Die Douglasie(Pseudotsuga menziesii) wurde etwa 1828 von Amerika nach Europa eingeführt und kann seit ca. 1880 als heimisch angesehen werden.
Sapwood and heartwood are clearly different from the Douglas fir: The sapwood is yellowish to reddish-white, fresh heartwood yellowish brown to reddish yellow, which darkens to a reddish-brown to dark quickly. Especially with dark coloring, there is a certain resemblance to the wood of the larch. The trees grow in the first 50-60 years very quickly, resulting in forming the heartwood initially broader (5-10mm), later thinner growth rings. Depending on location and growing conditions the grain of the wood and its properties change dramatically. Fine growth rings, a few branches and low resin content are generally signs of good qualities. The wood of Douglas fir is moderate and - relative to other conifers - comparatively hard. It shrinks not very much and is distinguished by good dimensional stability. The Douglas fir has good strength and elasticity properties. The wood is exposed to a good resistance to fungi and insects, and even the weather, it is a good natural durability. Due to the possible resin outlet, one has to take care when choosing the wood. Wood with fine rings is soft and can be worked generally better than the one with bigger rings.
