Douglas Fir, Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Physical Characteristics

Pseudotsuga menziesii is an evergreen Tree growing to 75 m (246ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Western N. America - Canada to California. Occasionally self-sows in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Manna Shoots Edible Uses: Coffee Condiment Gum Tea Young shoot tips - used as a flavouring in cooked foods[15, 177]. A subtle woodsy flavour[183]. A refreshing tea is made from the young leaves and twigs[14, 46, 177, 257]. Rich in vitamin C[183]. It is used as a coffee substitute according to some reports[92, 95, 161, 257]. The fresh leaves have a pleasant balsamic odour and are used as a coffee substitute[213]. Inner bark - dried, ground into a meal and mixed with cereals for making bread etc[161, 213]. A famine food used when all else fails[177]. A sweet manna-like substance is exuded from the bark[177, 183]. This report possibly refers to the resin that is obtained from the trunk[K], and is used as a chewing gum by various native North American Indian tribes[226]. Alternatively, the report could be referring to the sap which is used as a sugar-like food[257].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiseptic Kidney Mouthwash Poultice Skin Vitamin C Douglas fir was often employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. An antiseptic resin is obtained from the trunk. It is used as a poultice to treat cuts, burns, wounds and other skin ailments[226, 257]. The poultice is also used to treat injured or dislocated bones[257]. The resin is used in the treatment of coughs and can be chewed as a treatment for sore throats[257]. An infusion of the green bark has been used in the treatment of excessive menstruation, bleeding bowels and stomach problems[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash and a sweat bath for rheumatic and paralyzed joints[257]. An infusion of the young sprouts has been used in the treatment of colds[257]. An infusion of the twigs or shoots has been used in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems[257]. A decoction of the buds has been used in the treatment of venereal disease[257]. Young shoots have been placed in the tips of shoes to keep the feet from perspiring and to prevent athletes foot[257]. A mouthwash is made by soaking the shoots in cold water[15].

Known Hazards

None known