There are two different subspecies of Douglas fir: the coastal Douglas fir and the Rocky Mountain or blue Douglas fir. Both can reach 200 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 4 feet. The native range of the coastal Douglas fir extends from central British Columbia along the coast to California and up the west slope of the Cascades to 5,000-foot elevations. Rocky Mountain Douglas fir is found in the mountain areas of northeastern and eastern Washington throughout the Rocky Mountains, up to 8,000-foot elevations. Douglas fir grows in moist to dry soil and is not very tolerant of compacted or poorly drained soil. It is only mildly shade-tolerant. Douglas fir is a major component of forests throughout North America and one of the world’s most valuable timber species. Seedlings and saplings may require appropriate animal protection, as browsing by deer and elk damages and stunts growth.
 
Photo credit: Matt Lavin on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed)