​Broadleaf forests are dominated by broadleaf trees. Young broadleaf forests mostly consist of rapidly spreading and growing tree species, such as birch, willow, and aspen. In broadleaf forests, the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground level is high in spring when the trees have not yet grown their leaves, but low during the summer. Because of this, the undergrowth consists mainly of flowers, grasses and shrubs that flower during the spring and otherwise thrive in shady conditions.

Broadleaf forests are important habitats for many bird and mammal species. For example, aspens are important trees for a number of different animals. Their bark and branches are the food of hares and moose during the winter. Their leaves are eaten by various insects, which themselves are the food of many different birds. Woodpeckers also carve their nests in the the soft trunks of aspens. After woodpeckers have nested in the aspens, the nest holes can be used by other birds, such as great tits.

Broadleaf forests grow in regions where the soil is water-absorbent and rich in nutrients, and where the yearly temperature is warm. Groves are a type of broadleaf forest where so-called "noble" broadleaf trees, such as oaks, maples, and elms, can be found.

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Broadleaf forest.
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Groves are a type of broadleaf forest.