What looks like a needle doesn't necessarily have to prick and hurt us. The needles of the Douglas fir definitely combine a number of properties that are perceived as positive from our point of view. Read more about it below.

Douglas fir needles look nothing like pine needles

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 gives it away.

  • Douglas firs have needles that stand alone
  • they are shaped slightly differently than pine needles
  • the base is not thickened
  • they are flat and flexible
  • unlike spruces, they sit directly on the branch

Douglas fir needles are about 3 to 4 cm long.

The different green color

The color of the needles is naturally green, but the tone varies. When the new shoots appear in spring, they shine in a delicate green that clearly sets them apart from the old needles.

The older Douglas fir needles are, the more they darken, until the coloring finally reaches a blue-green nuance.

A pleasant scent

When roaming through a coniferous forest, there is usually a spicy scent in the air that emanates from the green needles. The Douglas fir needles also have essential oils that give them a smell.

If you want to smell it intensely, just rub a few needles between your fingers.

  • an aromatic scent unfolds
  • it is perceived as pleasant
  • is lemony

The tender feeling when touched

Douglas fir needles are soft and blunt. No skin injuries are to be feared in the event of 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 it is a young Douglas fir whose needles are not too high.

Needles, a tasty thing

Not only is the spruce non-toxic, many of its parts are edible, delicious, and extremely healthy. Young needles in particular can be used in many ways:

  • for making tea
  • into 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 in the manufacture of cosmetics.

Category:

Trees