traveling through the region from north to south, a subtle but interesting change in climate can be observed and is most evidenced by the gradual increase in the occurrence of subtropical indicator plants in the landscape. most noticeable are the southern magnolia and mimosa trees, and the needle palm also may be found as a winter hardy landscape specimen in lawns near the ohio river. during the winter, travellers from north to south will routinely observe a significant difference in snowfall/ice/rain in the region.