Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) Pinaceae (Pine family)
		Blue-colored conifer west of Osborn Cottage.
	The Douglas-fir is native to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast (from British Columbia to Mexico). It requires full sun, plenty of free air movement and good soil moisture. High winds and heavy, wet snows may be damaging, and poor, dry soils will adversely affect growth. This is one of the most important commercial timber trees in the world. It is the major source of timber for plywood and construction lumber sold in the the central and western states. This species is an attractive ornamental for use in northern climates. It is sometimes planted in Iowa for wildlife plantings and landscaping, but it should not be planted in dry, exposed sites.
Trees by botanical name Trees by common name