Continuing our walk in the forest, let’s make the acquaintance of some more of our neighbors, the Douglas and Noble Firs.
We’ll consider:
- Distinguishing Characteristics: How do they usually look?
- Norms and Maxes: Let’s be real, these trees are big. Like, big-big. Up to 150-200 feet tall in their bare feet (roots) and 20 feet around. I expect none of us here have a measuring tape long enough to confirm the exact details, but we’ll look at a few of the more interesting stats.
- Likes, Dislikes: Enjoys moody, rainy days? Or more of a sunny beach lover? Trees have preferences that can help you identify them in their element.
- Photos: I like taking pictures of my own stately neighbors, so I will inflict a few on you in the name of education. Honestly, it helps to have examples.
- Not to be Confused with: No one likes to be mistaken for someone else, and giving your neighbor Marilyn a big hug with an exclamation of “Trish!” is beyond mortifying. Let’s get to know our plants well enough to avoid any awkward faux pas.
- Resources for Learning More: Because once you recognize your neighbors, you’ll want to get to know them even better.
Getting to know the trees around you is a walk in the park forest. Let’s go.
Douglas Fir
(Or simply “Doug,” if you prefer.)
Distinguishing looks:
- Deep-grooved bark.
- Soft pine-like needles in a bottle-brush shape on the branch.
- Mouse-tail cones: the cones are distinct for their three-point bracts (a.k.a., scales), which may remind you of the little mouse feet and tails you see running past your humane traps.
Norm and Max:
- 70-240 feet high, up to 330 feet tall.
- Up to 8 feet in diameter.
Likes:
- Well-drained soil and shade.
- Being called a fir. (It’s not actually a fir, though; it’s more of a pine. Again, to be safe, you can just call it Doug.)
- Likes dominating the O.P. It’s the tree you’ll see most frequently.
Nicknames / AKA:
- Oregon Pine
- Doug Fir (but note that it’s not actually a fir).
- Douglas-Fir (with a dash, to denote – yep – that it’s not really a fir).
- Pseudotsuga, which is Latin for “false hemlock.” So, you could also call it a hemlock, and that would also be wrong.
Not to be confused with:
- Noble Fir
Great Resources:
Noble Fir
Not to imply that Doug isn’t noble or anything, but, well, yeah, let me introduce you to the Noble Fir.
Distinguishing looks:
- Smooth, whitish bark that develops narrow furrows as it ages. (As opposed to the deep furrows of a Douglas-Fir.)
- Stiffer branches than a “Doug”, with whitish/bluish needles. (But these are tall trees, so you may not be able to see the needles on a fully grown one.)
Norm and Max:
- The largest of the native firs in all of North America. The second tallest conifer (after the coast Redwood).
Likes:
- Sun & partial shade. Cool and moist soil.
Nicknames / AKA:
- Christmas tree
Not to be confused with:
- Douglas-fir
Great Resources: