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Which trees grow in the temperate rainforests of North America?
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Temperate forest
Worldwide distribution of temperate forests.
The temperate rainforests of North America are primarily dominated by coniferous trees, which are known for reaching enormous sizes in these moisture-rich environments.12
Key tree species found in these forests include:
- Sitka spruce: Dominant along the coast from northern California to southern British Columbia.1
- Douglas fir and Western hemlock: These species dominate inland areas and extend into the Cascade Range.1
- Coast redwood: Found primarily along the coast from southern Oregon to the Monterey Peninsula in California.1
- Western red cedar: A significant species found within these coastal habitats.3
At higher elevations, these forests transition to include trees such as Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock. Additionally, in certain areas, these coniferous stands are accompanied by broad-leaved trees, including various species of alders, bigleaf maples, madrones, and oaks. Beneath the canopy, the forest floor is typically characterized by an abundance of ferns and mosses.12