Pseudotsuga macrocarpa
Specifications
Family
Pinaceae
Species
Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Mayr) Mayr
bigcone Douglas-fir
Description
The sapwood is undifferentiated, at most slightly lighter than the heartwood, with frequent tinges. The texture is medium or coarse, the grain variable, often spiral or interwoven, and the density varies between 0.42 and 0.50. When fresh, it emits an unpleasant rancid odor.
Plant morphology
It is a large tree, up to 50 m tall, with a columnar trunk, maximum diameter 1.5 m, and heavily furrowed bark from which large fragments detach with age. The leaves are needle-like, rather long, and last for five years. The cones are up to 20 cm long, characterized by a bifid bract on the scales.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Southern California: San Raphael Range and Tehachapi Range.
Habitat and ecology
This species grows between 300 and 2,500 m above sea level, along the ocean-facing slopes of the California coastal ranges. It prefers warm-temperate climates, with mild, rainy winters and dry summers. Above 800 m, it grows in mixed formations, together with Pinus jeffreyi, P. ponderosa, P. coulteri, and Abies concolor; at lower elevations, it lives in sclerophyllous formations with various oak species.
Uses
Application areas
It tends to warp and chip during processing. It is used in interior construction, slats, packaging, and cellulose pulp.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
The increase in the frequency of fires in recent decades threatens the conservation of the species, which is particularly not very resilient and resistant to fire.
Conservation measures
Proper fire management.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
NT - Near threatened - Close to threat
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2011
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2011
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Fine