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Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas Fir, Douglas Spruce, Oregon Pine
| Beloved denizen of Pacific Northwest forests, a favorite Christmas tree, and the top choice of timber producers, the best-known United States species, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and its myriad cultivars make fine landscape trees for ample spaces. Dark green to blue-green needles give off an invigorating fragrance, especially when crushed. Red buds form on branch tips in winter, becoming fresh green tassels of new growth. In dry summer areas they form dense cones; in moist shade, grow narrower and more open. Forest giants may reach 250 feet, but landscape specimens rarely exceed 100 feet. Intriguing Pseudotsuga menziesii cultivars include Revoluta, with curled needles, Anguina, with long snaking limbs, and Stairii, with variegated needles. Brilliant blue-white needles clothe the magnificent Pseudotsuga menziesii glauca varieties, Argentea and Candida (Blue Douglas Fir). In north central states, be sure to plant winter-hardy Pseudotsuga menziesii glauca, adaptable to dry air and soil, and low winter temperatures. Prefer full sun. Tolerate a broad range of soil types, all but swampy or extremely dry. Give ample water. Take wind in cool weather, but not when hot and dry. Prune or shear as for Firs. Transplant well, balled and burlapped, and grow fast. Can also grow from seed; cultivars may be grafted onto Pseudotsuga menziesii. Several kinds of fungi affect them, causing needle browning and drop, and eventual branch dieback. Prevent by keeping tree healthy; prune out any infected branches. Subject to aphids and scale crawlers. |
Several distinct forms, shades of foliage, growth habits and leaf lengths in cultivation.
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Attributes - Pseudotsuga menziesii
Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 70 ft. to 250 ft.
Width: 60 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil, Alkaline Soil. Low Maintenance.
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