EUROPEAN ATLAS OF

FOREST TREE
SPECIES
EUROPEAN ATLAS OF
FOREST TREE
SPECIES
 Preambles
Publication details
The preferred citation for the chapters in this document
is provided in each specific chapter (see also the Appendix
“Information on copyright, citation and disclaimer”, p. 200.
The full version of each chapter (expanded and fully peer-
reviewed) will be published in the online version of the Atlas in
the Forest Information System for Europe web site (permanent
url https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/). The online version of
each chapter is the recommended version to cite.
Citing individual chapters should be the preferred option. To
refer to the entire book as opposed to individual chapters, please
cite as:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant,
T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), 2016. European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publication Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
ISBN: 978-92-79-36740-3. DOI: 10.2788/038466
In order to refer to the online fully peer-reviewed version of
each chapter (as recommended), please consult the recommended
citation format at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/. This is
the URL to access the index of the online version of the Atlas,
where you may easily find the chapter of interest.
© European Union, 2010-2016
The information and views set out in this book are those of
the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion
of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions
and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held
responsible for the use which may be made of the information
contained therein.
Reuse is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged.
The reuse policy of the European Commission is implemented by
a Decision of 12 December 20111 .
The general principle of reuse can be subject to conditions
which may be specified in individual copyright notices. Therefore
readers are advised to refer to the copyright notices of the individual
documents (including individual images, diagrams, ...). Reuse is not
applicable to documents subject to intellectual property rights of
third parties.
Published by the Publications Office of the European Union,
L-2995 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species
Printed version
ISBN 978-92-79-36740-3
doi:10.2788/4251
Catalogue number LB-04-14-282-EN-C
Online version
ISBN 978-92-79-52833-0
doi:10.2788/038466
Catalogue number LB-04-14-282-EN-N
2016–200 pp.–30.1 x 42.4 cm
Printed in Luxembourg.
Printed on elemental chlorine-free bleached paper (ECF).
References
[1] European Commission, Official Journal of the European Union 54, 39 (2011).
Front cover image: Photograph of a holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia Lamk.)
taken in a Natura2000 site at Despeñaperros (Andalusia) in Spain, in which
a LIFE project was implemented for the conservation of protected species
such as the Iberian imperial eagle, the Iberian lynx, the black vulture and the
black stork. The open holm oak forest in the area favours the production of
a multiplicity of forest ecosystems such as game, timber, range, cattle feed
and acorns, and sustains a high level of animal and plant biodiversity.
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
Back cover images:
Top: Giovanni Caudullo
Centre row far left: Valentin Sabau
Centre row middle left: Alfonso San Miguel
Centre row middle right: Alfonso San Miguel
Centre row far right: Alfonso San Miguel
Bottom: Alfonso San Miguel
2 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction
Contributors
HOW TO OBTAIN EU PUBLICATIONS Editorial Board
Free publications: Jesús San-Miguel-Ayanz
• one copy: Daniele de Rigo
via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu); Giovanni Caudullo
• more than one copy or posters/maps: Tracy Houston Durrant
from the European Union’s representations
Achille Mauri
(http://ec.europa.eu/represent_en.htm);
