Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir)

Plant Description: Douglas fir is a fast growing tree with a narrow conical shape and horizontal branches with pendulous branchlets. This is the state tree of Oregon and can grow to around 100 feet tall. The bark is dark gray-brown, thick and fissured with large plates. Shiny yellow-green to blue green leaves are needle like and 1 in (2.5 cm) long singularly arranged in two irregular rows and very fragrant. Male cones are oblong, red to yellow, female cones red both occurring near branch ends. Cones are characteristic having thin scales and three pronged bracts reaching beyond scales.

The spring tips of this plant are edible along with the bark. *NEVER CONSUME PLANTS WITHOUT PROPER ID*

• Height: 80-120ft
• Width: 15-30ft
• Watering needs: moderate
• Sun needs: full sun
• Soil needs: moist, well-drained
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: found in large pure stands in moist to dry open forests in the Pacific Northwest from British Columbia to California at elevations from near sea level along the coast to above 5000 ft (1524 m) in the Cascades. These trees are excellent in woodland gardens along with conventional or ornamental gardens. 

Douglas-fir seeds are an extremely important food source for small mammals and a variety of birds. They provide habitat and attract wildlife. 

*Photos by SevenOaks Nursery*