Expert: Jim Hyland - 2/19/2001

Question
Im doing homework and have been trying to find out for an hour the difference between a Pine Tree and a Fir Tree.  So far, it just looks like they are from the same family, but different?  What IS the difference between a pine and a fir? Is a fir a pine?

Confused.  Thanks alot!

Answer
Both are confers but pines have needles in groups of 2 to 6 and firs have single needles. They are from the same family. There are many differences in the bark, flowers, growing locations. Try the site --forestry.about.com  This site can link you to the different conifers such as pine and fir. Good luck!