Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir) is an evergreen tree that is native to western North America. Douglas Fir trees are highly prized for their strong timber, excellent bonsai qualities and as a source for Pine Needle Tea. It is also one of the most popular species used as Christmas trees in North America.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Pseudotsuga menziesii has many other common names such as Douglas Spruce, Oregon Pine, Columbian Pine, Puget Sound Pine, Doug Fir, Red Fir, Red Pine and in reference to its botanical genus name, the False Hemlock.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Pseudotsuga menziesii is a large evergreen tree grows to a maximum height of around 75 metres (246 feet) and a maximum width of 20 metres (65 feet) at a relatively fast rate. Douglas Fir enjoys moist, well-drained soil and tolerates strong winds and heavy frosts.
Leaves of this species are flat, soft, linear needles that are no longer than 4cm (under 2 inches). They occur singly rather in fascicles, completely encircling the branches. As trees grow wild in the forest they lose their lower branches as they stretch to compete for sunlight. Younger seedlings will tolerate some shade but will perform poorly as it grows older unless given full sun.
Seed cones begin to grow at around 10 years of age but produce at much greater quantity when they reach 20-30 years old.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 30°C / -25 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must remain moist and well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade (while young trees)
HEIGHT:
Up to 75 metres (246 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20 metres (65 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
10-20 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
60-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 6 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
60
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, as a herbal tea.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII (Douglas Fir)
The Latin or Botanical name for Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, honours Archibald Menzies, a Scottish naturalist who first documented the tree on Vancouver Island, Canada in 1791. Oddly enough, the common name honours David Douglas, another Scottish botanist and collector who was a rival of Menzies of that era.
Some records suggest that historical Douglas Fir trees were said to be 120 metres (390 feet) tall which if alive today would make them the tallest plant species in the world. One of the Douglas Firs best features is that it grows extremely tall, straight and with its lowest branches up to 34 metres (110 feet) high. This enables timber yards to produce long, strong pieces with less interference making the wood ideal for constructing boats and houses.
Just after the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pine Needle Tea became widely popular due to some suggestions that it helped with vaccine side effects. As one of the sources for the pine needles, Douglas Fir trees became difficult to source, especially in Australia where importing coniferous varieties from the United States is banned.
The bark on mature trees can be up to 30cm (1 foot) thick which insulates the trunks from the heat of forest fires and helps resist many of the common pests that affect other species.
For information on a wide range of the medicinal applications possible with Douglas Fir trees click here.
