by DaySounds © 2013-17
Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii glauca)
Douglas Fir Trees and Fir Trees in General (please click on the pictures to see more pictures)
Douglas fir trees (Pseudotsuga genus) are not officially considered true firs (Abies genus); however, they have many
similar characteristics. Perhaps, the main difference is that the cones hang down from the twigs--instead of standing
like candles, and that they have 3-prong bracts on the scales (the center prong is the longest, as you can see in the
pictures). Another difference is that while the cones of the other fir trees fall apart little by little, piece by piece to the
ground--leaving on the twigs thin, long pegs (their central core), Douglas fir tree cones fall whole to the ground.
Similarities:
The bark of "true" fir trees and the bark of young Douglas Fir trees is thin, smooth, light gray, or gray-reddish, and
may have resin blisters (however, the bark of the mature Douglas changes into scales with ridges, giving it a
corky appearance, especially near the ground). The needles are single and 2-sided.
The cambium (as in all trees in Colorado), is highly nutritious; therefore, it can be used as food in an emergency
situation. Just be careful to make a vertical cut--instead of making it horizontal, in a circle (it would kill the tree)
Teas can be used for the following treatments:
Young twigs: colds, kidney and bladder problems, mouth wash
Inner Bark: bleeding bowels and stomach problems
Needles: Externally, problematic joints--internally, colds (they are a good source of vitamin C), fevers, and to
stimulate urination.
Poultices made with young twigs and/or needles can be used externally to help cuts, burns, superficial wounds
and skin issues heal. The resin can be used as chewing gum for bad breath, to clean the teeth, and in the treatment
of sore throats. It can also be used as a caulking material for small boats. The outer bark makes a good fuel. The
seeds are very tiny, but can be used as food, either raw or cooked.
© DaySounds
PO Box 2145
Estes Park, CO 80517
USA