Douglas fir, (genus Pseudotsuga), genus of about six species of evergreen trees of the conifer family Pinaceae, native to western North America and eastern Asia. The trees are important timber trees, and the strong wood is used in boats, aircraft, and construction.
Also asked, is a Douglas fir a deciduous tree?
The Douglas fir is not a true fir tree. The species is menziesii. This tree is one of many conifers included in the Pinaceae family. Others are cedars, the deciduous conifers (Glyptostrobus, Larix, Metasequoia, Pseudolarix, and Taxodium), fir trees, pine trees, and spruce trees.
Secondly, how do you tell if a tree is a Douglas fir? Where: Below 5000 ft.
- Needles: Douglas Fir is easy to identify.
- Cones: The cones are the only ones you will find in the Northwest with three-pointed bracts sticking out of the scales.
- Bark: You can usually identify a large Douglas Fir by the bark alone.
Accordingly, what kind of wood is Douglas fir?
Douglas Fir, in fact, is a special wood species found mostly in Pacific Northwest. It is widely known as a fir but resembles a pine tree. It is the most popular and commonly found wood species of softwood available in North America.
Why is Douglas fir not a true fir?
In 1867, because of its distinctive cones, it was given its own genus–Pseudotsuga–which means false hemlock. The hyphen in the common name lets us know that Douglas-fir is not a “true” fir–that it’s not a member of the Abies genus. Its common name is identical to that of the genus, reflecting its importance.
14 Related Question Answers Found
How fast does a Douglas fir grow?
A cultivated tree never achieves the same height or grandeur. In your yard, a Douglas fir will only grow 40 to 60 feet tall. Experts at Cal Poly estimate the growth rate of Douglas fir at 24 inches a year, but this also depends on its growing conditions.
How old is my Douglas fir?
Red tree voles even obtain water from the tree by licking moisture off the needles. The largest coast Douglas firs commonly live to be at least 500 years and sometimes exceed 1,000 years. Rocky Mountain Douglas firs have a shorter lifespan, usually living no more than 400 years.
What is the difference between Douglas fir and pine?
Pine tends to have broad grain lines that wander, and if not properly prepared and dried the soft wood between those grain lines may expand and contract, causing cupping and twisting. Douglas Fir on the other hand, features a tight, flowing grain pattern that resists warping and twisting.
Is Douglas fir toxic?
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Douglas-Fir has been reported to cause skin irritation, nausea, giddiness, runny nose, along with an increased likelihood of splinters getting infected. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
How far apart do you plant Douglas fir trees?
For a grouping of two or more trees, or to plant a hedge row, allow a minimum spacing of 15 to 20 feet between the young Douglas firs. Place each tree in a hole 2 feet deep and 3 feet across, loosening and spreading the roots before backfilling with dirt.
How do you take care of a Douglas fir?
Douglas fir tree care includes providing irrigation in the summer. You’ll need to water between one and four times each month, depending on rainfall and how the soil holds water. You’ll do best planting a Douglas fir tree in a shady area. Either part shade or full shade will work fine.
Where does Douglas fir grow best?
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii, the coast Douglas-fir, grows in the coastal regions from west-central British Columbia southward to central California. In Oregon and Washington, its range is continuous from the eastern edge of the Cascades west to the Pacific Coast Ranges and Pacific Ocean.
Is Douglas fir a hard or soft wood?
Oak, Ash and Walnut are all very hard angiosperms. However, Douglas fir, which is a gymnosperm, or softwood, is actually harder than chestnut, an angiosperm that most people would call a hardwood. Balsa is a hardwood, but its wood is so soft and lightweight that it’s most commonly used for making model airplanes.
How Long Will Douglas fir last outside?
10-15 years
What is Douglas fir wood good for?
Structurally, it is used in the form of lumber, timbers, pilings and plywood. Douglas-fir is also used to produce a wide variety of products including general millwork, flooring, furniture, cabinets and veneer. This species has excellent strength properties and is well known for its workability.
Does Douglas fir weather well?
Fir is known for its strength and dimensional stability as well as its natural resistance to rot and pests. As with any wood, fir is susceptible to changes in humidity and cannot be made truly waterproof without being chemically treated, or coated with a waterproof coating.
Is fir wood durable?
Stability and Durability Douglas fir is unusual among softwoods in that it retains its size and shape as it seasons. It dries straight and true. It also seasons relatively quickly. A very durable wood, the heartwood is especially resistant to decay.
Is Douglas fir good for decking?
Turns out Douglas fir is more than just a good-looking wood. Its durability and resistance to rot and insects make it a favorite choice for outdoor projects like porch decking as well. In fact, vertical-grain Douglas fir has been a traditional choice for porches on historic homes for more than 100 years.
Is Fir good for wood stove?
Douglas fir does great in a wood stove because it is a higher density softwood which means it will usually burn slower and put out more radiant heat over a longer time. High density hardwoods like Oak or Hickory will give you the best heat for home heating.