from the delegations in non-EU countries
(http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/index_en.htm);
by contacting the Europe Direct service
(http://europa.eu/europedirect/index_en.htm) or
calling 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
(freephone number from anywhere in the EU) (*).
(*) The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels may
charge you).
Priced publications:
• via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu).
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EU? The editorial board (Daniele, Achille, Jesús, Giovanni, Tracy).
More information on the European Union is available on the
Internet at:
http://europa.eu
Scientific board
H. John B. Birks, University of Bergen, Department of Biology,
Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers to your
Bergen, Norway
questions about the European Union.:
Giovanni Caudullo, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Freephone number (*): 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
Daniele de Rigo, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
(*) The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels may
charge you). Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Dave Durrant, Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Farnham,
United Kingdom (retired)
Giorgio Guariso, Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica,
Informazione e Bioingegneria, Milan, Italy
Tracy Houston Durrant, European Commission, Joint Research
Legal Notice Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on Achille Mauri, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
made of the following information. Sandra Oliveira, University of Lisbon, Institute of Geography and
Territorial Planning, Lisbon, Portugal
Salvatore Pasta, National Research Council, Institute of
Cartographic Representations Biosceinces and Bioresources, Palermo, Italy
Underlying cartographic features depicted on the maps in this Jesús San-Miguel-Ayanz, European Commission, Joint Research
atlas are derived from the Digital Chart of the World and Lovell Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Johns Cartographic Base. These data do not have any explicit
Willy Tinner, University of Bern, Institute of Plant Sciences and
legal status; hence, no legal aspects should be derived from the
Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, Bern, Switzerland
information depicted on any of the maps in this publication.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Chart_of_the_World
www.lovelljohns.com
Disclaimer of Liability
The European Commission has taken considerable care in
preparing the information presented in this atlas. The political
boundaries shown on the maps are only indicative. The European
Commission assumes no responsibility for the information
contained in this publication.
Design and graphic support
Final design and graphic support by Lovell Johns Limited,
10 Hanborough Business Park, Long Hanborough, Witney,
(Copyright go2life, pixabay.com: CC0)
Oxfordshire, OX29 8RU, United Kingdom.
http://www.lovelljohns.com "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow"
This QR code points to the full
online version of the Atlas, where
the most updated content may be
freely accessed.
Authors
Daniele de Rigo, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Giovanni Caudullo, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Tracy Houston Durrant, European Commission, Joint Research
Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Achille Mauri, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Jesús San-Miguel-Ayanz, European Commission, Joint Research
Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
H. John B. Birks, University of Bergen, Department of Biology,
Bergen, Norway
Willy Tinner, University of Bern, Institute of Plant Sciences and
Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, Bern, Switzerland
