Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a classic native tree that brings evergreen character to the landscape with its soft, flat needles and finely textured branching. Its pyramidal form develops a strong central leader with age, creating a beautiful silhouette and the foliage carries a subtle depth of color that shifts with the light. Brown cones appear on the tree most years, with a large "bumper crop" appearing every 5-7 years. As the tree ages, it will often being to shed its lower branches, shifting the canopy to the top of the tree. Use Douglas Fir as a specimen tree or focal point in large native gardens or open spaces.
Douglas Fir
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) to Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days). Always start with a moderate level of irrigation until the tree is well established, about 2-3 years.
Mature Size: 40 - 80' tall and 12 - 25' wide
Hardiness Zone: 5 - 7
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Salt Tolerant: No
Soils: Adaptable to different soil types as long as they are well-draining.
Plants in the Pseudotsuga genus are known host plants for 72 native pollinators in northern Utah. They are also excellent habitat plants for birds and other animals.