It was foggy and quiet out at the arboretum today. Walking along the upper meadow, I was struck by the majesty of the Douglas-fir trees shrouded in a white mist. Their needles and the overwintering buds are so beautiful.
The pointed buds are a rich amber color with overlapping resinous scales. They really stand out against the complementary green of the needles.
The needles are .5-1.5 inches long with a blunt tip. They are green above with two white stripes on the underside. The needles are noticeably lighter underneath when you flip the branch over. Their arrangement can vary from nearly flat-lying to radiating uniformly around the twig.
This is probably the most common tree in Oregon because it was planted throughout the state for the economic value of its timber. For me, I like to revisit things in nature that I pass by everyday and renew my wonder. There is always something new to see and experience.
