Types of trees found around Portland, Oregon

Cypres

Cypresses are attractive evergreen conifers that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their scale-like foliage resembles that of the false cedars (except that the smallest sprays of cypress tend to be rounded rather than flat), and the junipers (except that cypresses do not commonly have sharp-pointed needles). Their round cones resemble those of Port-Orford- and Alaska-cedars, although cypress cones are much larger (often over 1/2 inch in diameter).

Douglas-Fir

Douglas-fir is the name of an entire genus of trees that contains six species--two native to North America and four native to eastern Asia. Because of its similarity to other genera, Douglas-fir has given botanists fits. It has, at various times, been called a pine, a spruce, a hemlock, and a true fir. In 1867, because of its distinctive cones, it was given its own genus--Pseudotsuga--which means false hemlock.

Only one Douglas-fir is native to the Pacific Northwest, and it's by far the most important member of the entire genus. Its common name is identical to that of the genus, reflecting its importance. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is Oregon's state tree.

Giant Sequoias

Giant sequoias are the largest trees ever to inhabit the earth, and are among the oldest. Heights of 300 feet and diameters of 30 feet are not uncommon. Their ages commonly range from 2,000 to 3,000 years (only bristlecone pines are older).

Although once widespread, giant sequoias now occur only in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California. Since 1890, giant sequoias have been protected in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, as well as in smaller individual groves. There is only one species within this genus, Sequoiadendron giganteum; it has the same common name as its genus, giant sequoia. Spruce

Many people think that spruces, Douglas-firs, and the true firs look alike. In a general way they do, but look closer. Feel the needles. Spruces have stiff, prickly needles, while Douglas-firs and true firs have soft, flexible needles. Each spruce needle springs from a tiny, woody peg; in fact, this peg is one of the best ways to identify a spruce. Spruce cones hang down from the branches like those of Douglas-fir while true fir cones stand up, but spruce cones do not have Douglas-fir's pitchfork bracts. The scales of most spruce cones are papery thin--yet another difference. And spruce bark is scaly--Douglas-fir and the true firs have smooth or ridged bark.

More information about tree of the Pacific Northwest (like the Larch, Juniper, and Redwoord) can be found at Oregon State University