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In deciduous woodlands, spring is a special time when plants awaken from winter, with sunlight reaching the forest floor. Ground-living plants hurry to bloom before the trees steal their light. These spring blooms are unique to deciduous woodlands and cannot be found in conifer forests or tropical jungles. Within weeks, the canopy closes, and only a few shafts of light penetrate the woodland. In summer, the leaves expand to their full size. Eventually, the days shorten, and the trees shed their leaves for the cold season. This change in foliage can be seen from space, particularly in North America. Spring in a deciduous woodland is special. With no leaves overhead, the rays of the sun strike the forest floor directly and their warmth rouses plants from their winter sleep. The ground-living plants are in a hurry before long the trees above will come into leaf and steal their light. Their flowers decorate the forest floor as they advertise their sweet nectar to the newly emerged insects. The spring blooms of the deciduous woodlands have no equivalent in either the great conifer forests or the tropical jungles. Within a matter of weeks, the canopy is closed and only a few wheeling shafts of light penetrate the woodland. In the treetops, the broad leaves rapidly expand to their full size to make the most of summer while it lasts. Then, after a few months, the days begin to shorten again and the trees must shut down and shed their leaves in preparation for the cold, dark time ahead. Great tracts of North America flush red as the season progresses. The effect is so spectacular and so extensive that it can be seen from space.