Douglas Fir

Douglas-fir, usually hyphenated to indicate that it is not related to firs, is native to the western United States and Vancouver. It is named after the famous botanist David Douglas who introduced the seedlings to Europe. Although, the latin name is named after Archibald Menzies who first discovered the tree on Vancouver Island. It is one of the largest trees in the world and forms gigantic forests. The sapwood is whitish to pale yellow, and sometimes reddish white. The heartwood deepens to yellow or pale reddish yellow.

The leaves of a Douglas fir are flat and thin, giving a needle-like appearance. They are usually about an inch long and are either blunt of slightly rounded. The color can be yellow green to dark bluish green in color. When rubbed, they emit an smell reminiscent of camphor oil. The bark starts off smooth with transverse resin blisters. With age, this becomes reddish brown with deeply fissured thick and corky bark. The fissures form scaly ridges or flake. The branches are generally pendulous with irregular whorls.

The distinctive cones are pendulous with persistent scales. This is what distinguishes them from true firs. The cones also have unique in having a long three pointed bract that protrudes prominently from each scale. There is a Native American myth from California that explains that the bracts are the tail and two hind legs of mice who hid inside the scales fo the tree's cones for sanctuary from forest fires.

Douglas-firs are a valuable and rugged softwood that has a variety of uses especially as structural lumber. It is dimensionally stable and recognized for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It also holds nails and plates very well, and has a high performance record against strong forces such as high winds, fierce storms and earthquakes. But the most recognizable and enduring use is the Christmas tree, where its ability to retain its needles is highly valued.