Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Plant Common Name
Douglas Fir
General Description
Native across the western half of North America, Douglas fir is a needled conifer that reaches great heights when mature. In fact, it is the largest member of the pine family. Young trees have pleasing pyramidal habits, making them ideal as cut Christmas trees. Wild populations tend to be found at high elevations and favor sunny, dry, rocky slopes. Farther north in its range this tree is most commonly found on the south side of hills and mountains.
The spreading branches of this majestic tree are lined with whorls of flattened, resinous needles that are dark green on top and have whitish waxy bands beneath. The branchlet tips have pointed imbricate buds that are butterscotch brown. Distinctive female cones with unique tongue-like appendages hang from the branches, often by twos.
Douglas Fir grows best in full sun and prefers slightly acid, well-drained soil. Young trees are pyramidal, with branches that extend to the ground, so they make effective screens. But, as the years go by the bottom branches fall away. There are several desirable cultivars for the landscape, including 'Pendula', which has weeping branches, the columnar 'Fastigiata', and 'Fretsii', which is small and slow-growing. In the landscape, large forms are best grown as specimens for large open spaces, while dwarf forms are suited to smaller garden spaces.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
80'-160' / 24.4m - 48.8m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Native To
Western United States, California, Canada, China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sienna, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Fissured
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Usage
Alpine, Feature Plant, Foundation, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
