Douglas Fir - sčəbidac - (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
The majestic Douglas “Doug” Fir is emblematic of the Pacific Northwest, covering the picturesque peaks that line our horizons. It is the fastest growing and most common conifer in Western Washington. Douglas Firs can live to be 500, with some upwards of 1300 years old. A young Doug Fir has a smooth, thin, grey bark with resin blisters throughout. With maturity the bark garners deep, distinctive vertical fissures and becomes corky and thick, up to 14 inches, making this the most fire-resistant tree in our area. Doug Fir leaves are a soft, long, needles that completely encircle the branches. Pendulous cones have distinctive three-pointed bracts that protrude from the scale and resemble the backside of a mouse (seriously, check it out).
You can brew a tangy, citrusy cup of tea with Doug Fir needles that captures the taste of our region and is great for cold and flu season as it happens to be an excellent source of vitamin C. Fir tips are often called "Nature's Gatorade" as they are excellent thirst quenchers and are filled with electrolytes to keep you hydrated. Douglas Fir is also a great antimicrobial and topical medicine to be used in oils and salves. It's aromatic and can be used to aid in clearing up the respiratory system. The seeds are an extremely important food source for many small mammals, the inner-bark is primary winter food-source for porcupine, and the tree is common habitat for a myriad of wildlife species.
*Prefers partial shade
*Prefers dry, acidic or neutral, well-drained soils
*Suitable for slopes, and as windbreaks
*Typically, 70-150 feet with a max height of 330 feet, and 8 feet in diameter
*Sold Bare Root
*Sold in bundles of 10
*Lushootseed provided by the Puyallup Tribal Language Program and audio by Chris Briden, Puyallup Tribal member.