Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Forest Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Coast Douglas-fir)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived conifer featuring a straight, towering trunk, thick grooved bark, and a dense, conical crown that becomes more open and irregular with age. Branches often droop slightly at the tips.
Leaf Characteristics
Needle-like leaves that are flat, flexible, about 1 to 1.5 inches long, spirally arranged on the twig, green to blue-green above with two distinct white bands underneath, persisting for several years.
Bark Characteristics
Dark brown to reddish-brown, extremely thick with deep furrows and corky ridges on mature trees, offering significant natural resistance to ground fires.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Western North America, ranging from British Columbia down through California and into the Rocky Mountains.
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; active shoot elongation and growth occur from spring through early summer, with cones maturing and shedding seeds in late summer to autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun, requires moderate moisture with well-drained soil, and displays moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 70 to 200 feet or more in height with a spread of 20 to 40 feet; moderate to fast growth rate in youth, capable of living for centuries.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for structural timber and plywood, excellent fire resistance in mature specimens, and serves as a prominent climax species in western forests.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial cover, nesting sites, and foraging habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including birds, squirrels, deer, and the endangered spotted owl, while seeds are consumed by small mammals and birds.