1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to western North America (from British Columbia to California). Introduced to Britain in 1827; now widely planted in forestry and parks.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen – retains needles year-round.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Soft, flat, linear needles 2–4 cm long, dark green above with two pale bands beneath. Arranged spirally but spread to form a flat spray. When crushed, they give a distinctive citrus/pineapple scent.
Bark: Grey-brown, smooth with resin blisters when young; thick, corky, and deeply fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Monoecious. Male flowers are small, yellowish catkins in spring. Female flowers develop into distinctive pendulous cones 5–10 cm long, with unique three-pronged bracts that protrude between cone scales.
Overall shape: Tall, straight trunk with a narrow conical crown in youth, broadening into a dome with age.
4. Typical Size
40–55 m tall in the UK (exceptionally 60+ m); spread 8–12 m. Among the tallest trees in Britain, some specimens are over 65 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widely planted in the UK for timber and ornamentals. Grows best in western Britain where rainfall is high. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils but tolerates a range of sites.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Soft needles with citrus smell when crushed.
Cones with distinctive “three-pronged bracts” (like mouse tails sticking out).
Very tall, straight trunk with thick, furrowed bark.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Male flowers release pollen; new shoots emerge.
Summer: Dense, evergreen canopy.
Autumn: Cones ripen, releasing seeds.
Winter: Evergreen foliage remains; rugged bark stands out.
8. Human Uses
Major forestry species – timber is strong, durable, and widely used for construction, cladding, and flooring.
In its native range, one of the most valuable timber trees in the world.
Occasionally used ornamentally in large estates and parks.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides nesting and roosting habitat for birds.
Supports some invertebrates, though less than native species.
Cones provide food for small mammals and birds.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Despite the name, Douglas fir is not a “true fir” (Abies) but belongs to its own genus (Pseudotsuga).
Some of the tallest trees in the UK are Douglas firs, particularly in Scotland and Wales, exceeding 65 m.
In its native Pacific Northwest, individuals can live over 1,000 years.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soils; tolerates sandy or loamy soils; dislikes waterlogging.
Light: Best in full sun; tolerates light shade.
Watering: Water young trees regularly; drought-tolerant once established in cooler climates.
Spacing: 3–4 m in forestry blocks; 8–12 m for specimen planting.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain soil moisture. Stake young trees in exposed areas. Minimal pruning required beyond removing dead or damaged branches.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Unsuitable for streets or small urban plots due to immense size; suitable for parks and arboreta.
Garden: Only for very large gardens or estates; makes an impressive specimen but grows too large for typical gardens.