Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Douglas Fir, Dougfir)

Order Pinales, Family Pinaceae, Genus Pseudotsuga

These beautiful trees look quite different from "pine trees," and are common in our mixed conifer forests. The Dougfir of the Pacific Coast (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) is a real giant, over 250', while ours tops out at under 200'. Wikipedia and Southwest Colorado Wildflowers have more information.

The bare branches at the top of this tree are a favorite perch for hawks, crows, Townsend Solitaires, and all manner of other birds.

 

 

 

Dougfir cones appear to have mice trapped in the scales, with their tails protruding.

 

In spring, Dougfir sprouts "candles" on the ends of its branches. All conifers do this, but the ones on Dougfir are most obvious.

 

The needles of Dougfir do not grow in bundles, but singly.