Temperate Deciduous Forest Botanist By: Claire Riddell

Plants In the Deciduous Forest Sunlight and soil and climate (such as rain) help the plants in the temperate deciduous forest because the sunlight and the rain, help the plants grow, and the soil fertilizes the plants to also keep it healthy and help the growth. The forest floor is large and that means more room for lots of plants. Over 2/3 of the forest is made up of the leaf area and plants. There are many trees and a very large amount of flowers. The rays of the sun help the plants grow. Water from the rain keep the plants alive. Plants grow under the shady trees and there are many wildflowers and shrubs in the Temperate Deciduous Forest.

Weather In the Deciduous Forest Rain: 750-1,500 mm of rain every year 30-60 inches of rain each year The Deciduous Forest is located in Eastern United States, Canada, Europe, China, and Japan. The forest goes through the four seasons and goes through changes and adapts to the seasons or the weather so then the plants will survive.

American Beech The American Beech grows best in deep, rich, moist soil. The American Beech has special adaptions such as adapting to the air in the forest because the American Beech does not like city air due to the fact that city’s have too much carbon monoxide. The American Beech can adapt to most amounts of sunlight; partial shade, to full sunlight.

Carpet Moss One of the adaptations for the carpet moss is that the moss can survive the cold weather when the moss is underwater. The carpet moss soaks and absorbs the water through special pores in the moss. The Carpet moss can reproduce by spores instead of seeds.

Lady Fern The Lady Fern has special adaptations to help it survive in the Temperate Deciduous Forest. The Lady Fern grows best in semi-shaded areas. The Fern can grow in many different places such as meadows and open thickets.

Pecan Tree An adaptation for the Pecan Tree likes humid climates to help the tree grow. The tree can grow up to 180 feet, but the leaves are small. There are small flowers on the tree that become pollinated and grow into pecan nuts. The Pecan Tree is also a member of the walnut family. The nuts from the Pecan Tree was a great food source for the Native Americans.

White Birch Tree The White Birch tree only grows about 70-80 feet. The tree lives for about 140 years. An adaptation for the Paper White Birch Tree is the first one to grow back if it is damaged at all and the tree does not like shade. The White Birch Tree always burns, even when wet.

White Oak Tree The White Oak Tree can grow up to 500 to 600 years old if the tree is undisturbed or not hurt, and can grow to 80-100 feet tall. The Oak Tree has Acorn Nuts, that some animals eat such as squirrels. The Tree can grow in many different places such as mountain slopes and dry mesas.

Common Lime Tree The Common Lime Tree can live up to 500 years, just like the White Oak Tree. The tree has flowers on the tree and the Common Lime can blossom in June and July. Many parts of the tree have been used to treat colds and other illnesses.

Northern Arrowwood The Northern Arrowwood has small flowers on the plant. The plant blooms May-June. There are also fruits on the plant. A part of the plant was once used by Native Americans.

Guelder Rose The Guelder Rose has a special adaptation. The Rose likes semi-shaded places, and at a low altitude. The Guelder Rose is found in a cool climate in the deciduous forest.

Shagbark Hickory The Shagbark Hickory tree has adaptations. The tree usually grows with or around Oak trees. Also, the tree grows in dry, as well as in wet areas also. The Shagbark Hickory Tree likes to be in soil that is well drained.

Resources http://www.worldbiomes.com/biomes_forest.htm http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/forests.html http://www.world-builders.org/lessons/less/biomes/deciduous/decfor.html