What are facts about Douglas fir?
Habitat
- Native Range. The latitudinal range of Douglas-fir is the greatest of any commercial conifer of western North America.
- Climate. Douglas-fir grows under a wide variety of climatic conditions (table 1). ...
- Soils and Topography. The variety menziesii of Douglas-fir reaches its best growth on well-aerated, deep soils with a pH range from 5 to 6.
Is Douglas fir a pine tree?
Douglas fir, which has sometimes been called the Douglas tree, Oregon pine, and Douglas spruce, is not actually a true fir, a pine, or a spruce. Indicative of the taxonomic confusion about this tree, the scientific genus name Pseudotsuga means “false hemlock,” alluding to yet another kind of tree somewhat similar to this unique but ...
Is a Douglas fir A Christmas tree?
The Douglas fir is one of the most common Christmas tree types sold in the US. This evergreen is a staple in most Christmas tree lots, loved for its full pyramid-like shape and long-lasting needles. For the subtly sweet aroma alone, this evergreen is worth considering. How long does a Douglas fir Christmas tree last? Douglas Fir.
How long does a Douglas fir take to grow?
How long does it take to grow a Douglas fir? 7-10 years How fast does a douglas fir grow? A cultivated tree never achieves the same height or grandeur. In your yard, a Douglas fir will only grow 40 to 60 feet tall. Experts at Cal Poly estimate the growth rate of Douglas fir at 24 inches a year, but this also depends on its growing conditions.
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.
What genus is a Douglas-fir?
Douglas-firsDouglas fir / GenusDouglas fir, (genus Pseudotsuga), genus of about six species of evergreen trees of the conifer family Pinaceae, native to western North America and eastern Asia.
Why is it called Douglas-fir?
Douglas-fir is not a true fir at all, nor a pine or spruce. It is a distinct species named after its discoverer Archibald Menzies and a botanist, David Douglas. A major characteristic that distinguishes it from true firs is its cone which falls from the tree intact.
What family is Douglas-fir in?
Pine familyDouglas fir / FamilyThe Pinaceae, or pine family, are conifer trees or shrubs, including many of the well-known conifers of commercial importance such as cedars, firs, hemlocks, larches, pines and spruces. The family is included in the order Pinales, formerly known as Coniferales. Wikipedia
Is Douglas fir the same as pine?
Douglas fir comes in between the types of pine, with its own rating of 660 on the Janka scale. So it's fairly comparable to the yellow pines in hardness, though a bit softer than the shortleaf varieties and significantly less hard than the Southern longleaf pine.
Is Douglas fir the same as cedar?
Cedar and Douglas fir are both popular choices when it comes to siding. Though they have similar attributes, cedar tends to be more expensive than douglas fir but much stronger as well.
Is Douglas Fir stronger than pine?
For stability and strength, fir is much less prone to warping or twisting, and much stronger than pine.
What is Douglas Fir good for?
Strength and Application Commonly, Douglas Fir is a species of softwood, but it is also considered to be one of the widely-used types of lumber, especially in fencing, home construction and decking in the United States. It is also popular due to its perfect proportion of weight and strength.
Is Douglas Fir edible?
Food: Douglas fir spring tips are edible and are high in Vitamin C and electrolytes. Coast Salish Peoples have used them as a snack or a tea to ward off hunger and thirst and to improve immunity. You can eat them fresh, freeze them, or dry them. Both hot tea and sun tea are tasty.
Is Douglas Fir a hardwood or softwood?
SoftwoodsPine, Douglas Fir, and Cedar are considered Softwoods. Hardwood is a generic term for the scientific name angiosperm. These plants are often deciduous trees that have broad leaves, and carry their seeds in some variation of a nut or fruit.
How do you tell if it is 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.
Why is Douglas Fir not a true 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.
How tall is a Douglas Fir tree?
These Douglas firs may reach heights in excess of 90 metres (295 feet) and have diameters of more than 4 metres (13 feet), but most contemporary stands are composed of trees that are much smaller because many old specimens have been logged. The species is one of the best timber trees in North America, as well as a popular ornamental and Christmas tree, and it is used for reforestation along the Pacific coast. Its seeds are produced first at the age of about 25 years and in large crops every 5 to 7 years.
What is the most common Christmas tree in North America?
The trees are important timber trees, and the strong wood is used in boats, aircraft, and construction. Douglas firs are also grown as ornamentals and are common Christmas trees in North America.
What is the color of the needles on a Douglas Fir tree?
