Softwoods are coniferous trees usually with needles or scale-like leaves. The most common types of softwoods include pine, fir, spruce, and cedar. There are several synonyms to describe these types of trees including evergreen, conifers, needle-leaved, and gymnosperms. Each term refers to the same type of tree, but may be used in different contexts. Evergreen, for example, emphasizes the fact that these trees retain their foliage year-round, while gymnosperms connotes a more scientific approach by focusing on the fact that their seeds are exposed rather than enclosed. Regardless of the synonym used, softwoods are a valuable source of timber for building, furniture-making, and other everyday uses.