CONE CHARACTERISTICS
Some gymnosperms have a reproductive cycle that can take up to three years for completion.  In these species, you may observe three sets of cones that are of different sizes, shapes, and color reflecting their relative ages on the same tree.  These cone characteristics pertain to two year old cones.

FEMALE CONE SHAPE
You may observe up to three sets of cones that are of different sizes, shapes, and color reflecting their relative ages on the same tree.  Cone shape pertains to two year old cones.  Assess the overall geometry of the longitudinal shape of the female cone as viewed from the side.

Spherical:  Spherical cones have more or less equal diameters in all dimensions.
Egg Shaped:   Egg shaped cones have have a broader basal diameter which tapers to a narrower apical diameter to give them an overall tapered oval shape resembling an egg.
Cylindrical:  Cylindrical cones are much longer than they are wide.  Sides of the cone are more or less parallel with one another.