One of our tallest true firs and perhaps the most majestic. It is native to western coastal areas of North America. Introduced to Britain in 1831 by Victorian plant-hunter David Douglas (1799–1834).

Two varieties occur in its native range: one coastal, in Washington and Oregon (notably with Douglas-fir in the Cascades), the other inland. The coastal form does better here, growing twice as fast in trials. It frequently hybridises with the closely related inland White Fir (Abies concolor).

Monoecious, with bright pink female cones in the upper crown. Seeds produced from cones on older trees.

Vigorous, reaching 60m or more. Bark silver, smooth with horizontal resin blisters (aromatic but sticky when popped), later rough and cracked into plates. Foliage smells tangily of citrus; buds tiny (2mm). Needles 25-50mm, flat in two ranks, alternating long and short like saw teeth, glossy green above, notched. Cones small (8-10cm), bracts hidden.

Best in humid, high-rainfall areas (over 1,000mm) with deep, fertile soils. Dislikes exposure, especially sea winds, plus waterlogging, and is prone to late spring frosts. Moderately shade-tolerant, so useful in continuous-cover forestry among mixed species and ages. The slower growth there likely improves timber quality.

Provides shelter for birds and mammals in its native range, and natural recovery after wildfires. In Britain and Ireland, its inclusion in conifer plantations that would otherwise be monocultures, or in mixed stands with broadleaves, could provide biodiversity benefits.

Intolerant of drought, which kills seedlings and causes drought crack (stem splits) in mature trees. Flammable foliage and low-held branches make it fire-prone. Neonectria canker is a recently reported disease affecting all true firs.

Among the most productive timber trees, though rapid growth gives low-strength wood. Often used for pulpwood in North America and grown in mixtures with other species. Popular as a Christmas tree there, though less so than Noble Fir.