Temperate Rainforests:
The Pacific coast of the Atlantic region, particularly in British Columbia and parts of Washington and Oregon, is characterized by temperate rainforests. These forests receive abundant rainfall and have mild temperatures, creating ideal conditions for the growth of dense and diverse vegetation. Common trees include giant Douglas firs, western hemlocks, Sitka spruces, and western red cedars. The understory is rich with ferns, mosses, lichens, and wildflowers such as trilliums and lady slippers.
Grasslands:
The interior of the Atlantic region, particularly in the Great Plains and parts of the Midwest, is dominated by vast grasslands, commonly referred to as prairies or plains. These areas receive moderate rainfall and have fertile soils, supporting the growth of tall grasses such as big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass. Prairies are home to a variety of wildflowers, including coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and goldenrods, as well as numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects.
Tundra:
The northernmost part of the Atlantic region, including Alaska and northern Canada, is covered by tundra vegetation, characterized by low-growing plants adapted to cold temperatures and permafrost. Common plants in the tundra include mosses, lichens, flowering herbs like arctic poppies and saxifrages, and dwarf shrubs such as willows and birches. The tundra also supports diverse wildlife, including caribou, polar bears, arctic foxes, and migratory birds.
Deciduous Forests:
Deciduous forests are found in the eastern part of the Atlantic region, extending from the Great Lakes region to the Appalachian Mountains. These forests are dominated by trees that shed their leaves seasonally, such as oaks, maples, birches, and beeches. The understory is rich with shrubs, ferns, wildflowers, and various species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and songbirds.
Mixed Forests:
Mixed forests occur in transitional zones between different vegetation types. They combine characteristics of both coniferous and deciduous forests and are found in areas like the Rocky Mountains and the Cascade Range. Mixed forests support a diverse range of tree species, including Douglas firs, western hemlocks, ponderosa pines, and western larch, along with deciduous trees like aspens and cottonwoods.
Coastal Vegetation:
The Atlantic coastline is home to a unique blend of vegetation, including salt marshes, sand dunes, and coastal forests. Salt marshes are dominated by salt-tolerant grasses and plants such as cordgrass and saltwort. Sand dunes are characterized by specialized plants adapted to shifting sands, including beach grasses, sea rockets, and dune sunflowers. Coastal forests consist of trees and shrubs tolerant of salty conditions, such as live oaks, red cedars, and wax myrtles.