Primary Biomes of New Jersey

New Jersey encompasses four main biomes:

1. Temperate Deciduous Forest – Dominant inland; oaks, maples, hickories shed leaves in winter.
2. Temperate Rainforest – Coastal zones with high precipitation (up to 100 in/year); evergreen spruce, fir, hemlock.
3. Salt Marsh – Coastal wetlands with high salinity; salt grasses, cordgrass, black needlerush.
4. Barrier Beach – Offshore sandy beaches and dunes; beach grass, sea oats, bayberry.

These biomes transition gradually based on climate, elevation, and proximity to the coast.