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49 Best Evergreen Trees for Your Yard (with Pictures)

By: Melissa Pino Published: 15 Nov, 23

Evergreen trees are the living emblems of perpetual life, and they can transform your outdoor space into a lush, serene haven. In this article, we’ll explore the top 50 evergreen trees that can thrive in your yard, each one a unique and vibrant addition to your landscape. We’ll delve into their descriptions, characteristics, types, native locations, and the various ways they can be used to enhance your outdoor environment. So, if you’re ready to take your yard from ordinary to extraordinary, let’s dive into the evergreen world.

Evergreen trees are nature’s masterpieces. They retain their lush foliage year-round, serving as a symbol of vitality. The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), for instance, boasts soft, slender needles and can reach heights of 80 feet. In contrast, the Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) flaunts striking blue-green needles and a pyramid-like form. These trees come in various shapes and sizes, from the towering Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) to the modest Western Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis).

Evergreens are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. The Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) thrives along the Pacific Coast, while the Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) calls the Balkans home. For a taste of the Mediterranean, consider the Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) with its iconic tall, slender form. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) hails from the Land of the Rising Sun, and the American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a native of North America.

Evergreen trees have an array of uses in landscaping. They make excellent privacy screens and windbreaks, providing shelter and tranquility. The aromatic Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) is a prominent feature in many religious ceremonies in the Himalayan region, while the Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) takes center stage during Christmas as the beloved Christmas tree. Additionally, evergreen trees are often employed for their timber, which is used in construction and woodworking.

Caring for evergreen trees involves providing adequate water, especially during dry spells, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot. Regular pruning and shaping can help maintain their desired appearance and remove dead or diseased branches. Fertilizing in the spring with a balanced tree fertilizer can promote healthy growth.

Incorporating evergreen trees into your yard is like painting a masterpiece on nature’s canvas. Each of the 50 best evergreen trees brings its unique charm and allure. With their perpetual greenery and versatility, these trees breathe life and serenity into your outdoor space. Whether you desire a natural privacy screen, a fragrant cultural emblem, or a focal point for holiday celebrations, these evergreens are here to transform your yard into a vibrant, year-round oasis.

So, pick the perfect evergreen for your yard and let nature’s masterpiece flourish.

Table of Contents

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Eastern White Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus strobus
Mature Size: 50-80 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles in bundles of five
Flower Color: Yellowish-green cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), a native of North America, is known for its long, soft needles and tall, straight trunk. This tree is valued for its timber and is a popular choice for windbreaks and screens in landscaping. It provides excellent shade and has a graceful appearance.

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas Fir – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pseudotsuga menziesii
Mature Size: 40-80 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles with a sweet fragrance
Flower Color: Yellow to purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-6
Deer Resistance: High

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a majestic evergreen known for its pyramid-shaped crown and attractive foliage. It’s often used as a Christmas tree and is a popular choice for timber due to its strong wood.

Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Norway Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea abies
Mature Size: 50-80 feet tall and 25-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles
Flower Color: Reddish-brown cones
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Deer Resistance: Low

Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a European native tree appreciated for its rapid growth, dense branches, and traditional use as a Christmas tree. It’s a great choice for windbreaks and screens.

Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

Colorado Blue Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea pungens
Mature Size: 30-65 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Silvery-blue to blue-green needles
Flower Color: Cylindrical cones, typically reddish-brown
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
Deer Resistance: High

Colorado Blue Spruce, or the Blue Weeping Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens) is admired for its striking blue color and pyramid-like shape. It’s a beautiful ornamental tree often used as a focal point in landscaping.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Southern Magnolia – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora
Mature Size: 60-80 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Leaf Color: Glossy, dark green leaves with brown undersides
Flower Color: Large, fragrant white flowers
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Deer Resistance: Low

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is renowned for its large, showy flowers and evergreen foliage. It’s a symbol of the southern United States and adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.

Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)

Leyland Cypress – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: × Cuprocyparis leylandii
Mature Size: 60-70 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Leaf Color: Dark green, scale-like foliage
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Deer Resistance: Low

The Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a popular choice for privacy screens and hedges due to its fast growth and dense foliage. It’s a hybrid between two cypress species.

