Temperate coniferous forest
Two broad areas of temperate coniferous forest occur below 50° N in North America, northern Japan, and parts of Europe and continental Asia. Along the Pacific coast of North America, warm summers and mild winters, along with abundant precipitation, permit growth of enormous conifers such as Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, and redwoods. Much of the undergrowth consists of grasses, ferns, and members of the blueberry family. Understory shrubs are uncommon. In the interior of North America, much less precipitation and colder winter temperatures support drought-