Kind thanks to hamadryad of Morrison, Colorado for this image submitted via the BPotD Submissions Forum (original thread containing this image and another).
As hamadryad notes in what she wrote to accompany the photographs, both male (pollen-producing) and female (ovule-producing) cones are present in the photograph, the female cones being the pink structures which will eventually harden, colour brown and point downwards over time.
An extensive account of the biology of Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir can be found on the Gymnosperm Database web site (you can also read more about the genus Pseudotsuga).
Art resource link: In a discussion on the garden's discussion forums (this thread), the web site of (former) woodcarver Frederick Kay was recommended: Arbutus Gallery.
Hello. I'm a bit confused, as the genus species indicates, this is a doug fir.. though it really looks like an abies.. no usual traits shown in this photo.. needles don't even look like the same genus.
Chris
I think the source of confusion may be that this is a picture of Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca, so it is not the typical Pacific coast variety you may be used to seeing. The Rocky Mountain or "Blue" Douglas-fir (var. glauca) has shorter, bluer, needles that tend to stand up more on young shoots (hence the resemblance to Abies). If you look closely at the immature cones, you can make out the protruding trident bracts that are a hallmark of the genus. I have seldom seen this variety planted along the west coast, so that may also be a source of its unfamiliarity.
The picture is before the female cones turn down towards the ground, that is confusing as well. A dead give away is how the needles are arranged, Abies is plannar, if you look at the picture you see that the needles are more of a spiral arrangement