Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii (formerly Pseudotsuga douglasii and Pseudotsuga taxifolia). (PINACEAE).
Planting and Growing Douglas Fir Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow Douglas fir trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
-
- Foliage, cone, and seeds of Douglas fir
- Growing conditions for Douglas fir
- When to plant Douglas fir
- How to plant Douglas fir
- How to prune Douglas fir
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of Douglas fir
- Landscape uses of Douglas fir
- Pest and disease control for Douglas fir
Growing Douglas Fir Trees
Several cultivars of fast-growing, long-lived, erect, narrow, conical, coniferous evergreen trees, occasionally to 275 ft. (85 m) tall though rarely over 150 ft. (45 m) tall in landscape use, with smooth, light green becoming deep blue green, soft needles, 1–1-1/2 in. (25–38 mm) long, with scaly growth tips and chocolate brown, gray, rough bark.
Douglas fir trees are not true firs of the Abies spp. family. Common cultivars and varieties include Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Fastigiata’ and ‘Pendula’, and Pseudotsuga menziesii var. ‘Glauca’.
Douglas Fir Planting and Care Guide
Catkins, Cones, and Seeds
Male cones, to 1 in. (25 mm) long; female cones are narrow, oval, and pointed, 4–5 in. (10–13 cm) long, with paired woody seed and long, winged cone scales. Distinguished from Abies species, or true firs, by bearing nodding rather than erect cones.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 2–9. Hardy. Best in mild-summer climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained humus. Fertility: Rich–average. 5.5–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun to partial shade. Space 15–20 ft. (4.5–6 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist until established; allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid fertilizing. Prune in spring, removing half of new growth “candles.” Propagate by grafting, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, shrub borders, screens, windbreaks in meadow, turfgrass, woodland gardens and open landscapes. Good for holiday decorations. Aphid, borer, budworm, Douglas-fir pitch moth, pine moth and scale susceptible.