A B C D

This tree is found frequently This evergreen is found throughout This species is found at drier and This Wyoming tree is a remnant of throughout the eastern half of the state. The species is known for lower elevations compared to some the last ice age and is found exclu- Wyoming ranging from the Black often having serotinous cones that of the other trees pictured. This tree sively in the Black Hills of Wyoming Hills to the Laramie Mountains and only open to release seeds when the shares its name with the town in and South Dakota. It grows at higher the Bighorns. The tree is known cone is heated. Once the limbs are central Wyoming. elevations along riparian or wet areas for its ability to withstand the heat removed, this tree makes an excel- in its native habitat. of wildfires because of its thick, lent pole for teepees because of its reddish-colored bark. long, slender trunk. name that gymnosperm Wyoming is host to many conifer (gymnosperm or “naked in hot, dry, and low elevations while others are found in cold and seed” plants including conifer, cycads, and ginkos) tree species. high elevations. Cones are an excellent tool that can be used for The cones in this quiz and their parent trees are found at different identification of evergreens. Match the tree to the photo. Good geographical locations across the Cowboy State. Some are found luck and keep an eye out for these trees this year!

E F G H

Known for having extremely flexible This species is probably better known This tree is found in most high- This tree grows at high elevations limbs, this tree is often found brav- as an ornamental in Wyoming but is elevation forests of Wyoming. and also can be found in a ing Wyoming’s brutal wind growing also a native growing in small popula- Blowing snow and ice at high Krummholz formation given the on bare, rocky outcroppings. tions near or in wet areas in western elevations carves the tree into a right conditions. The sap of this tree Wyoming. It looks similar to the cone Krummholz form – a low-growing was sometimes used as a gum by in picture G but is distinguished by bonsai shape. American Indian tribes.

longer cones than its cousin.

. Blue spruce, G. Engelmann spruce, H. Sub-alpine fir. Sub-alpine H. spruce, Engelmann G. spruce, Blue . F pine, imber L E. spruce, White D. fir, Douglas C. pine, odgepole L B. pine, Ponderosa . A

22 BARNYARDS & BACKYARDS