The Northwoods

Woodlands are actually categorized by the predominance of specific plant communities. With similar climatic and soil conditions, the deciduous northwoods stretching from the Atlantic to the Mississippi feature hardwood forests of predominantly American Beech and Sugar Maple trees. Preferring a loamy soil and the cooler northern climates, this Beech-Maple forest type produces a dense canopy that dictates what other types of shade-loving plants will be able to survive its lack of light. Other species of trees in this ecosystem might include White Ash and the evergreen Eastern Hemlock, with Birch, Cherry and Aspen preferring the forest edgelands. Come spring, before the leaves of the trees can filter out the sunlight, wildflowers such as Wood Anemone, White Trilium, Dutchman's Breeches, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Solomon's Seal, and Yellow Trout Lily will bloom to bring color to the forest floor. A variety of ferns, mosses and lichens will begin to flourish as the canopy overhead produces more shade. Supporting such a cast of flora, the native Beech-Maple hardwood forest is rich in texture, spring and fall color, and provides abundant cover and food sources for a host of wildlife.