What are Taigas?

Taigas, also called boreal or coniferous forests, are forests of dense evergreen trees that extend across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Boreal Forest in California. Tupper Ansel Blake (USFWS)

Taiga winters are long and harsh with temperatures averaging below freezing.

Some locations of taigas include:

• Alaska
  
• Central Canada
  
• Europe
  
• Northern Asia - Siberia
  
• Northern California
  

Due to cold temperatures and slow organic decomposition, taigas have thin, acidic soil.

Coniferous, needle-leaf trees also abound in this region.

Do you want to test your knowledge of the taiga and other biomes? Don't be shy, take the Land Biomes Quiz!