Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 2/11/2008

Question
what are the differences between cypress and pines

Answer
Dear Daniel,

Both the cypress and pine are conifers, meaning they produce seeds in cones, but do not produce flowers or fruit.  They are rather closely related, and the differences between them can be subtle beyond their DNA.

There are many species of each type of tree, so it's difficult to describe the differences between all of them.  They also both occupy a variety of habitats, from wetlands (in the case of cypress, in particular) to dry habitats at both low and high elevations (some cypress and most pines)

In general, most cypress species have flattened, scale-like leaves, sometimes very short.  Pines tend to have longer leaves that are round or polygonal in cross-section.  Pine leaves occur in bundles called fascicles, whereas cypress leaves are borne singly.

The strobilus (cone) of the pine and cypress look quite different, though there can be variation across species (especially in pines!). You can see pictures of various cypress cones here:
http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=cypress+cone&btnG=Search+Images

and pine cones here:

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=pine+cone&btnG=Search+Images


Hope this helps.

Dana