Forests in which the trees lose their leaves each year.

a forest made of trees that shed leaves habitually on a cyclic basis

In the Northern Hemisphere these forest types are often referred to as "Deciduous Summer Forests" and typically have a 5-6 month growing season that may range from between 150 to 200 days. About 30 to 60 inches of rain falls each year, and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The soils of the deciduous forest are relatively fertile, due to plenty of leaf litter. There is extensive plant diversity in the deciduous forest dominated by broadleaf deciduous hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, maple, ash, beech and others. The forests consist of 3-5 layers, which are relatively open with rich ground flora. There are usually one or two strata of trees, an understory of shrubs, and low growing forbs. Animals that typically inhabit the deciduous forests' of North America are bears, deer, bobcats, raccoons, squirrels, as well as many birds and invertebrates. The greatest concentration of animals is on and just below the forest floor.

A forest containing deciduous plants and existing where temperatures are mild and rainfall is abundant

Warm summers, cold winters, mainly deciduous woodland (e.g. oak or beech), variety of animals.

A temperate or tropical forest with moderate rainfall and marked seasons. The trees usually shed their leaves during either cold or dry seasons.

A forest composed of trees that shed their leaves at some season of the year. In tropical areas trees may lose their leaves during the hot season to conserve moisture. Trees of a deciduous forest in cool areas shed their leaves during the autumn to protect themselves against the cold and frost of winter. Deciduous forests produce valuable hardwood timber, such as teak and mahogany from the tropics, and oak and beech from the cooler areas.

a forest type comprised primarily of trees which seasonally lose their leaves such as oaks, maples, beeches, and birches.

Lehtimetsä Lövskog Forest composed primarily of broad-leaved trees that shed all their leaves during one season. Such forests are found in three middle-latitude regions with a temperate climate characterised by a winter season and year-round precipitation. See Broad leaved woodland.