Douglas fir G. Lumis	Needles and cones of a Douglas fir G. Lumis	Bark of a Douglas fir G. Lumis

Scientific Name: Pseudotsuga menziesii

Summary
Foliage: Evergreen needles
Height: 40 to 80 feet
Spread: 12 to 20 feet
Shape: Upright

Foliage is blue-green to dark green. Needles are about one inch long. Pyramidal shape in youth becomes less defined with age.

Plant Needs
Zone: 4 to 6
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.5 

Functions
Suggested uses for this plant include massing and specimen plant.

Planting Notes
Plant trees with balled and burlapped roots.
Plant in a location that is protected from high winds.
Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

Care
Control insects and diseases as needed.
Click here to learn how to improve the soil.

Problems
Subject to injury from high winds. Susceptible to a number of problems including cankers of various types, leaf and twig blight, cottony aphids, bark beetle, and scale insects.

Alternatives
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Related species
PSEUDOTSUGA GLAUCA (Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir) is the hardier. It tolerates drought, is dense and has more ascending branches.

Comments
Makes an attractive Christmas tree because the needles do not easily fall off. When young, its dense growth makes it a beautiful evergreen. 

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.