Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Pine Family (Pinaceae)

Growth Form: Large, conical-shaped tree, 100 to 150 feet in our area, may grow to 300 feet in the coastal redwood forest. The upper branches of young trees angle upward while the lower branches may be somewhat pendulous.

Leaves: Evergreen; needles, flattened, tips blunt or pointed, 1 to 1 1/2 inches; arranged around the twigs like bottle brushes; 2 white stomatal bands on underside of needles

Bark: Smooth and gray with resin blisters on younger trees; dark to reddish brown, thick, deeply furrowed on older trees

Cones: Pendent, grow throughtout the crown; light brown, oblong, 2 to 4 1/2 inches; scales thin and rounded; 3-pointed bracts extend beyond the scales

Found: Grows best in rich, deep well-drained soils. Will tolerate thinner, rocky soil. Widespread.

Tidbits: A very valuable timber tree with many uses