Join Fox News for access to this content

You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

The Douglas fir, also called a Douglas tree, Oregon pine or Douglas spruce, can grow hundreds of feet high — and the oldest of the species can live for over 1,000 years. 

The Douglas fir is the state tree of Oregon. 

The species can be found from western British Columbia through central California, according to Portland.gov. 

‘QUIET TRAVEL’ IS HAVING A MOMENT; HERE ARE TOP US SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN EMBRACE THE TREND

The Douglas fir was named after Scottish botanist David Douglas, according to Forestry and Land Scotland. In 1827, Douglas sent the first seed of a Douglas fir to Britain from North America. 

The scientific name for the Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, is derived from the name of the person who discovered the species. 

Douglas firs can grow hundreds of feet tall and live for hundreds of years — sometimes over 1,000 years.  (Getty Images)

The Douglas fir was discovered on Vancouver Island in 1791 by Archibald Menzies. 

The tree comes in two varieties, according to the National Wildlife Federation: the coast Douglas fir and the Rocky Mountain Douglas fir. 

Coast Douglas firs tend to grow into the larger of the two.  

US TO EXPECT 90 MILLION VISITORS BY 2026 WITH RECORD-BREAKING VISAS APPROVED

They can grow to be around 250 feet on average, according to the federation, measuring 5-6 feet in diameter. 

Rocky Mountain Douglas firs have that same diameter, but they don’t usually grow as tall. They usually reach around 160 feet, the federation notes. 

The Douglas fir is the second-tallest tree species in the world, according to the National Park Service. The species holding the No. 1 spot is the coastal redwood. 

Douglas fir cone

The seeds of Douglas firs are located inside cones and are eaten by small mammals.  (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Coastal redwoods usually grow to be between 300 and 350 feet, according to the National Park Service. 

The largest of the coast Douglas firs usually live for at least 500 years, but there have been examples of the trees living for over 1,000 years, according to the federation. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Rocky Mountain Douglas firs usually don’t live as long, typically standing for under 400 years. 

Douglas firs provide a habitat for many creatures, and their seeds and sap are a food source.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

Seeds are usually munched on by chipmunks, red squirrels and other mammals of similar size, while bears eat the tree’s sap, according to the National Wildlife Association. 

Douglas firs are also valuable timber resources used for construction purposes and are commonly used to make furniture.

Douglas fir Christmas trees

Douglas fir trees fill many Christmas tree farms. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Many Douglas fir trees are used as Christmas trees. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Fraser firs, noble firs and balsam firs are other species often used as Christmas trees.



By Ashlyn Messier

Source link