Var. glauca, the Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir, is said to be fuller, denser, hardier (to Sunset zone 43), and better adapted to the Northeast. However, it grows more slowly and Sunset doesn't recommend it south of zone 34, so why not profile the species instead?
Taprooted. Part shade tolerance is debated (AHS says it's preferred). Prefers humid air but not heat (AHS heat zone 7 maximum, for both varieties).
Branch strength is debated (UFL vs. Cal Poly). Fire resistance is also debated (USDA vs. Cal Poly). Clay tolerance is *also* debated (ditto).
Despite not being native to the eastern USA, Doug Tallamy lists Douglas-fir as supporting 74 native species of butterflies/moths, third among all non-native genera.
Sources: Sunset, UFL, Stoecklein, Missouri BG, Cal Poly, UConn, AHS, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
Buy var. glauca at PlantingTree.com (affiliate link; supports this website)
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