Bushcraft Stuff

Telling the difference between spruce, pine and fir can be tricky. There is however a quick and simple way to tell these three conifers apart.

Simply look at the number of needles that come out of the same spot on a twig. If a twig has needles in groups of two, three, or five, you can safely say it’s a pine. If the twig carries its needles singly, it’s a good bet you’ve got a fir or a spruce.  Now pull off a needle, and roll it between your fingers. If it feels flat and doesn’t roll easily, it’s a fir. If the needle has four sides and, rolls easily between your fingers, it’s a spruce.

One Response to “How to tell the difference between a spruce, pine and fir.”