Pseudotsuga menziesii, Douglas fir
Coniferous Trees

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Douglas fir

Pinaceae

British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, California; east to Rocky Mountains; sea level to 7,000+ feet (2,100+ m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height80–150 feet (24–46 m)
Width20–40 feet (6–12 m)
Maturity60 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Pseudotsuga menziesii is a large to massive evergreen conifer native to western North America, the most commercially significant timber tree on the continent. Trees in cultivation typically reach 80–150 feet (24–46 m) tall and 20–40 feet (6–12 m) wide; in natural old-growth stands, trees exceed 200–325 feet (60–100 m). Growth rate is 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) per year in youth on good sites. The crown is broadly pyramidal when young, becoming columnar and open with age. Needles are flat, soft, aromatic, 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, dark green above with two white stomatal bands below, arranged spirally but appearing to radiate in all directions. Winter buds are reddish-brown, sharply pointed, and multi-scaled — among the most distinctive buds of any Pacific Northwest conifer. Cones are 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with three-pronged bracts exserted beyond each scale, a unique identification feature among all North American conifers. Bark on young trees is smooth and gray with resin blisters; on mature trees it is very thick, deeply furrowed, and corky, providing significant fire resistance. Pseudotsuga menziesii is not a true fir (Abies), hemlock (Tsuga), or spruce (Picea); the genus name means false hemlock.

Native Range

Pseudotsuga menziesii is native from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California, and east through Idaho and Montana to the Rocky Mountains, at elevations from near sea level to over 7,000 feet (2,100 m). It is native to the Pacific Northwest. The coastal variety (var. menziesii) and the interior Rocky Mountain variety (var. glauca) differ in needle color, cone size, and drought adaptation.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a large specimen tree, windbreak, and reforestation tree in large-scale settings, spaced 20–30 feet (6–9 m) from adjacent plants. Provides significant wildlife habitat; old-growth specimens support spotted owls, marbled murrelets, and dozens of other cavity-dependent species. The three-pronged cone bracts are among the most memorable identification features of any North American conifer, making this tree of high educational value for forestry and botany curricula. Not appropriate for residential gardens of standard size.

How to Identify

Pseudotsuga menziesii is identified by three consistent features: pendant cones 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with three-pronged bracts exserted beyond each scale, resembling the hind legs and tail of a mouse diving headfirst into the cone — unique among all North American conifers; flat, soft, aromatic needles 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, dark green above with two white stomatal bands below; and reddish-brown, sharply pointed, multi-scaled winter buds. Not a true fir (Abies), hemlock (Tsuga), or spruce (Picea); Pseudotsuga means false hemlock.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height80' - 150'
Width/Spread20' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 60 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
yellow
red

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Male cones are small, orange-red to yellow, cylindrical, in clusters at twig tips, releasing pollen in March–May. Female cones ripen over one growing season to pendant brown cones 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, opening in late summer to autumn to release winged seeds. Seeds are a significant food source for crossbills, nuthatches, chickadees, and Clark's nutcrackers. Cone production begins at 10–25 years; heavy cone years occur at intervals of 2–7 years.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange-red to yellow (male cones)

Foliage Description

dark green above, two white stomatal bands below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40–80 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees are drought tolerant in coastal Pacific Northwest conditions. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils; grows in clay, loam, and sandy substrates. Growth rate of 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) per year makes this unsuitable for small residential gardens; eventual height of 80–150 feet (24–46 m) or more requires clearance from all structures and power lines. Wind-resistant once established; the thick, corky bark of mature trees provides significant fire resistance. The interior variety (var. glauca) is more drought-tolerant than the coastal variety but slower growing. No fertilization required on adequate sites.

Pruning

No pruning is required. Allow the natural pyramidal form to develop without intervention. Lower branch removal for clearance can be done in late fall or winter; cuts into the thick bark heal slowly. Avoid major pruning cuts on established trees. The central leader develops naturally and does not require training.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef