Douglas-fir is the state tree of Oregon and by far the most common conifer in the state. It is readily found in the lower elevations at Crater Lake but is not the most common tree in the park. Competing with ponderosa pine and white fir trees for space and nutrients, Douglas-firs can grow over 200’ tall. The deep furrowed bark and the tree's height help make this species fire resistant. The Douglas-fir is not at all a fir tree nor is it a hemlock as the Latin name suggests—Psuedotsuga or false hemlock. Douglas-fir cones are the only cones with a three-pointed bract and are easily identified as a common fairy-tale about mice tails and feet remind us.
Douglas-firs can grow over 200’ tall. 200’
Douglas-firs can grow over 200’ tall. 200’