Shape and length of the needles
The "leaves" of the Douglas fir have the typical needle shape that is characteristic of all conifers. The name already reveals that.
- Douglas firs have needles that stand individually
- they are shaped a little differently than pine needles
- the base is not thickened
- they are flat and pliable
- unlike spruce, they sit directly on the branch
also read
- Douglas fir fact sheet - numbers, facts and special features
- Douglas fir - is the evergreen tree suitable as a hedge?
- Douglas fir - is this impressive tree poisonous?
The needles of the Douglas fir are about 3 to 4 cm long.
The different green color
The color of the needles is of course green, but the tone varies. When new shoots take place in spring, it glows in a delicate green that is recognizable from old needles.
The older the Douglas fir needles, the more they darken until the color finally reaches a blue-green shade.
A pleasant scent
When wandering through a coniferous forest, there is usually a spicy scent in the air that flows from the green needles. The Douglas fir needles also have essential oils that give them a smell.
If you want to smell it intensely, then simply rub a few needles between your fingers.
- an aromatic fragrance unfolds
- it is perceived as pleasant
- is lemon-like
The delicate feeling when touched
Douglas fir needles are soft and blunt. No skin injuries are to be feared with either intentional or unintentional contact. The young shoots are even so soft that they can be described as tender.
When a Douglas fir crosses your path in spring, you can experience the soft feeling with your own hands. Provided that it is a young Douglas fir, the needles of which are not hanging unreachably high.
Needles, a delicious thing
Not only is spruce non-poisonous, many of its parts are even edible, delicious, and extremely healthy. Young needles in particular are versatile:
- for making tea
- in a green smoothie
- for flavoring spirits
- dried and ground as a spice
The essential oils of Douglas fir needles are also valued in herbal medicine and cosmetics production.
