* Needle-like leaves (though some, like the yew, have scale-like leaves)

* Cones that contain their seeds

* Typically evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves year-round

Examples of common softwood trees include:

* Pine

* Fir

* Spruce

* Cedar

* Redwood

* Larch (deciduous conifer)

Softwood is generally less dense and harder than hardwood, which comes from deciduous trees.