The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was introduced to the UK in 1827 by Scottish botanist David Douglas, who collected and sent the first seeds from North America to Britain, leading to its widespread planting for timber and ornamental purposes, becoming one of the UK's most important commercial trees despite initial slow growth. Although discovered by Archibald Menzies in 1793, it was Douglas who successfully established it, and its botanical name honors both, with menziesii referencing Menzies and the common name remembering Douglas.
Key Figures & Dates:
1793: Archibald Menzies first encounters the tree on the Pacific Northwest coast (Vancouver Island) and sends specimens back, notes Forest Research.
1827: David Douglas successfully brings seeds back to Britain, introducing it to UK horticulture.
Introduction & Growth:
Douglas collected seeds from the area between Fort Vancouver and Oregon.
Initially planted as specimens in estates, its excellent timber quality soon made it popular for commercial forestry.
It thrives in the UK's western, wetter regions and can grow to great heights, sometimes exceeding 66m, making it Britain's tallest tree species in some locations.
Legacy:
The species remains a significant part of the UK's forest resource, valued for strong, durable timber used in construction, flooring, and cladding.
Its success is attributed to Douglas's efforts, though early UK trees showed inbreeding depression from limited seed sources, notes Tilhill Forestry.
The history of the Douglas fir (
Pseudotsuga menziesii) in the UK began in the late 18th century, but its official introduction for cultivation did not occur until the 1820s.
Discovery and Naming
Archibald Menzies (1791–1793): The tree was first discovered by the Scottish naval surgeon and botanist Archibald Menzies during Captain George Vancouver's expedition to the Pacific Northwest. While Menzies "discovered" the species for Western science, he did not successfully bring seeds back to Britain.
Scientific Name: The tree's botanical name, Pseudotsuga menziesii, honours Menzies.
Official Introduction (1827)
David Douglas: The species was introduced to Britain by the renowned Scottish botanist David Douglas, for whom it is common-named.
First Seeds: In 1827, Douglas sent the first viable seeds from North America back to the Royal Horticultural Society in London.
Early Planting (1829): The very first Douglas fir to be planted in Britain is believed to be the specimen at Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland, planted in 1829 by David’s brother, John Douglas, using seeds sent back two years prior.
Notable Early Specimens
Following the initial introduction, seeds were distributed to major estates:
Scone Palace (1834): A famous specimen was planted at Scone Palace, the birthplace of David Douglas, from his original seed collection.
Dawyck Botanic Garden (1835): Another early planting occurred here in the Scottish Borders.
Eggesford House, Devon: Believed to be one of the first planted in England, a survivor from Douglas’s original seeds still stands in Eggesford Forest.
Evolution of Use
Ornamental Specimens: Initially, Douglas firs were planted as exotic "specimen" trees on private estates and in large parks.
Commercial Forestry: Due to its rapid growth and high-quality timber, it became a major commercial species. While it was widely planted until the 1950s (when Sitka spruce began to dominate), it still accounts for approximately 3% of the UK's forest resource today.
Record Breakers: Today, heritage specimens introduced in the 19th century are among the tallest trees in Britain, with some in locations like Reelig Glen reaching over 66 metres.