Pinaceae family in our neighborhood.

Today we sauntered with camera in hand capturing the beautiful pine buds. I have been trying to find the name of all the variety of pines we found. At least we were able to differentiate spruce from pines:-). Pines and Spruce are of the Pinaceae family.
At this time of the year all the pine cones are in the bud stage and they will develop into cones (flowers) as the summer moves in. We are planning to go back in few weeks and picture the mature cones. Also planning to add "The Life Cycle of a Pine Tree" by Linda Tagliaferro to our summer reading.

Jack Pine, Norway or Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa), Scot Pine, White Pine (Pinus Strobus) and White and Blue spruce are the popular ones in Michigan.



Spruce

Red Pine



Some mature pine cones.