For ecotopes, the canopy collection of native vegetation includes the tallest trees in a given ecological community.  These big plants reach up for the first rays of sunlight, creating shady conditions below, as well as changing edge effects as the sun moves across the sky each day.

The canopy also provide protection from storms and wind for plants below, but can intercept and shed a significant promotion of the rainfall to create a virtual shade desert in certain circumstances.

This collection of canopy trees contains both evergreen + deciduous specimens.  While evergreen trees provide shade + shelter year-round, deciduous trees allow sunlight + openness during fall + winter seasons after leaves have dropped.