Hemlock reaches its western limit in Sawyer and Bayfield counties, and yellow birch decreases in numbers as it nears the St. Croix river. A typical stand may include small numbers of white pine as the super canopy. Northern mesic woods grow best in deep, loamy soils but can be found wherever the topography is not extreme. Northern mesic forests often grow on glacial moraines, moist but well-drained slopes, north and east slope aspects, cool moist valleys, ravines, hollows under cliffs, protected coves. The sheltered environment provides protection from direct sun exposure and prevailing dry winds.
Evaporation is low, and temperatures are stable.
Species listed below are most likely found in the community. Click here , for a complete list of species that may grow in this forest. Sugar maple, hemlock, beech, yellow birch, and basswood. American elm was once common in the northern mesic forest. Today, Dutch elm disease significantly reduces its numbers of trees larger than saplings.