Also known as the boreal forest, the coniferous forest is one of three biomes (types of associations of plants and animals) in Minnesota, This biome is located in the northeastern part of the state. It is named after conifers, which are trees (mainly evergreens) that grow their seeds in cones. Evergreen trees once dominated in this biome, and many spruce, fir, pines, and cedars can still be found here. However, logging has increased the numbers of deciduous trees relative to conifers today.

Physical Features

The coniferous forest tends to have thin mineral soils, thanks to the scouring action of the glaciers that passed through Minnesota thousands of years ago. Many areas within the biome, however, are covered by organic soil or peat. The soils tend to have substantial moisture. The climate is typically cool and moist. Average temperatures are around 36 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and average precipitation is 21 to 28 inches per year. Lakes abound.

Biological Features

This biome contains many bogs, created where plants have filled in former lakes and wetlands. Before European settlement, pines, spruce, fir, and tamarack predominated. After many of these trees were cut, aspen and other hardwoods became a bigger part of the ecosystem. Birch and lichens are common. Animals found in the coniferous forest biome include moose, black bears, black flies, gray jays, northern pike, wolves, beavers, pine siskins, crossbills, chipmunks, ruffed grouse, bald eagles, spruce budworms, American toads, redbelly snakes, and crossbills.

Location

In Minnesota, the coniferous forest biome predominates in the part of the state that is north and east of a line running roughly from Pine City to Warroad.

Fun Facts

Conifers are well-adapted to the conditions found in northern Minnesota. Their needles have a relatively small surface area and have a special protective surface, both features that help prevent them from drying out in winter when there is little moisture in the air.