There are a large number of very characteristic trees throughout the world due to the variety of species, in this case the Douglas Fir should be highlighted, one of the most popular for becoming one of the tallest trees in the world and having large dimensions. , let's learn more about this magnificent species.
The Fir
The fir corresponds to a tree that belongs to the Pinaceae or Abietaceae family, it is also considered as the Abies genus that can lead to a large number of species where they are characterized by having a great height reaching up to 50 meters in height. There are even species that have up to 80 meters, their trunks are usually whitish, very straight and their crown is conical, it can have a cylindrical shape.
Normally fir trees tend to grow on very high ground where the climate is preferably very cold, being located in the forests of North America, Asia and Europe; they can become confused with cedars. Its wood is highly sought after for construction and due to its color and size it becomes very valuable to be part of frames and doors, highly sought after for its peculiar properties with great durability.
Douglas Fir
The fir trees are made up of a great variety in this case, the Douglas Fir can be highlighted. Firs are usually small, medium, or towering coniferous species, Douglas-fir belongs to the latter group. Where it has a height between 60 and 75 meters, it is considered as the third highest in the world, being in the first place the sequoia sempervirens (redwood) and in second place the Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia).
The Douglas Fir is also known as the Oregon Pine, British Columbia Pine, among many other names but very popular for being known as the giant among giants, it is given as the fifth part of all coniferous reserves, it is You can say that there are species up to 126 meters high with 5,5 meters in diameter.
Origin and Characteristics
It is considered a conifer known as Green Douglasia, Rocky Green False Tsuga, Oregon Pine, Oregon Douglas, or Douglas Fir, among many other names. It is native to North America, specifically in southwestern Canada to California areas in the United States. They are a very characteristic species for reaching up to 75 meters in height, specimens with a trunk diameter of 4,5 to 6 meters can be found.
Their growth is quite slow, they have great longevity where they are capable of reaching 500 years of age and there are even species with 1000 years of age. The Douglas fir is characterized by having a straight trunk, its bark is smooth and gray when young and with cracks over time and as an adult.
All the leaves have a spiral shape, sometimes they can be twisted at the base and also needle-like, up to 5 to 11 centimeters long to 2 to 3,5 centimeters wide. They can get rubbed and give off an aroma very similar to fruits such as lemon or tangerine. Its cones are peduncular capable of being able to possess the flower, leaf and fruit, they can measure between 5 to 11 centimeters long and 2 to 3 centimeters wide; its leaves are usually brown and orange after reaching maturity. The seeds measure 5-6 mm long by 3-4 mm wide, and have a 12-15 mm wing.
Subspecies
The Douglas Fir is considered a tree of great magnificence that is distributed mainly on the Pacific coast of the United States and in the parks of Central Europe, it is normally located in sandy and deep soils, they can be moderately acidic and also fresh, there are two subspecies:
- Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii: They are characterized by growing in coastal regions from western and central North America. Being very widespread in the sea level area, being species between 75 meters high and 2 diameters thick.
- Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca: Also known as Mountain Douglasia, a widely seen species in the interior of the Rocky Mountains. Capable of reaching up to 45 meters in height, it can be found in areas of Mexico, Querétaro, Puebla and Tiaxcala.
Douglas Fir Uses
It corresponds to a conifer that has a great popularity in the industry and in the economy to be employed and used for its due wood that satisfies the main needs to fulfill the performance, the industry is in charge of elaborating products in a structural and also non-structural way, participating in carpentry, construction of sheds, pergolas or also outdoor furniture, as well as participating in the production of paper.
It is also used as an ornamental plant for decoration of outdoor areas such as gardens, it has a reforestation applied in various areas worldwide for the extension of the species in various areas of the continents. In this case, Spain stands out, where the Douglas Fir has been planted since the year 90, specifically in the north of the peninsula due to the fact that the climate is much more favourable.
Douglas Fir Care
The Douglas fir is a large and large tree with a very thick, corky and cracked bark, its crown is quite irregular and has hanging branches that have a dark green color, standing out greatly for its wood, among the recommendations for conservation Of this species the following stands out:
- Location: Due to its large size it is recommended that it be outdoors, exposed to the sun, in case of strong sunlight it is recommended to be in semi-shade. Therefore, it should be planted at a distance between 6 to 7 meters from the walls, the pipes, among others.
- Earth: the substrate used must be slightly acidic and a fertile soil, preferably rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: it is recommended to apply water 3 or 4 times a week during the summer season.
- Subscriber: the fertilizer must be applied in spring and summer, preferably organic fertilizers.
- Multiplication: its reproduction must be through seeds in winter time, the cold is necessary before they can germinate.
- Hardiness: Douglas fir is capable of resisting down to -18ºC, but it is not capable of resisting those tropical or hot climates. Therefore, it is recommended to be cultivated in mountainous areas.
We hope this article has been helpful, we leave you others that will surely interest you: