Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

402 Davidson Avenue

The Douglas-fir is very confusing botanically. Despite its name, it is not a member of the fir family. It is a member of the pine family, but its needles do not occur in groups as other pines do. The genus name "Pseudotsuga" means "false hemlock," because it bears a resemblance to hemlock trees.

One of the ways to accurately identify Douglas-fir is by its cones. They are two to three inches long and a reddish-brown color. Narrow three-pointed bracts protrude from between each of the scales. To those with an imagination, each of these bracts look like a small mouse which has "half-way" escaped into the cone.

A native of the Northwest, Douglas-fir is one of the most important lumber-producing trees in the United States. Its wood is exceptionally strong and is used for construction lumber, plywood and paper.