| Mature Forests |
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Mature forests, those over 70 years old, are characterized by large-diameter trees and a more diverse understory than middle-aged forests. As trees die from disease or competition for sunlight, the openings that are left behind allows more sun to reach the forest floor. Woodland wildflowers, ferns and shrubs, like blueberry or spicebush, add diversity to the forest. Snags, or dead standing trees are more abundant than at early stages of forest growth. |