針葉樹(しんようじゅ)

針葉樹(しんようじゅ) refers to trees with needle-like leaves.

針(しん) = needle, 葉(よう) = leaf, 樹(じゅ) = tree

Common Japanese conifers:

• 松(まつ) (pine)
• 杉(すぎ) (cedar)
• 檜(ひのき) (cypress)
• 樅(もみ) (fir)
• 唐松(からまつ) (larch - a deciduous conifer)

Characteristics:

• Most are evergreen (except larch)
• Bear cones (松ぼっくり(まつぼっくり) for pine cones)
• Needle-like leaves reduce water loss
• Softwood, used for construction

Opposite: 広葉樹(こうようじゅ) (broadleaf trees)