What type of trees produce hardwood?

Deciduous trees are indeed the type of trees that produce hardwood. These trees are characterized by their broad leaves and typically shed them in the fall. Common examples of deciduous hardwood trees include oak, maple, and hickory. The wood from these trees is generally denser, which contributes to its strength and durability, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and various other applications where a sturdy material is required.

In contrast, coniferous trees generally produce softwood. These trees, which include species like pine and spruce, have needle-like leaves and usually remain evergreen. Their wood is lighter and less dense than that of deciduous trees, making it easier to work with but often less suitable for the same applications that require the strength of hardwood.

Cypress trees, while they can fall under the category of softwood, do not align with the broader classification of hardwood and are included with other coniferous trees. Lastly, exotic trees refer to non-native species that may produce either hardwood or softwood depending on their specific classification. Therefore, while exotic trees can include hardwood types, they do not define the broader category reliable for identifying hardwood producers as effectively as deciduous trees do.