Douglasgran - a promising non-native tree

Climate change is creating new challenges for forest management, increasing the need for tree species that can maintain forest productivity while supporting climate adaptation and mitigation. Alongside native tree species, selected non-native species may also contribute to resilient and productive forests under future environmental conditions.

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of the most promising non-native tree species for forestry in Sweden. Owing to its high growth potential, valuable timber properties and relatively good drought tolerance, it is increasingly considered as a complement to Norway spruce. However, its successful establishment depends on factors such as the choice of suitable provenances, regeneration methods, seedling quality and adaptation to local site conditions.

Our research addresses the fundamental silvicultural questions that need to be answered before Douglas-fir can be more widely used in Swedish forestry. Since knowledge of the species under Swedish conditions remains limited, we focus on identifying suitable provenances, improving nursery practices to produce high-quality seedlings, and understanding how trees respond to biotic and abiotic stress during establishment. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for the sustainable management of Douglas-fir in Sweden.

Researchers

Michal Kibitlewski, SLU
michal.kibitlewski@slu.se

Julia Schmucker, SLU
julia.schmucker@slu.se

Emma Holmström, SLUx
emma.holmstrom@slu.se

Michelle Cleary, SLU
michelle.cleary@slu.se

Karin Hjelm, Skogforsk
karin.hjelm@skogforsk.se

Johan Kroon, Skogforsk
johan.kroon@skogforsk.se