximise the amount of light they can absorb during the periods they have them, and therefore most deciduous trees are broadleaved trees. The larger surface area of the leaves means that there is a greater area in which photosynthesis can take place. During the autumn, most species’ leaves change colour to red, orange, yellow or brown before abscission.
• Reproduction – They bear fruits or capsules containing seeds. The seeds are protected by either a hard shell (e.g. the acorn from an oak) or a fleshy fruit (e.g. Plums). Their seeds are often dispersed by animals eating or moving them. Most Deciduous trees flower and are angiosperms. They usually flower before the leaves grow or early in the growing season, while leaves are small, to optimise pollen transmission by the wind.
• Shape – Deciduous trees tend to grow outwards to optimise light absorbance.

Some examples of deciduous trees include:

• English Oak (Quercus robur)
• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
• Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
• Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Coniferous Trees:

Coniferous trees, on the other hand, have leaves in all seasons but gradually lose and replace them throughout the year.

Identifying coniferous trees:

•  Leaves – Coniferous trees have compact and pointed, needle-like or scale-like leaves with a waxy coating and a cuticle. This leaf structure minimises water loss due to evaporation. The leaves are hardier, less palatable to pests, and more waterproof and windproof. Their leaf structure allows them to photosynthesise year-round and makes them better adapted to living in harsh habitats such as very cold or scorching environments.
• Reproduction – Conifers do not produce flowers. They are gymnosperms. Their seeds are protected by a sharp-toothed cone, which releases seeds by opening their scales.
• Shape – Conifers tend to grow upwards and in a triangular shape.

Some examples of coniferous trees include: 

• Atlantic cedar (Cedrus atlantica) 
• Nordman fir (Abies nordmanniana)
• Norway spruce (Picea abies) 
• Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 

Exceptions to the rule:

However, there are some exceptions to the rules. There are several species of conifer which are also deciduous, including European Larch and Pond Cypress. Additionally, deciduous and coniferous trees can also differ regarding growth habits and the environments in which they can survive and thrive. Deciduous trees often prefer areas with moderate climates and adequate rainfall, while coniferous trees are more adaptable to extreme temperatures and dry conditions. Another way to differentiate between deciduous and coniferous trees is by looking at their bark. Deciduous trees generally have smooth bark when young, which can become rough and furrowed as they age. Coniferous trees, on the other hand, often have rough and scaly bark from a young age.

This article was written by Danny Bullman from MB Trees