Species PlantsDouglas-fir

Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

CommonPlant
Illustration of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas-fir is the most commercially important timber tree in North America and one of the world's tallest trees, reaching over 300 feet in old-growth Pacific Northwest forests. It is not a true fir but a unique genus. The hanging cones with distinctive three-pronged bracts are unmistakable. It is the keystone tree of Pacific Northwest forests, supporting enormous wildlife diversity.

Habitat
Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain forests from British Columbia to Mexico
Diet
Seeds eaten by crossbills, chickadees, and squirrels; old-growth trees host many species
How common
Common

Best time to see a Douglas-fir

The best time to see a Douglas-fir is March–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 42,894 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Douglas-fir? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Douglas-fir sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Douglas-fir? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Douglas-fir is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Downy Hawthorn
Downy Hawthorn
Crataegus mollis
Downy Lobelia
Downy Lobelia
Lobelia puberula
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain
Goodyera pubescens
Downy Serviceberry
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
Downy Wood Mint
Downy Wood Mint
Blephilia ciliata
Downy Yellow Violet
Downy Yellow Violet
Viola pubescens
Dragon Tree
Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
Dragon's Mouth Orchid
Dragon's Mouth Orchid
Arethusa bulbosa