Most coniferous trees are evergreen, meaning all their needles don't drop during the first frosts of autumn and winter, unlike deciduous trees. Some shedding in evergreen trees is natural, as old needles are replaced every few years by new needles. Deciduous coniferous trees are rare. These include the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), the European larch (Larix decidua), and the bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum).

Dawn Redwood Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a huge, deciduous conifer that can grow to a mature height of up to 150 feet, with a trunk diameter of more than 8 feet. The tree is characterized by a pyramidal habit, peeling, reddish bark, and deciduous needles, about 1/2 inch long. A native of the Sichuan and Hubei provinces in west-central China, dawn redwood grows in sunny sites with well-draining soil or soggy soils.

European Larch European larch (Larix decidua) is a deciduous member of the pine family that grows to be between 70 to 100 feet tall, with a diameter of up to 2 feet. It produces brown cones and light green needles that gradually turn yellow before falling in the autumn. European larch hails from northern and central Europe, growing best in temperate climates in full or partial sunlight. The tree prefers moist soil where water doesn't pool.

Bald-Cypress A native of the southeastern United States, bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a towering conifer that can grow more than 130 feet tall with a trunk diameter sometimes exceeding 10 feet. Bald-cypress has reddish-gray bark and needles that turn reddish brown before dropping in late autumn or winter. The tree thrives in swamps and flooded areas, often growing in large strands with other bald-cypress trees. The tree does best when grown at water's edge.

Evergreen Needle Drop Evergreen conifers shed some old needles every year in the fall. These needles fall from the inner branches and may not always be noticeable. Generally, pine trees keep their needles for two to five years, while spruce trees keep their needles for five to seven years. The tree drops more needles when it's stressed due to poor cultural conditions, such as too much sun or not enough water.

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