Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which trees grow in temperate deciduous forests?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Temperate forest
Worldwide distribution of temperate forests.
Temperate deciduous forests are primarily composed of broad-leaved trees that shed their leaves seasonally in response to declining temperatures and shorter days. The specific composition of these forests often depends on local soil conditions, moisture, and climate.12
Common dominant tree species in mid-latitude deciduous forests include:
- Oaks (Quercus): Often dominant on deeper, clay soils.12
- Beeches (Fagus): For example, the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) frequently dominates on shallow soils overlying chalk.12
- Maples: Often found in association with beeches, particularly in northern regions of eastern North America.2
- Hickories: Commonly found alongside oaks in southern extensions of North American deciduous forests.2
- Birches2
- Chestnuts2
- Aspens2
- Elms2
- Basswoods (or lindens)2
While these deciduous species dominate, some evergreen species may be scattered among them, and broad-leaved evergreen shrubs are often found in the forest understory.1