Douglas fir (pseudotsuga menziesii Lincoln) is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to western North America. It is one of the most important timber trees in the region, and is also widely used as a Christmas tree due to its attractive appearance and pleasant fragrance.
The Douglas fir can grow to a height of 100-330 feet (30-100 meters) and has a cone-shaped crown. Its needles are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The needles have a blue-green color and a sweet fragrance when crushed.
The tree’s cones are about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long and egg-shaped, with a greenish-brown color and woody scales. The cones hang downward from the branches and are often persistent on the tree for several years.
The bark of the Douglas fir is thick, corky, and grayish-brown in color. It becomes deeply furrowed as the tree ages, with ridges that are often broken up into small, square plates.
One notable feature of the Douglas fir is its ability to regenerate quickly after a fire, due to its thick bark and serotinous cones, which require heat to release their seeds.
Overall, the Douglas fir is a highly valued tree for its economic and ecological importance, as well as its ornamental value as a Christmas tree. Its attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions make it a popular choice for landscaping and forestry.