Douglas Fir
Plant Type: Evergreen, bare-root
Zones: 4-6
Soil Type: Loamy & Sandy Soils
Site Selection: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Mature Height & Width: 60-80' Height and 12-20' Spread
Growth Rate: Moderate - 12-24" per year once established
Moisture Requirements: Average
Douglas Fir Plugs Also Available - Click Here





Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
The Douglas fir has a large pyramid shape and straight trunk, growing to a height of 80'+ in the right conditions. This evergreen exhibits bark which is smooth and grey-brown, having gummy resin-filled blisters when young. As the tree ages, the bark becomes very thick and deeply grooved, with dark reddish-brown ridges. We sell the Lincoln variety which features blue-green to green needles. While this conifer should be in a wind protected area, the Douglas Fir does well as part of a windbreak or living snow fence.
The Douglas Fir tree starts out dense as it is young. As the tree reaches for the sky, the lower branches may self prune in less than ideal growing conditions. The Douglas Fir is very shade intolerant.
Fun Fact: In Boston, the USS Constitution sails proudly under the power of three Douglas Fir masts.
Common uses:
- Evergreen
- Commonly used as a Christmas tree when young
- Used in building anything from airplanes to furniture
Like most other conifers, the Douglas Fir can provide nesting habitat and cover for many types of birds and small mammals. Antelope, deer, elk, mountain goats, and mountain sheep eat the twigs and foliage in the winter or early spring when their other food supplies are covered in snow or have not yet emerged. The seeds of Douglas Firs are used by blue grouse, songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals. Bears often scrape off the bark on young trees to eat the sap layer beneath the surface. On large Douglas Fir trees, it is common to see an eagle or hawk perched on top seeking out its next meal.