Knowing which tree species usually grow
with each other often helps to identify trees you might not know. if you know
one or two tree species, you will be able to more easily guess what others might
be found in the area. Some of the more common forester “associations” are
listed here. Once you become good at knowing forest associations, try learning
shrubs, flowers, and other plants that commonly occur in the communities.
Northern Hardwoods
The most common
forest community in the U.P. Common tree species include sugar maple, basswood,
beech, yellow birch, and ironwood. White pine, hemlock, and white ash are less
common but can often be found mixed with northern hardwoods.
Pine & Upland Conifer Communities
Jack pine often grows
in nearly pure stands. Red pine and white pine occur in more mixed stands,
including species such as red maple, paper birch, and aspen. White pine
probably grows in more communities than other pines. Balsam fir and white
spruce often grow together on upland sites, many times in transition zones
between hardwood uplands and swamps.
Swamp Hardwoods
Swamp are forested
wetlands. Common tree species are black ash, American elm, and balm-of-Gilead.
Balm usually grows more by itself and look a lot like aspen. Along rivers,
cottonwood, silver maple, and boxelder may grow.
Conifer Bog / Swamp Conifer Community
Northern white cedar,
tamarack, and black spruce dominate these forest associations. Sometimes tree
species such as balsam fir, white spruce, paper birch, and black ash can be
found.
Aspen / Mixed Hardwoods
Quaking and bigtooth
aspen generally form fairly pure stands. However, depending on the location,
other tree species such as balsam fir, white spruce, paper birch, black cherry,
oak, red maple, and others may grow.