White Spruce (Picea glauca)

White Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea glauca
Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green to blue-green needles
Flower Color: Light brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
Deer Resistance: Moderate

White Spruce (Picea glauca), also known as Canadian Spruce or Black Hills Spruce, is a cold-hardy conifer native to North America. Its dense, blue-green foliage and conical shape make it a popular choice for ornamental planting and windbreaks. It’s a valuable timber species and provides habitat for wildlife. Proper care includes regular watering, especially during dry periods, to maintain its health and vitality in your landscape.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Scots Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus sylvestris
Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Yellow-brown cones
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a native of Europe and Asia and is recognized by its tall, straight trunk and orange-brown bark. It’s used in timber production and is an important tree in reforestation efforts.

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Ponderosa Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus ponderosa
Mature Size: 60-100 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Large, brown cones
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) is a characteristic tree of the western United States known for its towering presence and valuable wood used in construction and furniture.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana
Mature Size: 30-40 feet tall and 8-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Blue-green to green scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Deer Resistance: High

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a versatile tree often used for windbreaks and erosion control. It produces aromatic blue to purple berries and is a valuable wildlife habitat.

Western Red Cedar(Thuja plicata)

Western Red Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Thuja plicata
Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA HardinessZones: 5-8
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is a Pacific Northwest native known for its rot-resistant wood, making it a popular choice for outdoor structures and shingles. It has a pleasant, cedar-like fragrance.

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Sitka Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea sitchensis
Mature Size: 100-200 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Blue-green to green needles
Flower Color: Reddish-brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-8
Deer Resistance: Low

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), native to the Pacific Northwest, is a towering conifer with a rich history in the timber industry. It’s also prized for its use in making musical instruments.

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Italian Cypress – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens
Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Leaf Color: Dark green, scale-like foliage
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Deer Resistance: High

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is famous for its slender, columnar shape and Mediterranean elegance. It’s often used in formal gardens and along driveways to create a dramatic visual impact.

Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Western Hemlock – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Tsuga heterophylla
Mature Size: 100-200 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Yellow-green needles with white bands beneath
Flower Color: Small, red-brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a giant of the Pacific Northwest forests, known for its graceful, pendulous branches and soft needles. It’s important in the timber industry and provides habitat for wildlife.

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Loblolly Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus taeda
Mature Size: 60-100 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Reddish-brown cones
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Deer Resistance: Low

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), a native to the southeastern United States, is a fast-growing tree with straight trunks. It’s a valuable timber species and is commonly used in the paper industry.

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)

Eastern Hemlock – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Tsuga canadensis
Mature Size: 40-70 feet tall and 25-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles
Flower Color: Small, brown cones
Light: Full to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Deer Resistance: High

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), native to eastern North America, is characterized by its graceful, drooping branches and dense foliage. It’s important in the ecosystem and provides habitat for various wildlife.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

Balsam Fir – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Abies balsamea
Mature Size: 40-90 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles with silvery undersides
Flower Color: Small, purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-6
Deer Resistance: Low

The Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is a beautiful evergreen tree known for its fragrant needles. It’s often used as a Christmas tree and provides shelter and forage for wildlife.

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

Incense Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Calocedrus decurrens
Mature Size: 30-70 feet tall and 8-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green, scale-like foliage
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Deer Resistance: Low

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is a native of the western United States and stands out with its aromatic foliage. It’s used in landscaping for its attractive appearance and wood quality.

Tamarack (Larix laricina)

Tamarack – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Larix laricina
Mature Size: 40-70 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Soft, green needles that turn yellow in fall
Flower Color: Reddish-brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
Deer Resistance: High

Tamarack (Larix laricina), also known as the American Larch, is unique among North American conifers for its deciduous nature. It turns a brilliant yellow in the fall before shedding its needles.

Western White Pine (Pinus monticola)

Western White Pine – Photo Credit: Dreamstime.

Botanical Name: Pinus monticola
Mature Size: 50-100 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Light brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Deer Resistance: Low

Western White Pine (Pinus monticola), native to western North America, is celebrated for its tall, straight trunk and soft, flexible wood, making it valuable in construction and furniture making.

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Japanese Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cryptomeria japonica
Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green, needle-like leaves
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Deer Resistance: Low

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) is a graceful conifer native to Japan. It’s known for its reddish-brown bark and finely textured foliage. It’s a popular ornamental tree in Japan and is used for timber and paper production.

Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)

Western Juniper – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Juniperus occidentalis
Mature Size: 20-40 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Blue-green to green scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Deer Resistance: High

Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is a drought-tolerant evergreen with rugged, twisted trunks. It’s a vital component of the western U.S. landscape and provides cover and food for wildlife.

Black Spruce (Picea mariana)

Black Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea mariana
Mature Size: 20-50 feet tall and 5-15 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Reddish-brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist, acidic soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
Deer Resistance: Low

Black Spruce (Picea mariana), a northern North American native, is a cold-tolerant evergreen that thrives in wet, acidic soils. It plays a significant role in northern forest ecosystems.

Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika)

Serbian Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea omorika
Mature Size: 50-90 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles with silvery undersides
Flower Color: Purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika), native to Serbia, is recognized for its elegant, pendulous branches and slender form. It’s a valuable ornamental tree in landscaping.

Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)

Arizona Cypress – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cupressus arizonica
Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Leaf Color: Blue-green to gray-green foliage
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, dry soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Deer Resistance: High

Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica) is well-suited for arid climates and is known for its blue-green to gray-green foliage. It’s a valuable tree for windbreaks and xeriscaping.

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)

Cedar of Lebanon – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cedrus libani
Mature Size: 40-70 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Leaf Color: Green needles
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Deer Resistance: High

The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is a symbol of the Middle East and is cherished for its stately appearance and aromatic wood. It’s used in religious and cultural ceremonies.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Taxodium distichum
Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Feathery, deciduous green needles
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist to wet soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
Deer Resistance: Low

The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a distinctive tree with buttressed trunks that thrives in wetlands. It’s known for its adaptability to waterlogged soils and striking fall foliage.

Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)

Chinese Juniper – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Juniperus chinensis
Mature Size: 3-50 feet tall, depending on the variety
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green to blue-green scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) encompasses various cultivars with diverse shapes and sizes. They are popular ornamental shrubs or small trees in landscaping due to their versatility.

Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Himalayan Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cedrus deodara
Mature Size: 40-70 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Bluish-green needles
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Deer Resistance: High

Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara), native to the Himalayas, is known for its graceful, drooping branches and fragrant wood. It’s a prized ornamental tree in landscaping.

Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

Blue Atlas Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica
Mature Size: 40-60 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Blue-green to silver-blue needles
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Deer Resistance: High

Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is admired for its striking blue color and pyramid-like shape. It’s a valuable ornamental tree in landscaping.

Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)

Giant Sequoia – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Sequoiadendron giganteum
Mature Size: 100-275 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green, scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
Deer Resistance: Low

Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), native to California, is the largest tree on Earth and is known for its enormous size and long lifespan.

Coast Redwood(Sequoia sempervirens)

Coast Redwood – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Sequoia sempervirens
Mature Size: 200-375 feet tall and 10-25 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green, feathery leaves
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Deer Resistance: Low

Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), native to the California coast, is the world’s tallest tree. It’s prized for its size and the exceptional beauty it brings to landscapes.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Yew – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Taxus baccata
Mature Size: 20-40 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles
Light: Full sun to full shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-7
Deer Resistance: High

Yew (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen conifer with deep green foliage, and it’s commonly used in hedges and topiaries. Its red berries are attractive but toxic.

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)

Japanese Black Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus thunbergii
Mature Size: 20-60 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) is a tough, salt-tolerant evergreen with a distinctive shape and long, dark green needles. It’s a popular choice for coastal landscapes.

Mexican White Pine (Pinus ayacahuite)

Mexican White Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus ayacahuite
Mature Size: 50-100 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Deer Resistance: Low

Mexican White Pine (Pinus ayacahuite) is a stately tree native to Mexico, known for its graceful form and long, slender cones. It’s appreciated for its timber and ornamental value.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Deodar Cedar – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cedrus deodara
Mature Size: 40-70 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Bluish-green needles
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Deer Resistance: High

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), native to the Himalayas, is celebrated for its graceful, drooping branches and fragrant wood. It’s a prized ornamental tree in landscaping.

Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica)

Sugi – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cryptomeria japonica
Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green, needle-like leaves
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Deer Resistance: Low

Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica), also known as Japanese Cedar, is an elegant evergreen native to Japan. It’s famous for its reddish-brown bark and finely textured foliage.

