Douglas-fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Also listed as Abies menziesii
Also known as Common Douglas-fir, Oregon Pine, North American Douglas-fir
Climate Match for your location
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A tall, evergreen conifer with soft, flat needles and a graceful pyramidal form. Widely valued for timber and as an ornamental shade tree in temperate regions.
Why grow it
Douglas-fir grows faster and taller than most other temperate conifers, making it efficient for timber production and large-scale screening. Compared to spruce or true firs, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and establishes well in both coastal and inland climates across its native Pacific Northwest range. It provides reliable year-round structure and shade in mixed forest settings where other conifers might underperform.
Watch out for
Young trees are susceptible to transplant stress if moved from nursery stock to field conditions without gradual hardening off. In areas outside its native range, ensure adequate summer moisture during establishment, as drought can leave trees vulnerable to pest damage. The shallow root system on mature trees in windy sites may require staking or deliberate thinning to reduce wind throw risk.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tall, evergreen conifer with soft, flat needles and a graceful pyramidal form. Widely valued for timber and as an ornamental shade tree in temperate regions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Douglas-fir grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Douglas-fir grows faster and taller than most other temperate conifers, making it efficient for timber production and large-scale screening. Compared to spruce or true firs, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and establishes well in both coastal and inland climates across its native Pacific Northwest range. It provides reliable year-round structure and shade in mixed forest settings where other conifers might underperform.
Watch out for
Young trees are susceptible to transplant stress if moved from nursery stock to field conditions without gradual hardening off. In areas outside its native range, ensure adequate summer moisture during establishment, as drought can leave trees vulnerable to pest damage. The shallow root system on mature trees in windy sites may require staking or deliberate thinning to reduce wind throw risk.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Pinaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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