Pseudotsuga menziesii · Pinaceae (pine family)
Despite its name, the Douglas-fir is not a true fir. It is one of the tallest trees in the world and a backbone species of the Pacific Northwest.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pseudotsuga menziesii |
| Family | Pinaceae (pine family) |
| Native range | Western North America, from British Columbia to central Mexico |
| Habitat | Coastal rainforest to dry interior mountains |
| Typical height | 50–85 m on the coast (record ~100 m) |
| Lifespan | 500–1,000+ years |
| IUCN status | Least Concern (LC) |
Overview
Douglas-fir has two main varieties: the coastal form, which grows very tall in wet forests from British Columbia to California, and the hardier Rocky Mountain form of drier inland regions. Old-growth coastal trees can approach 100 m in height.
How to identify it
The easiest clue is the cone: it has distinctive three-pointed bracts sticking out between the scales, often said to look like the hind legs and tail of a mouse hiding inside. Needles are soft, flat and grow all around the twig.
Ecology
Old-growth Douglas-fir forests support northern spotted owls, marbled murrelets, flying squirrels and a rich network of fungi in the soil. Thick bark on mature trees helps them survive moderate fires.
Uses and culture
Douglas-fir is prized for strong, straight lumber used in construction worldwide, and it is a very popular Christmas tree. It has been planted widely in Europe, New Zealand and South America.
