Hardwood
In general hardwoods make good, slow burning fires that yield long-lasting coals. These trees have broad leaves which most of them lose in the fall (deciduous). Hardwoods are not necessarily always harder than softwoods
Softwood
Softwoods make a hot fast fire that is short lived. These trees have needles (flat needles cedars; round needles: pine) and cones. This is why they are called conifers. Most are evergreen (do not lose their needles) except larch cypress, and tamarack/
Wood For a Fire
You have to know:
- The relative heating value of different woods
- How well each wood burns in the green state
- Which wood makes long lasting coals and which one dies down to ashes
- Which wood p0ps when burning and casts embers that may burn holes in bedding clothes, tents and possibly cause a forest fire
- Difficult in splitting
- Ease of lighting