Douglas fir trees have long, flat, spirally arranged needles that grow directly from the branch and completely surround it. Each yellow- or blue-green needle is borne singly and has a short stalk at the base and a grooved upper surface. Winter buds are brown, shiny, and pointed. The hanging oblong cones characteristically have three-pointed bracts (outer cone scales) that protrude from the cone scales. Cones mature in one season and retain their scales when they fall.
What type of tree has a long, flat, spirally arranged needle?
Douglas fir trees have long, flat, spirally arranged needles that grow directly from the branch and completely surround it. Each yellow- or blue-green needle is borne singly and has a short stalk at the base and a grooved upper surface. Winter buds are brown, shiny, and pointed.
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. ...
Where is Douglas Fir found?
The Chinese Douglas fir ( P. sinensis) is found in China, Taiwan, and parts of Vietnam and is an important timber tree. The Japanese Douglas fir ( P. japonica ), endemic to the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.
What are the two types of Douglas fir trees?
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. When Douglas firs grow in dense forests, they self-prune their lower branches so the conical crown starts many stories above the ground.
How long do red tree voles live?
Red tree voles even obtain water from the tree by licking moisture off the needles. The largest coast Douglas firs commonly live to be at least 500 years and sometimes exceed 1,000 years. Rocky Mountain Douglas firs have a shorter lifespan, usually living no more than 400 years.
Why are Douglas Firs so popular?
The population of these trees is stable. Many people are familiar with Douglas firs because they are one of several species used as Christmas trees. Aside from their use as holiday decorations, Douglas firs are one of the most valuable timber resources in the country. They’re used for furniture, poles, fences, and flooring, among other things. Although they are harvested extensively for timber, Douglas firs are widespread and aren’t in danger of extinction. However, when the trees are cut down, rare wildlife species like northern spotted owls lose valuable habitat. If stressed, the trees are also susceptible to needle disease and insect problems.
What are Douglas Fir trees susceptible to?
If stressed, the trees are also susceptible to needle disease and insect problems. Fun Fact. Douglas firs were used by Native Americans for building, basketry, and medicinal purposes. Ailments that Douglas firs were used to cure include stomach aches, headaches, rheumatism, and the common cold.
What animals eat Douglas Fir?
Douglas fir seeds provide food for a number of small mammals, including chipmunks, mice, shrews, and red squirrels. Bears eat the sap of these trees. Many songbirds eat the seeds right out of the cone, and raptors, like northern spotted owls, rely on old-growth forests of Douglas firs for cover.
How big do Douglas Fir trees get?
Coast Douglas firs are the faster-growing and larger of the two varieties, and they commonly grow up to 250 feet (76 meters) in old-growth forests and can reach five to six feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) in diameter. Rocky Mountain Douglas firs measure about the same in diameter but only grow up to 160 feet (49 meters).
Where do Douglas Fir trees grow?
Rocky Mountain Douglas firs are the inland variety that grow in the mountainous Pacific Northwest and in the Rocky Mountains. They are much more tolerant of cold than the coast Douglas fir, which is suited to moist, mild climates on the west coast.
What is Douglas Fir used for?
The wood is also used for railroad ties, mine timbers, house logs, post and poles, fencing, and firewood. It is used extensively for Christmas trees.
How big is a Douglas Fir tree in Utah?
The average size of this tree in Utah is 130 feet tall, and 36 inches in diameter.
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 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.
What is the scientific name of the Pseudotsuga tree?
For a time, the tree was known as Pseudotsuga taxifolia. The current accepted scientific name, Pseudotsuga menziesii , honors Archibald Menzies, a Scottish surgeon and naturalist who, on the George Vancouver expedition, was the first European to report the presence of this species on Vancouver Island in 1793.
Why is Douglas Fir important?
Twitter. Facebook. Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ), perhaps the most common tree in Oregon, is the most important conifer in the state because of its ecological and economic significance. The Oregon legislature recognized this when it designated Douglas-fir the official state tree in 1936.
What is the common name for hemlock?
The generic name Pseudotsuga means false ( Pseudo) hemlock ( tsuga, the Japanese name for hemlock). For a time, the tree was known as Pseudotsuga taxifolia.
What tree is in the west?
Trees from the west are the subspecies menziesii —coast Douglas-fir. Those in the Rocky Mountains south and in northeastern Oregon belong to variety (or subspecies) glauca, interior or Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir. In Oregon, Douglas-fir grows in a variety of mixed conifer and hardwood forests, from sea level to 5,000 feet elevation.
