is douglas fir the same as red fir

Full Answer

What kind of tree is Douglas fir?

Douglas fir. Pseudotsuga menziesii is an evergreen conifer species in the pine family, Pinaceae. It is native to western North America and is known as Douglas fir, Douglas-fir, Oregon pine, and Columbian pine. There are two varieties: coast Douglas-fir (P. menziesii var. menziesii), and Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir (P. menziesii var. glauca).

Is Douglas fir cheaper than Redwood?

Price Although Redwood lumber is more prominently found, Douglas fir lumber is extremely economical in comparison to Redwood lumber. Generally, Douglas fir is about 50% cheaper than Redwood, which is considered to be one of the most expensive types of lumber.

What is the difference between Rocky Mountain Douglas fir and Coast fir?

The coast Douglas-fir variety is the dominant tree west of the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest, occurring in nearly all forest types, competes well on most parent materials, aspects, and slopes. Adapted to a moist, mild climate, it grows larger and faster than Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir.

What kind of tree is a fir tree?

Some species of fir tree such as the Fraser fir, balsam fir, and noble fir are popular Christmas trees. Fir trees are woody plants that belong to the genus Abies. They are closely related to other coniferous trees in the family Pinaceae such as pines and cedars.

What is another name for Douglas fir?

Pseudotsuga is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the pine family (Pinaceae). Common names include Douglas fir, Douglas-fir, Douglas tree, and Oregon pine. Pseudotsuga menziesii is widespread in western North America and is an important source of timber.

How do you identify red fir?

If the needles are flat with two white lines on their undersides and come out from the branch at a perfect right angle, the tree is a white fir. If the needles are four-sided, easy to roll between fingertips, and have a hockey stick-like curve where they attach to the branch, it's a red fir.

What is the difference between fir and Douglas fir?

The Douglas Fir is not considered a true fir because the cones hang down off the branch and fall off whole. The Douglas Fir's one-inch long needles are also Flat, Friendly and Flexible.

What is another name for red fir?

Abies magnifica, the red fir or silvertip fir, is a western North American fir, native to the mountains of southwest Oregon and California in the United States.

How do you tell if it's a Douglas fir?

Douglas-fir needles are single (1) on the twig, tips are blunt or slightly rounded, flat and two- sided, same color on both sides, soft to the touch, needles are ¾ to 1 ¼ inches long, and very fragrant. Unlike subalpine fir needles, Douglas-fir needles narrow before joining the twig.

Is red fir good firewood?

Fir is good firewood because it burns well and produces high heat with only a moderate amount of sparks.

Is Douglas Fir really a fir?

The Douglas Fir is not considered a true fir because the cones hang down off the branch and fall off whole. The Douglas Fir's one-inch long needles are also Flat, Friendly and Flexible.

What is the best grade of Douglas Fir?

1 – #1 and Better – A great grade for applications where appeareance and strength are both important.

Is Douglas Fir a good Christmas tree?

"With dark green or blue-green colored needles that are soft to the touch and a sweet scent, Douglas firs hold strong as a favorite. The National Christmas Tree Association agrees, noting the Douglas Fir is one of the most popular Christmas trees in the United States because of their perfect pyramid shape.

What type of tree is Douglas fir?

evergreen treesDouglas firs are evergreen trees, meaning they keep their needle-like leaves year-round. There are two varieties of this species, coast Douglas fir and Rocky Mountain Douglas fir, which are differentiated by their habitats, growth rates, and physical characteristics.

Is Oregon pine the same as Douglas fir?

End splitting is likely if drying is too rapid. Heartwood is a pale pinkish brown and the sapwood is almost white....Oregon Pine.Trade Name:OregonBotanical Species:Pseudotsuga menziesiOther Names:Douglas Fir.Country of Origin:North America also Plantations in New ZealandAir Dry Density:550kgs/m³3 more rows

How tall is red fir?

between 66 and 198 feetGENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : California red fir is a native, long-lived conifer that ranges between 66 and 198 feet (20-60 m) in height [26,32,45,49,70]. Mature trees can grow to a d.b.h. of 8.5 feet (2.6 m) [1]. The bark of young trees is thin but becomes thick and roughly fissured with age [12,45,49].

Where do red fir trees grow?

USA: Oregon, California and Nevada at 1400-2700 m in mixed conifer forests (Hunt 1993). The zone of hybridization extends north from about Mount Lassen in California, and the boundary is somewhat more northerly on the east (dry) side of the species' range, than on the coastal side.

How can you tell if a firewood is Douglas fir?

They are often confused with pine, but you can tell the difference by looking at how the leaves (or needles) are arranged. On a fir tree, the needles attach to the branches individually, while on a pine, they attach in clusters.

Does fir make good firewood?

Fir. Probably the best conifer for firewood, Douglas Fir has a medium heating value and does not produce too much ash. Older trees are easy to split and easy to start. Fir does produce a moderate amount of sparking.

What is redwood used for?

Redwoods always have a red colored tinge in them. 2. Uses. Douglas fir and Redwood are commonly used in the manufacturing of furniture and other hardwood items. In addition, both Redwood and Douglas fir are ideal for indoor use. That said, the functions of both these kinds of wood are slightly different.

What is the best lumber for home improvement?

