Douglas-fir

Description:

"The Douglas fir cones are easy to recognize and absolutely distinctive. No other tree has cones like these. True fir cones are nothing like Douglas fir cones. Mature cones are 1 1/2 to 4 inches (3.8 to 10 cm) long; hang downwards from the twigs, and fall intact from the trees when mature. They somewhat resemble spruce cones, except that long narrow papery strips with three points, called "three-pronged bracts," protrude from between the cone scales. This feature is a positive identifier for Douglas fir. The outer margin of the cone scales are a smooth round curve, unlike the slightly rough or notched edges of Englemann spruce cone scales. Cones grow throughout the height of the tree, and may be abundant on a tree only 15 feet (4.5 m) high, but not all trees have cones."