Dawyck Douglas Fir, Royal Botanic Gardens, Dawyck, Peeblesshire

• Species: Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
• Height: 48m in 2001
• Diameter: 161cm at 1.5m
• Age: 170 years in 2005
• Grid Ref: NT 168 350 (approx.)

Info

Archibald Menzies from Perthshire was the first European to discover this species which is native to North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. However, it gained its familiar name of the Douglas Fir after David Douglas who was responsible for its introduction to Britain. David Douglas was one of the most successful of the 19th Century plant collectors, despite his unfortunate early death - killed at the age of 35 by a wild bull whilst on a plant-hunting expedition in Honolulu, Hawaii. This specimen, planted in 1835, is believed to date from the first introduction of the species into the country. David Douglas was also responsible for the introduction of the Sitka Spruce (see Elm Tree Wood Sitkas), now a major forestry species and a familiar component of our landscape.

Access

These three trees can be seen in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Dawyck. The garden hosts a fine collection of trees with a history of over 300 years of planting. The gardens open at 10am from 1st February to 30th November with closing times varying with the seasons. Admission charges are £3.50 per adult, £1 per child and £8 for a family. For further information visit: http:/www.rbge.org.uk When the gardens are closed it may be possible to arrange access by contacting the office.