The Flora of Mount Shasta Douglas Fir Pine Family (Pinaceae) Pseudotsuga menziesii

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.

Douglas Fir tree, spray, and cone.
© 2001 Ken and Leona Beatty