Raul Abad Viñas, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Dalibor Ballian, University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Forestry,
Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina
Pieter Beck, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Edward Eaton, Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Centre for
Sustainable Forestry and Climate Change, Farnham, United Kingdom
Cristian Mihai Enescu, University of Agronomic Sciences and
Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Department of Soil Sciences,
Forestry Specialization, Bucharest, Romania
Gráinne Mulhern, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Salvatore Pasta, University of Fribourg, Department of Biology,
Fribourg, Switzerland
Minna Räty, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Cesare Ravazzi, National Research Council, Institute for the
Dynamics of Environmental Processes, Milano, Italy
Claude Vidal, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Anna Barbati, University of Tuscia, Department for Innovation in
Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, Viterbo, Italy
Jose I. Barredo, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Suzanne E. Benham, Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Centre
for Ecosystem, Society and Biosecurity, Farnham, United Kingdom
Roberto Boca, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Claudio Bosco, University of Southampton, Department of
Geography and Environment, Southampton, United Kingdom
Maria C. Caldeira, University of Lisbon, Forest Research Centre,
School of Agriculture, Lisbon, Portugal
Sofia Cerasoli, University of Lisbon, School of Agriculture, Forest
Research Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
Gherardo Chirici, University of Florence, Department of Agriculture,
Food and Forestry Systems, Firenze, Italy
Arne Cierjacks, University of Hamburg, Biocenter Klein Flottbek,
Department of Biodiversity of Useful Plants, Hamburg, Germany
Marco Conedera, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and
Landscape Research WSL, Insubric Ecosystem Research Group,
Cadenazzo, Switzerland
Flavio Da Ronch, University of Padova, Department of Agronomy,
Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Margherita Di Leo, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Juan Ignacio García-Viñas, Technical University of Madrid,
ECOGESFOR Research Group, Department of Natural Systems
and Resources, ETSI Montes, Forestales y del Medio Natural,
Madrid, Spain
Aitor Gastón González, Technical University of Madrid, ECOGESFOR
Research Group, Department of Natural Systems and Resources,
ETSI Montes, Forestales y del Medio Natural, Madrid, Spain
Francesca Giannetti, University of Florence, Department of
Agriculture, Food and Forestry Systems, Firenze, Italy
Núria Guerrero Hue, Independent researcher
Natalia Guerrero Maldonado, Estudios Europeos de Medioambiente
S.L., Departamento de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Madrid, Spain
Marcelo Javier López, Fundación Global Nature, Madrid, Spain
Ragnar Jonsson, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Patrik Krebs, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and
Landscape Research WSL, Insubric Ecosystem Research Group,
Cadenazzo, Switzerland
Diego Magni, Independent researcher
Sarah Mubareka, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Paula Nieto Quintano, University of Edinburgh, School of
Geosciences, Edinburgh, UK
Sandra Oliveira, University of Lisbon, Institute of Geography and
Territorial Planning, Lisbon, Portugal
João S. Pereira, Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture,
University of Lisbon, Portugal
Mario Pividori, University of Padova, Department of Land,
Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Ioana Popescu, Drury University, Biology Department, Springfield
Missouri, USA
Francesca Rinaldi, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Santiago Saura, Technical University of Madrid, ECOGESFOR
