How to Identify a Douglas Fir

A Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga mensiesii) stands as one of the biggest trees in North America at 329 feet in height and 11 1/2 feet in diameter. It is also one of the easiest to identify. Found mainly in the West, wood from this tree has served man from pre-colonial times to the present. This fast-growing tree finds use today as plywood, structural lumber, paper and particle-board.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the general appearance of the tree. The young trees have a distinctive conical shape and look just like Christmas trees, in fact, that’s one of the primary uses for Douglas Fir. Older trees stand tall with a long, clear cylindrical trunk and a rounded or flat topped crown.

2. Look at the cones. The Douglas Fir is not a true fir but a pine tree, consequently, the cones hang down from the branches. If you look closely at the 2 1/2- to 3 1/2-inch long cones you see 3-lobed paper-like bracts protruding from between the scales. No other tree associated with the Douglas Fir has this feature.

3. Look at the bark. In mature trees, the bark can be a foot thick. Notice the characteristic furrows in the bark running up and down the tree. The very thick bark protects the tree from ground fires.

4. Observe the twigs and needles. The leaves look like typical pine needles and grow all around the twig at 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. They are blunt tipped, yellow-green to bluish-green. Crush the needles in your hand to notice the resinous fragrance.

Tips & Warnings

• Native Americans would brew a tea from the needles and twigs of the Douglas Fir. You should try it.

Resources

• Douglas-fir info and photos
• Detailed information from the USDA

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on 12/4/2007 Very nice article. 5 stars.