Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Forest Tree, Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Coast Douglas-fir)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8, thriving in temperate regions with mild summers and wet winters.
About This Tree
A massive, towering evergreen conifer with a straight trunk and a pyramidal to conical crown that becomes more open and irregular with age. Branches often droop slightly at the ends, featuring soft needles and characteristic three-pronged bract cones.
Leaf Characteristics
Needles are flat, linear, single-attached, about 1 to 1.5 inches long, soft to the touch, flexible, dark green on the upper surface with two distinct white bands underneath, spirally arranged on the twig.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and resin-blistered on young trees, developing into a very thick, deeply furrowed, corky bark with dark brown to grayish-brown ridges as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Western North America, ranging from British Columbia down through California, and well-adapted to Pacific Northwest maritime climates.
Growing Season
Evergreen with active growth occurring in spring and early summer when new light green shoots emerge. Cones mature by late summer and shed seeds in autumn. Dormant through winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. Prefers moist, well-draining soils and moderate watering, with moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Can reach heights of 70 to 200 feet or more with a spread of 20 to 40 feet. Fast to moderate growth rate, exceptionally long-lived, often living for several hundred years.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its high-quality timber value, wind resistance, and dense growth habit. Resistant to many common pests, though susceptible to certain fungal root rots in poorly drained soils.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical nesting habitat, cover, and food for numerous birds, small mammals, and large ungulates like deer and elk that browse the foliage and eat the seeds.