Research Group, Department of Natural Systems and Resources,
ETSI Montes, Forestales y del Medio Natural, Madrid, Spain.
Richard Sikkema, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Tommaso Sitzia, University of Padova, Department of Land,
Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, Legnaro (PD), Italy
Giovanni Strona, European Commission, Joint Research Centre,
Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra (VA), Italy
Lara Vilar, Spanish National Research Council, Institute of
Economics, Geography and Demography, Madrid, Spain
Erik Welk, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Department
of Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Halle (Saale), Germany
Barbara Zecchin, Independent researcher
Acknowledgements
This publication is the culmination of a fruitful collaboration
between the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and
numerous forest and vegetation experts from institutions and
universities across Europe. The completion of this Atlas would
have not been possible without their contribution. The exhaustive
knowledge on forest ecosystem and tree species of Claude Vidal,
Günther Seufert, Ola Sallnäs and Franz Starlinger was crucial for
adding new insights on the preparation of the species chapters.
In particular, the JRC is grateful for the support and commitment
offered by the forestry administrations in the member states that
provided the necessary data for the preparation of the Atlas. A
list of contributors is shown below.
The Editors wish to extend their gratitude to Gráinne Mulhern
and the army of other proof-readers for their ability to spot errors
and inconsistencies through the Atlas. This led to an improved
readability and standardization of the atlas. In addition, the
authors are grateful for the assistance of William Adnams and in
particular, Ian Dewsbery at Lovell Johns Ltd (UK) whose patience,
understanding and high professional standards have significantly
added to the quality of this publication. Thanks also to Arlette
Goergen of the EU Publications Office for her assistance in
coordinating the printing process and to Matteo Cassanelli for
providing support through the publication process.
Finally, the Editorial Board has put every effort to credit all
contributors and trace all copyright holders. We apologise for any
unintentional omission, for which we would be pleased to rectify
in future editions or online versions of the atlas.
Data contributors
Austria (Dr. Klemens Schadauer)
Czech Republic (Mr. Martin Pospíšil)
Denmark (Ms. Vivian Kvist Johannsen, Annemarie Bastrup-Birke)
Estonia (Mr. Veiko Adermann, Mr. Mati Valgepea)
Finland (Kari T. Korhonen)
France (Claude Vidal, Jean-Marc Frémont)
Germany (Dr. Heino Polley)
Hungary (Mr. Laszlo Kolozs)
Ireland (Mr. John Redmond)
Italy (Mrs. Patrizia Gasparini, Mr. Enrico Pompei)
Latvia (Ms. Ieva Licite, Mr. Toms Zālītis)
Lithuania (M. Albertas Kasperavicius)
The Netherlands (Mr. Jan Oldenburger)
Portugal (Ms. Ferreira Maria Conceição, Ana Paula Dias)
Romania (Mr. Gheorghe Marin)
Sweden (Dr. Jonas Fridman)
Slovak Republic (Ms. Zuzana Kmetova)
Spain (Mr. Santiago Saura Martínez de Toda, Iciar Alberdi Asensio,
Mr. Guillermo Fernandez Centeno, Roberto Vallejo Bombín)
United Kingdom (Mr Mark Lawrence)
Norway (Mr. Stein Tomter)
Switzerland (Mr. Adrian Lanz)
Forest Focus/Monitoring dataset, BioSoil dataset, European
Forest Genetic Resources (EUFORGEN), European Information
System on Forest Genetic Resources (EUFGIS) - www.eufgis.org,
Geo-referenced Database of Genetic Diversity (GD)2 - www.evoltree.
eu (see also the Chapter “The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species:
modelling, data and information on forest tree species”, p. 40)
Photo Credits
A. Steven Munson, Aanjhan Ranganathan, Achille Mauri, Agnieska Ovaskainen,
Agnieszka Kwiecień (Nova), Alan Gregg, Alan Semper, Aldo De Bastiani,
Aleksasfi, Alessio Sbarbaro (Yoggysot), Alexander Cahlenstein, Alexej Potupin,
