Douglas Fir
Douglas fir tree, a cone-bearing member of the pine family, is native to western North America. It is favored as a cut Christmas tree in some areas of the country. This pyramid-shaped ornamental tree has winglike branches and a unique, youthful habit in which the upper branches are ascending, while the lower branches descend. It is distinguished from other narrow-leaved evergreens by its scaly, long, pointed terminal buds and curious cones. No other cones of native conifers have persistent scales with conspicuous, protruding, three-pointed, forked bracts. The Douglas fir has flat, blunt needles with two white lines on the underside of the leaf, which are variable in color.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The Douglas fir is a specimen tree that is highly-valued at Christmastime. See more pictures of trees. |
Uses: The Douglas fir makes a fine specimen tree and can be used as a screen. It holds its short needles when used as a Christmas tree.
Scientific name: Pseudotsuga menziesii
Want more information? Try these:
- Fruit Trees. These memorable trees allow sunlight to trickle through to nourish the fruit, and can adorn many a yard.
- Flowering Trees. Standing along, these trees make a strong visual impact. With strong leaves and vivid flowers, they're interesting all year long.
- Shade Trees. Towering overhead, shade trees can complement even the biggest house, and define the amount of sunlight that reaches your yard.
