Griffin, James R. (September 1964). "A New Douglas-Fir Locality in Southern California". Forest Science: 317–319 . Retrieved December 31, 2010. The North American tree commonly known as Douglas fir is Pseudotsuga menziesii. It has several forms, one with reflexed bracts, that sometimes are considered to be separate species. These Douglas firs may reach heights in excess of 90 metres (295 feet) and have diameters of more than 4 metres (13 feet), but most contemporary stands are composed of trees that are much smaller because many old specimens have been logged. The species is one of the best timber trees in North America, as well as a popular ornamental and Christmas tree, and it is used for reforestation along the Pacific coast. Its seeds are produced first at the age of about 25 years and in large crops every 5 to 7 years. For Christmas, garden, landscaping or element protection our Douglas Fir’s are cell grown with improved seed. Resulting in our Douglas Fir’s and conifers as a whole being renowned for their health and quality by retail consumers and the forestry industry. Farjon, A. (2013). " Pseudotsuga menziesii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42429A2979531. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42429A2979531.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021. Finding the best real Christmas tree for the festive period is no easy matter. They come in different shapes to fit different homes, some are more strongly scented, some are less likely to drop their needles, some are more sustainable and some are just more spectacular. Overall, nine varieties have proved down the years to represent the best value.

Foraging for Pine Needles (and other conifer needles)". Grow Forage Cook Ferment. December 23, 2015.

Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga)". Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University. Archived from the original on 2012-12-19 . Retrieved 2022-02-13. One of the defining characteristics of the Douglas Fir is its exceptional resilience and longevity. These trees are known for their robust nature, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and thriving in various soil types, making them a favourite with UK planters. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice for both commercial forestry ornamental landscaping and gardeners, as they can flourish in diverse environments, from coastal regions to mountainous terrains. Indoors, keep the tree away from heating ducts or other heat sources. The lower the temperature, the better the tree willdo. If you’re buying a tree that can be replanted later, remember that a tiny percentage of these trees survive after being indoors in the winter. To give them the best chance of survival, only keep a live tree in your house for a MAXIMUM of one week. The heat and dry air in a home can really take a toll on a living pinetree. The leaves are flat, soft, linear needles 3⁄ 4– 1 + 1⁄ 2in) long, generally resembling those of the firs, occurring singly rather than in fascicles; they completely encircle the branches, which can be useful in recognizing the species. As the trees grow taller in denser forest, they lose their lower branches, such that the foliage may start as high as 34m (110ft) off the ground. [17] Douglas-firs in environments with more light may have branches much closer to the ground.

R. K. Hermann (October 1985). The Genus Pseudotsuga: Ancestral History and Past Distribution (Special Publication 2b). Forest Research Laboratory, College of Forestry, Oregon State University. pp.23–24. The Douglas Fir's needles, arranged in spirals along the branches, are soft to the touch and emit a distinct citrus-like fragrance when crushed. This aromatic quality, coupled with the tree's striking appearance, makes it an ideal choice for Christmas decorations, wreaths, and garlands, infusing homes with the spirit of the season. Additionally, the Douglas Fir's dense foliage provides nesting and shelter for wildlife. Opting for live trees, such as the Douglas Fir, promotes a cyclical approach to holiday traditions, as these trees can be repurposed and recycled after the festive season. Many local communities offer tree recycling programmes where live trees are collected and transformed into mulch or compost, enriching the soil and fostering ecological balance. By participating in these initiatives, you actively engage in sustainable practices that minimise waste and contribute to environmental rejuvenation. Tree type: As noted, artificial Christmas trees have come a long way in recent years to look more realistic. You can opt for a tree that mimics a fir (dense), spruce (sharp points) or pine (sparser with thin needles). Yes, with proper care, live Douglas Fir trees can be replanted outdoors, extending their lifespan and environmental impact.

Douglas Fir: A Guide to Buying Sustainably This Christmas

Boyd, Sabra (November 27, 2020). "As a homeless teen, I foraged for wild food to survive. The lessons still shape my cooking". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020 . Retrieved December 1, 2020. The distinctively sweet and citrusy fragrance of the Douglas Fir needles adds an aromatic charm to their allure. Douglas fir tree ( Pseudotsuga menziesii) with cones in North Cascades National Park, Washington. (more) Another use for your pine needles is to make them into tea. It’s as easy as steeping pine needles in boiling water, and then straining it into cups todrink.

The needles are dark green or blue green, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, soft to the touch and radiate out in all directions from the branch. They have a sweet fragrance when crushed. Fossils (wood, pollen) of Pseudotsuga are recorded from the Miocene and Pliocene of Europe ( Siebengebirge, Gleiwitz, Austria). [31] With a strong fragrance of pine permeating the air,itsstrong branches decorated with lights, and the heartwarming embrace of tradition, Douglas Fir’s identity is intertwined with Christmas. Whether adorning your living room with festive charm or adding a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor space, the Douglas Fir embodies versatility with its lush foliage and enduring appeal. The Beauty of Douglas Fir TreesRussell, Tony; Cutler, Catherine; Walters, Martin (2014). "Pseudotsuga menziesii". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees of the World. London: Anness Publishing Ltd. p.120. ISBN 978-1-4351-5597-8. Many different Native American groups used the bark, resin, and needles to make herbal treatments for various diseases. [38] British Columbia's Bella Coola tribe mixed the resin with dogfish oil for many medicinal applications. [13] Some tribes used the foliage as a hygienic freshener in sweat baths, and the leaves were used as a coffee substitute. [13] Native Hawaiians built waʻa kaulua ( double-hulled canoes) from coast Douglas-fir logs that had drifted ashore. [39] The wood has historically been favored as firewood, especially from the coastal variety. [13] In addition early settlers used Douglas fir for all forms of building construction, including floors, beams, and fine carving. Even today much of the Northwest chain saw art is completed on Douglas fir logs. [ citation needed] The structures built from fir have lasted 150 years and more. [ citation needed]

These soft needles are dark green – blue green in color and are approximately 1 – 1 ½ in. in length. The douglas fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. They are one of the top major Christmas tree species in the U.S.

Where to find Douglas fir

The BH Balsam Fir collection is modeled after balsam firs in Maine so you can count on this realistic artificial Christmas tree to truly impress. Van Pelt, Robert (2007). "Identifying Mature and Old Forests In Western Washington" (PDF) (pdf). Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 November 2020 . Retrieved 11 May 2021.