Rocky Mountain Douglas - Fir

General 
Scientific Name: Psuedotsuga menziesii var. glauca 
Family: Pinaceae (Pine) 
Hardiness: Zone 3 
Leaves: Evergreen 
Plant Type: Tree 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: >45’ 
Longevity: Long 
Power Line: No 

Ornamental 
Flowers: Inconspicuous 
Fruit: Brown cones 
Fall Color: n/a

A large forest tree native to the Rocky Mountains. Very important tree in the lumber industry. Merits further testing for adaptability to the Northern Plains environment. Important for Christmas tree production since it retains its needles better than true firs and spruce. The largest tree in North Dakota is 69 feet tall with a canopy spread of 24 feet.

Light: Full sun. 
Water: Medium. 
Soil: Best in loamy, well drained soils. Will not tolerate ponding.

In its native habitat, one of the largest trees in the world. Scattered group plantings can be found throughout North Dakota. 

Upright Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Fastigiata’) - A narrow, erect selection. Nice specimen in McCrory Gardens, SDSU, Brookings, South Dakota.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Rocky Mountain Douglas-Fir

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Rocky Mountain Douglas-Fir

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Rocky Mountain Douglas-Fir