Which Plants Are Affected by Acidic Rain?

Growing Plants

• Young plants with developing root systems are readily damaged by acidic rainfall when pollutants enter the soil and are absorbed by the plants. These toxins damage developing flowers, fruits and vegetables, destroy leaves and negatively affect production. Additionally, existing nutrients in the soil may be washed away and toxins deposited, making the soil unfit for future plant growth.

Damage to Trees

• Acidic rain damages trees. The contaminated rain creates a condition within trees similar to a compromised immune system in a human being. Trees show no outward symptoms at first, but when attacked by disease, insects or virus, they quickly succumb to the infestation, compromising the health of the entire ecosystem, according to a 2002 report by Science Daily.

Acid Rain Facts

• Some acidic rain occurs normally. Pollutants can also mix with snow, hail, dew, sleet and fog. The highest incidence of North American acidic rainfall occurs in the Northeast and Canada.