3.2 Needleleaf Trees

List and describe the three main parts of a tree.

1. Crown - the leaves and branches. Leaves make the food for the entire plant. You will also find flowers or fruit at certain times of the year. 2. Trunk - stem made of woody fiber, protected by a layer of bark. 3. Roots - the part below the ground that anchors the tree and absorbs water and minerals.

List four kinds of needleleaf trees and explain how to tell them apart.

1. pines - long, thin needles that grow in bundles 2. hemlocks - very short, flat needles growing on little stalks, dark green tops and sides, light green underneath 3. fir - Single needles that grow directly on the twig; cones grow up from the top of the branch. 4. spruce - Short, four-sided needles that grow in spirals on the stalk; cones grow on the bottom side of the branch pointing down.

What is an annual ring?

A new layer of wood grown each year; the age of the tree and the amount of rainfall of each year can be told by the annual ring.

What are the three main groups of trees?

needleleaf, broad leaf, and palms

What are conifers?

trees that bear cones

What are the main characteristics of a tree?

woody stem (at least 15 feet when fully grown), able to stand upright on its own, at least 3" - 4" thick.