Douglas-fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco )
Tree Number 845 in the VT Campus Tree Inventory

Location: Northwest corner of Cheatham Hall; GPS: 10923096.57, 3610831.32

Description: Not really a fir (hence the dash in its name) and not a true hemlock (the Genus name means "false hemlock"), Douglas-fir is truly unique. Douglas-fir has long been an important forest component in western North America. Douglas-fir comprises much of the old growth forests of the western United States. Also, it provides a large percentage of the wood harvested in the United States. Douglas-fir is considered the second tallest tree in North America, after redwood. Old growth trees of the Pacific Northwest are often over 300 ft. tall. Today, Douglas-fir is planted for timber and ornamental purposes around the world. Locally, Douglas-fir is a common ornamental and Christmas tree.

While you are visiting the Douglas-fir, notice the adjacent white fir. These two beautiful trees are commonly found together in the Rocky Mountains.

More Information on Douglas-fir:

• University of Florida Extension Infomation
• VT Dendrology Fact Sheet
• VT Landowner Fact Sheet
• Flora of North America
• USDA Plants Database
• USDA Silvics of North America