Final answer:
Hardwood trees can be distinguished from softwood trees by their leaves and tree ring structure. Hardwoods typically have broad leaves and well-defined tree rings with a wide earlywood and a narrow latewood, while softwoods have needles and less distinct tree ring patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are two main ways to distinguish hardwood trees from softwood trees. The first way is to look at the leaves. Hardwood trees are generally deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves annually, and have broad leaves. Softwood trees, on the other hand, are usually evergreen and have needles. The second way is to examine the tree rings on a stump or a core specimen. Hardwoods tend to have a well-defined structure with a wide earlywood, which is light in color, and a narrow, denser latewood that is dark in color. Softwoods typically have less distinction between the earlywood and latewood, making the rings appear more uniform.
Additional information can be gathered by observing the bark. Hardwood trees often have furrowed bark, while softwood trees may have bark with scales or plates. Also, the wood density of hardwoods is generally higher than that of softwoods, a characteristic that can be tested with appropriate tools if you have access to the wood itself. However, keep in mind that common names like 'hardwood' and 'softwood' do not always accurately reflect the actual hardness of the wood.