Conifer Trees: Pseudotsuga
This is a small genus consisting of only five species. They are rather similar to the genus Abies, but have generally much smaller buds, similar in shape to the Commonand the cones are pendulous rather than erect. Most of the species dislike lime, succeeding best in moist but well drained soils.
(left in picture below)
Large tree. After ten years: 5-6m. Ultimate Height: 50-60m.
The “Douglas Fir” is a native of the Pacific North West region of North America and in its natural conditions makes an enormous tree. It has at different times gone under the botanical names P. taxifolia, P. glauca and P. douglasii. It is a fast growing tree, conical when young and becoming flat-topped with age. The leaves are small, soft to the touch and light green. In its typical form it is not a suitable conifer for the garden and it is primarily for timber that the tree is of such great value. Several slow growing forms however make excellent garden plants. It will not succeed in chalky soils.
Pseudotsuga wenziesii ’Fletcheri’
(right in picture above)
Dwarf Tree. After ten years: 60-73cm. x Spread: 1m.
Ultimate Height: 1.5-2m. x Ultimate Spread: 3-3.5m.
This cultivar arose from a selected seedling of the “Douglas Fir” and is one of the most attractive of dwarf conifers. It makes an irregular flat-topped bush with blue-green leaves which are soft to the touch. Among the dwarf conifers it is quite outstanding and should be more widely grown.