Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-186) and index.

people may think they know everything about the ubiquitous Douglas-fir, a tall, familiar tree that grows from central British Columbia to southern Mexico, and from the Pacific Coast to the Great Plains--and yet, its botanical identity remained in dispute as recently as 1950. From its complex relationship with fire to its worldwide value as timber, Douglas-fir has a rich history. This forest titan sparked the West's early economic growth and has filled more niches in our everyday lives than any other North American tree--from firewood to flagpoles, snowshoes to sailing spars, liquor to lumber. Its incredible hardiness allows Douglas-fir to occupy more habitats than any other species. Coastal giants can reach 10 feet in diameter and stand 300 feet tall, while the inland variety is sometimes reduced to wind-sculpted dwarfs clinging to high mountain slopes. In DOUGLAS FIR, forestry experts Stephen Arno and Carl Fiedler cast the spotlight on this enigmatic and enduring symbol of the west. -- from back cover.