evergreen forest

An evergreen forest is characterized by plants that retain their leaves year-round, unlike deciduous forests where trees shed their leaves seasonally. These forests can be needle-leaved, like the coniferous forests of the Northern Hemisphere, or broad-leaved, found in temperate rain forests of the Southern Hemisphere and coastal areas of the Northern Hemisphere.1

In temperate regions, evergreen trees often have thicker, leathery, or needle-like leaves adapted to survive colder temperatures and reduce water loss. While many tropical plants are broad-leaved evergreens, in colder climates, conifers like pines and firs are common evergreens. These forests are distinct from deciduous forests, which have pronounced seasonal changes in appearance and function due to leaf shedding and regrowth.12