What distinguishes hardwood from softwood?

Hardwood is distinguished from softwood primarily based on the type of trees from which they are derived. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, which are trees that typically shed their leaves annually. These trees generally grow slower and often have a more complex structure than coniferous trees, from which softwood is derived. Deciduous trees, such as oak, maple, and cherry, tend to produce denser and more durable wood, which is why hardwood is often used for furniture and flooring.

In contrast, softwood comes from coniferous trees, which usually maintain their needles year-round. This distinction is crucial as it relates to the broader classifications of trees and the types of wood they produce. Understanding this difference lays the groundwork for further discussions on wood properties, uses, and the ecological aspects of tree types.