Hardwoods vs Softwoods

Here is a summary of what I've learned about the difference between hardwoods and softwoods.

Hardwoods

• Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, these trees are usually broad-leaved, grow in temperate climates, and are mostly deciduous.
• Hardwoods are not in anyway harder than softwoods but the difference has to do with the density of the cells within the wood. 
• Hardwood is not the same as "heartwood"(which can be from hardwood or softwood).
• Common hardwoods are:
• Alder
• Ash
• Balsa
• Basswood
• Beech
• Birch
• Cherry 
• Chestnut
• Elm
• Hickory
• Mahogany
• Maple
• Oak
• Walnut

Softwoods

• Softwood is from gymnosperm trees such as conifers. 
• Softwood is the source of about 80% of the world's production of timber, with traditional centers of production being the Baltic region, North America and China.
• Common softwoods are:
• Cedar 
• Fir
• Pine
• Spruce
• Redwood