The difference between firs and other members of the pine family is that their needle-like leaves are attached to the twig by a base that resembles a small suction cup , and by erect , cylindrical cones 5-25 cm long that release the winged seeds . Firs can be distinguished from other members of the pine family by their needle-like leaves , attached to the twig by a base that resembles a small suction cup ; and by erect , cylindrical cones 5 â `` 25 cm ( 2 â `` 10 in ) long that disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds .