(a) The layer formed by the crowns of smaller trees in a forest (b) The trees beneath the forest canopy -Foliage layer beneath the forest canopy -Young trees that are growing beneath the tall mature trees in a timber stand
The lesser vegetation (shrubs, seedlings, saplings, small trees) within a forest stand which forms a layer between the overstory, the upper portions of adjacent trees and other woody growth, and the herbaceous plants of the forest floor
Forest vegetation is usually arranged in "layers", from the ground to the top of the forest canopy The biggest trees are called dominants or codominants The next layers are shorter trees either pushing their way into the canopy or suppressed (sickly) by the shade Sapling trees and shrubs for the "understory" Below the understory are the small plants, herbs, grasses, ferns, etc [To return to previous page, click your browser's BACK button then scroll through the page to your last location]
The smaller vegetation (shrubs, seedlings, saplings, small trees) within a forest stand occupying the vertical zone betwen the overstory and the herbaceous plants of the forest floor
The area below the forest canopy that comprises shrubs, snags and small tree Because the understory receives little light, many of the plants at this level tolerate shade and will remain part of the understory Others will grow and replace older trees that fall