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Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

36000"–240000" H × 12000"–60000" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states

Douglas-fir is a majestic conifer that grows into a large, pyramidal tree with soft, flat needles and distinctive cones. It is extremely long-lived and develops impressive stature over decades.

In an HOA neighborhood

Douglas-fir takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Grows extremely large (200+ feet)
  • Can damage foundations and structures
  • May block views and overshadow neighboring properties

Wildlife value

Host plant for western tiger swallowtail.

Provides critical habitat for numerous bird species and small mammals. The seeds feed squirrels, chipmunks, and various songbirds, while the dense branches offer excellent nesting sites.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Douglas-fir fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.