Softwood trees. Computer illustration of a selection of trees classified as softwoods . From left: Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), larch (Larix sp.), spruce (Picea sp.), Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana), mountain pine (Pinus mugo). Softwoods are gymnosperm trees. Hardwoods are distinguished from softwoods by the presence of pores, or vessels, in the wood tissue.