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The grasslands region contains many species of trees and woody shrubs but few "forests." In the past, a low P/E (precipitation to evaporation) ratio and frequent prairie fires limited trees primarily to stream sides and steep rocky bluffs where they were protected from fire. Now, in the absence of prairie fire, trees are becoming more common, especially eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) in pastureland, as shown in this photo. Most of the native tree species in the grasslands are from the central hardwoods region whereas many shrubby species, especially in the western section, are from the desert scrub region.