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Conifer

By Steve Nix, About.com

Definition: A tree that is a gymnosperm, usually evergreen, with cones and needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. This tree belongs to the order Coniferales and normally keeps foliage or needles through the entire year.

Trees called softwoods are coniferous. They include pine, spruces, firs, and cedars. Wood hardness varies among the conifer species, and some are actually harder than some hardwoods.

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