Oregon pine grows in a strip two thousand kilometres long along the west coast of North America — the states of Washington and Oregon, and Vancouver Island in Canada. There the tree becomes centuries old and very large, growing slowly in a dense stand.

European Douglas fir comes from the same species, introduced to Europe around 1830, at first mainly in Great Britain and Germany. Here it grows in a milder climate, often on richer soil, and therefore faster.

That difference in growth rate is exactly why the two are not interchangeable. Slow-grown Oregon pine has narrow growth rings, few knots and a higher density; European Douglas fir has wider rings, more knots and is somewhat lighter.

Botanical

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco

Oregon pine

west coast of North America: Washington, Oregon, Vancouver Island

European Douglas fir

introduced around 1830, first in GB and Germany

Heartwood

salmon-coloured to reddish brown

Sapwood

creamy white to yellow

Durability

class 3

To be fair: in the trade, "Oregon pine" is also used for ordinary European-grown Douglas fir, because the name sounds better. Ask for the country of origin and the ring width if strength or a calm look matters to you — it makes a considerable difference in price and in quality.