Douglas-fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii

Douglas-fir has long been an important forest component and timber resource in western North America. It grows in a wide range of environments, from the harsh Rocky Mountains, to the more mild coastal portions of the Pacific Northwest. Two varieties or Douglas-fir are recognized: coastal and inland. Today, Douglas-fir is planted for timber and ornamental purposes around the world.

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Light Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      Douglas-fir is commonly used for construction materials, window frames, doors, paneling, Christmas trees, etc.
Wildlife Value
      Seeds are consumed and plant material browsed by various species.
          Attracts: mice, voles, chipmunks, shrews, rabbits, beaver, gophers, deer, elk, various birds
Regeneration methods
      Due to moderate shade tolerance, Douglas-fir can be regenerated by the shelterwood method. Shelterwoods are more commonly practiced with the inland variety. Clearcutting and planting is more commonly used for the coastal variety.
Important Problems Early Detection tips
Douglas-fir tussock moth hairy egg cases; defoliation
spruce budworm distorted growth; reddish-brown foliage
Fun facts
Douglas-fir comprises much of the old growth forests of the western United States. Also, it provides a large percentage of the wood harvested in the United States. Douglas-fir is considered the second tallest tree in North America, after redwood. Old growth trees are often over 300 ft. tall. Douglas-fir is a common ornamental and Christmas tree in the East.
Pseudotsuga false Tsuga. menziesii after naturalist Archibald Menzies.
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2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.

questions, comments, and criticisms: email John.Peterson@vt.edu