CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY TREE STUDY KIT
DOUGLAS FIR
Background for parent/teacher:
- Tell kids the story about the little mice who were running away
and hid in a Douglas fir cone.
They didn't quite fit so you can see their hind legs and tails
sticking out.
- In Marin Douglas fir usually borders redwood groves.
It is often associated with bay, madrone, and tanoak.
- Native Americans used Douglas fir wood for harpoon
shafts and handles for dip nets.
Small roots were used for basketry but
they required elaborate preparation.
A tea from the fresh tips was used for TB.
In the sweat house people passed steam through
Douglas fir branches for relief from rheumatism.
- Squirrels love Douglas fir cones!