Alfie Ianni, Alfonso San Miguel, Allie Caulfield, Alpes de Haute Provence,
Alpo Roikola, Andreas Rockstein (AnRo0002), Andrew, Andrew_Writer, Andrey
Zharkikh, Angela Benito, Anssi Koskinen, Arnaud 25, Arnstein Rønning, Ashley
Basil, Atif Rafik, Axel Kristinsson, Benediktv, benet2006, Bernt Rostad,
Bj.schoenmakers, Botaurus stellaris, Bri Weldon, Brian Gratwicke, Bruce
Kirchoff, Budmac, cafepampas, Carl Mueller, Caroline Sada, Cesare Ravazzi,
Chris De Wit, Chris M. Morris, Christa Regina, Christinamari, claude05alleva,
Claudio Bosco, Crusier, Dalibor Ballian, Dan Nordal, Daniele de Rigo,
Danielgrad, Dave Durrant, Dave Hamster, David Friel, David Nicholls, David
Wright, Davide Fumagalli, davidgsteadman, Dezidor, Doc Searls, Domenico
Salvagnin, Donald Hobern, Drahkrub, echoe69, Elin, Emma Silviana Mauri,
Enrico Romani, Entomart, Eran Finkle, Estormiz, Ettore Balocchi, F. Delventhal,
F. Lamiot, Forest & Kim Starr, Forestry Commission, Francesco Ciabatti,
Francesco Gasparetti, Francisco Antunes, Franco Caldararo, Franco Giordana,
Franco Rossi, Frank Vassen, Franz Josef, Frauke Feind, Fredi Bach, Free
Photos, Gary Houston, Gaston Aitor, Georgi Kunev, Giallopolenta, Giancarlo
Pasquali, Gianluca Nicolella, Gian-Reto Tarnutzer, Giovanni Caudullo, Giovanni
Trentanovi, Giulia Corradini, Giuseppe Milo, Göranssons Åkeri AB i Färila,
Graham Calow, gravitat-OFF, Graziano Propetto, Guilhem Vellut, Hannu,
Hans Braxmeier, Hans Fransen, Harald Deischinger, Hauke Musicaloris, Horla
Varlan, Huskarl, Ian Andrews, IKB, ilovebutter, Inga Vitola, ioa8320, Irina
Kazanskaya, ISeneca, J. Kelley, J.R. Pinho, Jan Homann, Ján Sokoly, Jannik
Selz, Javi MF, Javier Martin, Jean Latour, Jean-Baptiste Bellet, Jean-Pol
Grandmont, Jennifer Slot, Jeremy Atkinson, Jevgenij Voronov, Jevgēnijs Šlihto,
jez.atkinson, Jim Ferguson, Jiří Berkovec, Jiricek72, Jo Simon, John Tann,
Jongleur100, Jonson22, Jorge Franganillo, Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias, Josh
Egan-Wyer (je_wyer), Juan Ignacio García Viñas, Karl Brodowsky, Kenraiz,
Kimberly Vardeman, László Szalai, Leonid Mamchenkov, lifar, liz west, Lukasz
Szmigiel, Magnus Manske, Maher27777, Mahlum, Maja Dumat, MajaDumat,
Manfred Gut, Marilyn Peddle, Marina Torres, Marinella Zepigi, MarioM, Marion
Schneider & Christoph Aistleitner (Mediocrity), Mattivirtala, MemoryCatcher,
Michael Kranewitter, Michael Simoncini, Michael Wunderli, Miguel Vieira,
Mihai Enescu, Miltos Gikas, Miquel Llop, Molekuel, mornarsamotarsky, MrT HK,
Murray B. Henson, Nacho, NASA, NatureServe, Neil McIntosh, NH53, Nicholas
A. Tonelli, Nicolas Raymond, Niki.L, Ninara, No-author, Nociveglia, Noel Feans,
Norlando Pobre, Nova, NTNU Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology,
Nuno Lavrador, Pablo, Pancrazio Campagna, Paolo da Reggio, Patrice, Patrik
Krebs, Paul Schulze, Pavel Buršík, Pedro Dias, Peter Smith, Peter Trimming, Phil
Sellens, Pieter Beck, Ptelea, Ragnar Jonsson, Rainer Lippert, Richard Allaway,
Richard Sikkema, Rob Hille, Robert Anders, Roberta Alberti, Roberto Verzo,
Roland Tanglao, Ronnie Nijboer, Rosendahl, Rosenzweig, Ruben Holthuijsen, S.
Rae, Sallyofmayflower, Samuel Killworth, Santos Cirujano Bracamonte, Sarah
Millar, Sarang, Schwabe90, Sean MacEntee, Sergey Norin, Sergio Piccolo,
Shankar S., Silvano Radivo, Soldatnytt, Somepics, Son of Groucho, Stan,
Stanislav Doronenko, Stefano Zerauschek, Stefanst, Sten Porse, Steven Gill,
Stewart Black, Superior National Forest, Sven Scheuermeier, Svíčková, Takeshi
Kuboki, Tanaka Juuyoh, Tara2, Taxelson, Thomas Quine, Thomas Richter, Tom
Brandt, Tomás Royo, Tomasz Proszek, Tracy Houston Durrant, tree-species,
Umberto Salvagnin, US Forest Service, Valentin Sabau, Vasile Cotovanu,
Vassil, Velella, Verollanos93, Victor M. Vicente Selvas, Vince Smith, Vito Buono,
Vlad Butsky, weisserstier, Wendy Cutler, William Warby, Willow, Willy Tinner,
Wojciech Przybylski, Wolfgang Staudt, Wouter Hagens, Xemenendura, Yuri
Timofeyev, Zseeee.
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 3
Contents

