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Pseudotsuga macrocarpa
Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Vasey) Mayr
Bigcone Douglas-fir, Big-cone Douglas-fir, Big-cone Spruce
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PSMA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Big-cone douglas-fir is a 40-60 ft., often taller, pyramidal evergreen with a 20-30 ft. width. The lower branches are elongated and with slender, often pendulous, branchlets. The flat needles are a very dark blue-green. Evergreen tree with open, broad, conical crown of long, spreading branches.
Bigcone Douglas-fir is native only in the mountains of southern California, mostly within national forests, and beyond the range of Douglas-fir. This species is distinguishable from its relative by its much larger cones (referred to in both common and scientific names) and by its sharp-pointed, bluish needles. The trees recover from fire damage and injuries by sprouting vigorously from trunks and branches.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: Up to about 140 feet tall, often much shorter.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Mts. of s. CA
Native Habitat: Dry slopes & canyons from 2000-6000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Drought-tolerant.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings. Propagation of this species an be difficult.Seed Treatment: Seeds may or may not need a 1 month pretreatment depending on seed source.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Pseudotsuga macrocarpa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pseudotsuga macrocarpa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pseudotsuga macrocarpa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-09-23Research By: TWC Staff