Redwood lumber and Douglas fir lumber are extremely popular choices when it comes to home improvement and woodworking projects. Both of these commonly grow in various parts of the world, with significant production. In the northwestern forests of America, redwood trees are prevalent.

Is Douglas Fir lumber strong?

Both Redwood lumber and Douglas fir lumber are straight grained and , therefore, very sturdy. They are highly resistant to decay and are extremely stable. They can sustain heavy weights when used as beams and framing structures. Redwood lumber has an added advantage of being an insect repellent.

Is Douglas Fir the same as redwood?

Redwood and Douglas fir lumber are not the same, and each has its own advantages over the other.

Is Douglas Fir a fir?

That said, although Douglas fir is known by this name, it is not a fir species at all, and the old growth trees of Douglas fir are free of sap and have a very high strength.

What is Douglas Fir used for?

Common Uses: Veneer, plywood, and structural/construction lumber. Comments: Named after Scottish botanist David Douglas, (though the scientific name is in honor of Archibald Menzies, who first described the tree in the 1790s). Douglas-Fir is technically not a true Fir ( Abies genus ), but is in its own genus: Pseudotsuga.

What color is a quartersawn tree?

Color/Appearance: Can vary in color based upon age and location of tree. Usually a light brown color with a hint of red and/or yellow, with darker growth rings. In quartersawn pieces, the grain is typically straight and plain.

Does Douglas Fir cause a runny nose?

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Douglas-Fir has been reported to cause skin irritation, nausea, giddiness, runny nose, along with an increased likelihood of splinters getting infected. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Is Douglas Fir wood rot resistant?

Rot Resistance: Douglas-Fir heartwood is rated to be moderately durable in regard to decay, but is susceptible to insect attack. Workability: Typically machines well, but has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Accepts stains, glues, and finishes well. Odor: Has a distinct, resinous odor when being worked.

Is a spruce tree a commercial timber?

It is an incredibly valuable commercial timber, widely used in construction and building purposes. The wood is very stiff and strong for its weight, and is also among the hardest and heaviest softwoods commercially available in North America.

Is reclaimed lumber more expensive?

Pricing/Availability: Should be widely available as construction lumber for a modest price. Old growth or reclaimed boards can be much more expensive.

Is Douglas Fir a true Fir?

Douglas-Fir is technically not a true Fir ( Abies genus ), but is in its own genus: Pseudotsuga. The tree itself grows to be very large, and yields a large amount of usable lumber and veneer for plywood. It is an incredibly valuable commercial timber, widely used in construction and building purposes.

Why is a fir called a concolor?

The name comes from the fact that the needle foliage has a whitish appearance on the underside.

What are the leaves of a fir tree?

The needle-like leaves of fir trees tend to be softer than pine or spruce. Unlike the clusters of pine needles on a branch, the needle-like leaves of fir tree attach individually to the branches and not in clusters or attached to small woody projections.

Why are Nordmann fir trees so popular?

The soft fir needles stay on the shoots for a long time after the tree is cut. Another reason why these evergreens are popular at Christmas time is due to their glossy green foliage. The needles are dark green with blunted ends.

Why is balsam fir so popular?

There are many reasons why the balsam fir has become a popular type of Christmas tree. It has a delightful fragrant aroma and soft flat green needles that stay on the tree after being cut. Also, the balsam fir tree has the classic pyramid spherical shape of Christmas trees.

How to tell if a fir tree is a spruce or a pine tree?

The easiest way to identify fir trees is by looking at their needles and cones. Although they look similar to pine trees or spruce trees, the needle-like leaves and the types of cones help to tell them apart.

What kind of tree has needle-like leaves?

Like most coniferous trees, firs have needle-like leaves that stay green all year long. Some species of fir tree such as the Fraser fir, balsam fir, and noble fir are popular Christmas trees. Fir trees are woody plants that belong to the genus Abies.

How to tell fir trees apart from spruces?

Fir Tree Cones Identification. Another way to tell firs apart from pines or spruces is by their cones. The cones are the fruit of the conifers and fir cones tend to grow straight upward from the branches. Growing on the fir trees, these cones can resemble candles on a Christmas tree.

What is Douglas Fir?

Neither species is technically a fir, though; instead, Douglas Firs are commonly considered hemlocks. The straight grain combines yellow earlywood and reddish latewood for a generally orange appearance.

Where does red cedar come from?

Western Red Cedar. Like Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar comes from the Pacific Northwest of the United States as well as Canada. Also like the so-called “fir,” “Red Cedar” is a misnomer, since the species is actually part of the Cypress family.

What is red cedar used for?

Also used for exterior trim and siding, decking, outdoor furniture, and rustic-looking interior millwork, Red Cedar is ideal for applications requiring direct contact with the ground.

What is red fir?

well actually "red" fir is abies magnifica shastensis (spelling may be off its been a while) also called shasta fir which technically speaking is a tru fir unlike doug fir.

What does pseudo tsuga mean?

oh madrone you beat me to it, yes pseudo tsuga means false hemlock named due to the distinct white lines under the needles of doug fir which look quite similar to the undersides of hemlock needles. true fir carries the latin name Abies ex. Abies Concolor (concolor fir) etc. not to be confused with Picea Abies which is norway spruce...yes it can get confusing.

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