Then the leaves fall. When the snow comes, only a little of it weighs down the bare branches. Many of these trees rely on insects for pollination. Some have beautiful flowers, and fruit that is edible. Many of our fruit trees have come from wild varieties that grow in deciduous forests.
Many small plants grow in the shade under the trees.
Ferns and wild flowers are abundant, and there are many deciduous shrubs, including some berry bushes. There is ample food for deer and smaller animals such as raccoons, squirrels, foxes, wood mice and chipmunks. Insects and birds abound. However, when the cold of winter comes, many birds migrate southward and some small animals hibernate. Larger animals include cougars and bears.