What did Native Americans use Douglas Fir for?
Native Americans used Douglas-fir wood for fuel, small utensils, and tools; they used its pitch for sealing joints and caulking canoes and water containers. They also used the tree and its parts for a variety of medicinal purposes .
How big is a Douglas Fir tree?
The Oregon Champion Coast Douglas-fir grows on Bureau of Land Management land in Coos County. It is 11.6 feet in diameter and 329 feet tall . The National Champion Rocky Mountain or interior Douglas-fir grows in Jefferson County, Oregon, and is puny in comparison, at 8 feet 4 inches in diameter and 139 feet tall. The largest known Douglas-fir is in British Columbia on the west Coast of Vancouver Island. It is 242 feet tall and 13.9 feet in diameter and the only known tree on earth—other than the California big tree ( Sequoiadendron giganteum) and coast redwood ( Sequoia semprivirens )—that has a diameter of 7 feet at 144 feet from the ground.
What is the Oregon state tree?
The Oregon legislature recognized this when it designated Douglas-fir the official state tree in 1936. Eight of ten conifers west of the Cascades are Douglas-firs. The widely accepted common name—Douglas-fir—commemorates David Douglas, the Scottish botanist who identified plants in Oregon in the nineteenth century.
How big does Douglas Fir get?
East of the Cascades, Douglas fir typically grows to a mature height of 125’. At maturity trees can grow to 30’ wide.
How long are a male and female cones?
This is a monoecious species. Male cones are oblong, red to yellow, and appear near the branch tips. Female cones hang from the branches and are 3” to 4” long. The edges of the scales on the cones are rounded. Three-lobed bracts extend beyond the cone scales and resemble mouse tails.
What is the shape of a pyramidal tree?
The shape is classified as pyramidal with a somewhat open stature. On mature trees the lower branches droop while the upper branches point upward.
What color is a young tree?
As for the bark, young trees are smooth and gray in color. Older trees have a very thick bark which is red-brown with ridges and deep furrows.
Where is Douglas Fir located?
Its range is from northern Vancouver Island south to the Santa Cruz Mountains west of the San Francisco Bay region.
What is the scent of Douglas Fir?
Contemporary research has begun to unravel the mystery of this trees beguiling scent. It contains an odd collection of over 20 different votalile oils, including Citronellol, Limonene, Pinene, Sabinene, that work together to create its overall fragrance. The odd part is that tips are extremely rich in oils usually found in citrus trees. The presence of these oils explains the lemony edge of Douglas Fir. (3)
What did Native people do with corn?
Native people who lived in its midst used it for a host of purposes. Those that didn’t have access to it, traded corn to secure a supply. Herbal clue. Tradable equals valuable! (1)
Who loved Douglas Fir?
Though the settlers fell for it, the tree was first adored by the Native Americans. They loved this tree so much it was well woven into local legend. According to the Tewa tribe, mankind climbed down to earth by climbing down the Douglas Fir. And, when it was time to go back to heaven, the did so by following the heavenly scent back home. (1)
What is a Douglas Fir?
Douglas fir (or Doug fir) is the English name applied in common to most evergreen coniferous trees of the genus Pseudotsuga which is in the family Pinaceae.
How many Douglas Fir trees are there in the world?
There are five species, two in western North America, one in Mexico, and two in eastern Asia.
When was the Douglas Fir discovered?
On his second expedition to North America's Pacific Northwest in 1824, he discovered what was to eventually be scientifically named Pseudotsuga menziesii. Because of its distinctive cones, Douglas firs were finally placed in the new genus Pseudotsuga (meaning "false Tsuga") by the French botanist Carrière in 1867.
Where does Pseudotsuga grow?
glauca (called Rocky Mountain Douglas fir) is a smaller fir that tolerates drier sites and grows along with the coastal variety and throughout the Rocky Mountains to Mexico.
How tall does a fir tree grow?
This common "fir" has two Pacific coastal and Rocky Mountain variants or varieties. The coastal tree grows to a height of 300 feet where the Rocky Mountain variety only reaches 100 feet.
Is Douglas Fir a true fir?
Douglas fir is not a true fir so both the needle formations and the unique cone can throw you off. The cone has unique snake tongue-like forked bracts creeping out from under the scales. These cones are nearly always intact and plentiful both on and under the tree.
Is Douglas Fir a non-endangered tree?
It can grow large over centuries but will usually be harvested within a century because of its wood value. The good news is that it is a common non-endangered tree and the most plentiful western conifer in North America.
