Vegetation Regions

Tundra

Soil Characteristics-thin soils, permafrost

Precipitation Characteristics- Very little ; most areas <400mm

Temperature Characteristics- cold, short growing season

Types of Natural Vegetation- Shrubs, mosses, lichens, small flowers

Boreal ForestSoil Characteristics- shallow grey-coloured topsoil, acidic, infertile soil, few bacteria and

earthworms

Precipitation Characteristics- Wet climate

Temperature Characteristics- Cold temperatures, short growing season

Types of Natural Vegetation- Coniferous and hearty deciduous trees

Cordilleran VegetationSoil Characteristics-various types depending on area- Irrigation is often required for agriculture

Precipitation Characteristics-heavier on west side and lower slopes of mountains, drier on east side- Snow and ice on top

Temperature Characteristics- Warmer in valleys- Dry, hot valleys on east side of mountains- Temp is colder with elevation

Types of Natural Vegetation-grasses and cactus (dry, hot valleys east of mountains)-coniferous forests on lower slopes (higher precipitation)-flower meadows and shrubs(Tundra areas and higher on slopes)-no vegetation on highest slopes

West Coast Forest

Soil Characteristics- Lots of humus, leached soil

Precipitation Characteristics- Heavy rainfall

Temperature Characteristics- Mild climate

Types of Natural Vegetation- Temperate rain forest, trees more than 1m in diameter and

over 50 m high

GrasslandSoil Characteristics-rich, black

Precipitation Characteristics- Dry but enough rainfall to keep minerals in reach of roots

Temperature Characteristics- Cold winters, hot summers

Types of Natural Vegetation- Long grass, grains, oil seeds

ParklandSoil Characteristics-transitional- rich, black soil in grass and grey soil in Boreal forest

Precipitation Characteristics-more in grass areas than forested area

Temperature Characteristics-cold winters, hot summers

Types of Natural Vegetation-long grass with clumps of trees(coniferous in North, Deciduous in South)

Mixed ForestSoil Characteristics-deep, grey-brown top

Precipitation Characteristics- regular, abundant

Temperature Characteristics- Temperate climates- warm summers, cool winters- In Maritimes, cold winds create harsh climates on coast

Types of Natural Vegetation-coniferous and deciduous trees, small shrubs

Broad Leaf ForestSoil Characteristics-rich dark brown topsoil

Precipitation Characteristics- Plentiful

Temperature Characteristics-long, hot summers, mild winters-min. 5 months of warm weather

Types of Natural Vegetation-deciduous trees