Difference Between Fir and Spruce

1. Differences between branches and trunks

The one-year-old twigs of fir are light brown-yellow, light brown or light gray-yellow, with short hairs or no hairs in the grooves between the pulvinus. The two- to three-year-old branches are brown-gray or light brown-gray. Most of the side branches are flat.

The one-year-old twigs of spruce are brown-yellow or light reddish-brown, with white powder on the pulvinus. The two- to three-year-old branches are brown or brown-gray. The primary lateral branches extend obliquely upward, while the secondary branches droop downward.

2. Leaf Difference

The leaves of fir are flat, slightly curved or straight. The apex is obtuse or concave, the margin is curled, the upper side is light green, and the lower side has two pink-white pore bands.

The leaves of spruce are four-sided strips with acute or slightly pointed tips. The cross section is four-sided and there are stomata lines on all four sides.

3. Differences between cones

Fir cones are short cylindrical or cylindrical, light blue-black or dark black when ripe, with a slightly powdery white surface.

Spruce cones are cylindrical or cylindric, and are chestnut brown or light brown when mature.