Noble Fir (Abies procera)

Noble Fir – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Abies procera
Mature Size: 60-100 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Noble Fir (Abies procera), native to the western United States, is prized for its attractive foliage and is often used as a Christmas tree. It’s a valuable timber species.

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)

Fraser Fir – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Abies fraseri
Mature Size: 30-50 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles
Flower Color: Purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Deer Resistance: Low

Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) is a favorite for Christmas trees due to its symmetrical shape and fragrant needles. It’s native to the Appalachian Mountains.

Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa)

Monterey Cypress – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cupressus macrocarpa
Mature Size: 40-70 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Leaf Color: Dark green, scale-like foliage
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Deer Resistance: High

Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a coastal evergreen with a distinctive shape and is commonly used in coastal landscaping due to its tolerance to salt spray and winds.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald Cypress – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Taxodium distichum
Mature Size: 50-70 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Feathery, deciduous green needles
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist to wet soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
Deer Resistance: Low

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a distinctive tree with buttressed trunks that thrives in wetlands. It’s known for its adaptability to waterlogged soils and striking fall foliage.

Western Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Western Arborvitae – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
Mature Size: 30-60 feet tall and 5-15 feet wide
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Leaf Color: Green, scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun to partial sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
Deer Resistance: Moderate

Western Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), also known as Northern White Cedar, is valued for its dense, evergreen foliage. It’s often used in hedges and windbreaks.

Korean Fir (Abies koreana)

Korean Fir – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Abies koreana
Mature Size: 30-50 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Dark green needles with silver undersides
Flower Color: Purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7
Deer Resistance: Low

Korean Fir (Abies koreana) is a delightful evergreen known for its vibrant purple cones and striking foliage. It’s a valuable ornamental tree in landscaping.

Yellowwood (Podocarpus spp.)

Yellowwood – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Podocarpus spp.
Mature Size: Varies by species
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Leaf Color: Dark green to blue-green, often with a leathery texture
Flower Color: White to greenish, inconspicuous
Light: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the species
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
Deer Resistance: Varies by species

Yellowwood (Podocarpus spp.) encompasses various species, and their features can differ. They are appreciated for their unique foliage and are often used in ornamental landscaping.

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Common Juniper – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Juniperus communis
Mature Size: 3-10 feet tall
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green to blue-green scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
Deer Resistance: High

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a small, hardy evergreen with distinctive blue-green foliage. It’s often used in rock gardens and as ground cover.

Eastern Juniper (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Juniper – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana
Mature Size: 15-40 feet tall
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green to blue-green scale-like leaves
Light: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Deer Resistance: High

Eastern Juniper (Juniperus virginiana) is a versatile native evergreen known for its aromatic wood. It’s used in various landscaping applications and provides habitat for wildlife.

Torreya (Torreya spp.)

Torreya – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Torreya spp.
Mature Size: Varies by species
Bloom Time: Varies by species
Leaf Color: Green to blue-green, needle-like leaves
Light: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the species
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
Deer Resistance: Varies by species

Torreya (Torreya spp.) consists of multiple species, each with its own unique characteristics. They are often grown for their attractive foliage and are important in conservation efforts.

Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis)

Whitebark Pine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Pinus albicaulis
Mature Size: 20-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Green needles
Flower Color: Small, purple cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, rocky soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
Deer Resistance: High

Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a high-altitude conifer found in the western United States and Canada. It’s known for its rugged appearance and the importance of its seeds for wildlife.

Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)

Engelmann Spruce – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Picea engelmannii
Mature Size: 40-100 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Leaf Color: Blue-green to green needles
Flower Color: Reddish-brown cones
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist soil
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
Deer Resistance: Low

Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii) is a conifer found in high-altitude mountain ranges of North America. It’s valued for its strong wood and role in mountain ecosystems.

These diverse evergreen trees each bring their unique features and characteristics to landscapes, ranging from distinctive foliage to valuable wood resources. Proper care, including regular watering and maintenance, ensures their health and longevity in your outdoor spaces.

Other Tree Guides from Planet Natural:

43 Types of Christmas Trees: A Visual Guide to 43 Festive Varieties

Melissa Pino

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Melissa Pino is a biologist, master gardener, and regular contributor for Planet Natural. Melissa's work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices, helping people create healthy gardens and finding ways to achieve overall health and wellness.

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