Natural Vegetation

The predominant vegetation of the Laurentian type of climate is cool temperate forest. The heavy rainfall, the warm summers and the damp air from fogs, all favour the growth of trees. Generally speaking, the forest tends to be coniferous north of the 50° N. parallel of latitude. The increase in the length and severity of the winter excludes forests that are not adaptable to cold conditions. Oak, beech, maple and birch are the principal trees.