Common Name:
Pine
Conifer, evergreen of various heights, tall to rather shrubby. Adult leaves (needles) borne in clusters of 2, 3, or 5; persist for 2 or more years. Cones variable in outline, may remain on the tree for several years. Approximately 110 species in the genus, nearly all in the Northern Hemisphere.
Pinus: the Latin name.
Remember:
Fir flat needles (usually) and friendly (to the touch, usually, but Spanish Fir is sharp pointed)
Spruce sharp, square (needles in cross-section, usually)
Pine in packages (needles in groups of 2, 3, 5, rarely one)
Pronunciation:
PI-nus
Family:
Pinaceae