Description

The douglas fir is emblematic of California’s exceptional variety of conifers. It thrives in a variety of settings throughout our northern mountains to as far south as the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Yosemite region. Scattered stands occur as far south as Santa Barbara County. This forest giant is the second tallest of all conifers behind the coast redwood, towering to over 200 feet. The overall form is often vase-shaped to pyramidal. The gray branches extend straight out from the trunk, supporting fronds of short, dark green needles. The bark is deeply furrowed with age. Douglas fir is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, and becomes drought tolerant with age. Of course, provide this remarkable tree plenty of growing room.