A swamp is a type of wetland ecosystem characterized by the predominance of trees. The prevalence of trees distinguishes a swamp, a forested wetland, from a marsh - a wetland with few or no trees, where grasses often predominate. Swamps can occur on low-lying flatlands, or in scattered, isolated depressions. In Florida, these areas of low elevation are flooded at least part of the year due to the shallow water table and seasonally heavy rainfall.
In a mixed hardwood swamp, a variety of flood-tolerant tree species are present, both hardwoods and conifers. They form a dense, shady canopy that reduces air circulation and traps humidity, further contributing to the damp conditions.