Preambles 2
Publication details 2
Contributors 2

Introduction 5
Preface on the European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 6
The European Union Forest Strategy and the Forest Information System for Europe 7
Forest resources in Europe: an integrated perspective on ecosystem services, disturbances and threats 8
Forest bio-based economy in Europe 20
European forests: an ecological overview 24
European forest classifications 32
European Forest Types: tree species matrix 34
Past forests of Europe 36

Tree species 40
The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species: modelling, data and information on forest tree species 40
How to read the Atlas 46
Abies alba Silver fir 48
Abies spp. Circum-Mediterranean firs 50
Acer campestre Field maple 52
Acer platanoides Norway maple 54
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore or sycamore maple 56
Aesculus hippocastanum European horse-chestnut 60
Ailanthus altissima Tree of heaven 61
Alnus cordata Italian alder 62
Alnus glutinosa Common or black alder 64
Alnus incana Grey alder 66
Alnus viridis Green alder 68
Betula sp. Birches 70
Carpinus betulus Common hornbeam 74
Carpinus orientalis Oriental hornbeam 76
Castanea sativa Sweet chestnut 78
Celtis australis Nettle tree 80
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Lawson cypress 81
Cornus mas Cornelian cherry 82
Cornus sanguinea Common or red dogwood 84
Corylus avellana Common or European hazel 86
Cupressus sempervirens Mediterranean cypress 88
Eucalyptus globulus Tasmanian blue gum 90
Euonymus europaeus Spindle tree 92
Fagus sylvatica European beech 94
Frangula alnus Alder buckthorn 96
Fraxinus angustifolia Narrow-leaved ash 97
Fraxinus excelsior Common ash 98
Fraxinus ornus Manna ash 100
Ilex aquifolium European holly 102
Juglans regia Common walnut 103
Juniperus communis Common juniper 104
Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly juniper 105
Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician juniper 106
Juniperus thurifera Spanish juniper 107
Larix decidua European larch 108
Olea europaea Olive 111
Ostrya carpinifolia European hop-hornbeam 112
Picea abies Norway spruce 114
Picea omorika Serbian spruce 117
Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce 118
Pinus cembra Arolla pine 120
Pinus halepensis and Pinus brutia Aleppo pine and Turkish pine 122
Pinus mugo Dwarf mountain pine 124
Pinus nigra Black pine 126
Pinus pinaster Maritime pine 128
Pinus pinea Stone pine 130
Pinus sylvestris Scots pine 132
Populus alba White poplar 134
Populus nigra Black poplar 136
Populus tremula Eurasian aspen 138
Prunus avium Wild cherry 140
Prunus cerasifera Cherry plum 142
Prunus mahaleb Mahaleb cherry 143
Prunus padus Bird cherry 144
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 145
Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir 146
Quercus cerris Turkey oak 148
Quercus frainetto Hungarian oak 150
Quercus ilex Holm or evergreen oak 152
Quercus palustris Pin oak 154
Quercus pubescens Downy or pubescent oak 156
Quercus pyrenaica Pyrenean oak 158
Quercus robur and Quercus petraea Pedunculate oak and sessile oak 160
Quercus suber Cork oak 164
Robinia pseudoacacia Black locust 166
Salix alba White willow 168
Salix caprea Goat willow 170
Sambucus nigra Black elderberry 172
Sorbus aria Common whitebeam 174
Sorbus aucuparia Rowan or Mountain ash 176
Sorbus domestica Service tree 178
Sorbus torminalis Wild service tree 180
Tamarix spp. Tamarisks 182
Taxus baccata European or English yew 183
Tilia spp. Limes (Linden) 184
Ulmus spp. Elms 186

4 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Glossary 190

Appendices 194
The European Commission 194
Information on copyright, citation and disclaimer 196

Spring foliage of Norway maple (Acer platanoides).

(Copyright Jiricek72, pixabay.com: CC0)

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 5

 Introduction

Preface
Dear readers,

Over the past 200 years, Europe's forests have been

in a period of recovery after centuries of deforestation and
degradation. Today, forests and other wooded lands cover some
40% of the European Union’s landmass.

They are remarkable ecosystems, a precious natural

resource and a source of income and wealth. Forests capture
and store carbon, prevent soil erosion, protect us from floods and
landslides, provide habitats for plants and animals, and support
leisure and recreation – as well as providing timber and other
forest products.

However, forests are under pressure. Storms, fires and

pests are expected to damage forests more frequently and
more intensely as a result of climate change. Unsustainable
management practices have resulted in habitat and biodiversity
loss. And continued high nitrogen depositions are a concern.

In order to continue providing European citizens with their

wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits, but
also to protect them and keep them in good condition, it is crucial
that our forests are managed sustainably – and this requires
improving our knowledge. Knowing how forest tree species are
distributed across the EU is vital for making decisions about
forest management, the protection of areas of high nature value,
the selection of species for afforestation and the measures for
adapting to climate change.

This Atlas of Forest Tree Species of Europe is the first report

to compile and make this essential information available to forest
managers, researchers, citizens and policy makers.

An enormous amount of work has gone into creating this

Atlas, involving collaborations with national forest services,
research organisations, universities and international institutions
dealing with the many different aspects of forest life; the
botanical sciences, soils, biodiversity, vegetation and pests for
example.

I believe that this Atlas of Forest Tree Species of Europe will

soon become an important reference text for this rich European
resource. By learning more about our trees and forests, we
can truly appreciate their critical role in our environment, our
economies and our lives.

Happy reading!

Rainbow over Sierra Morena (southern Spain).

(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

Karmenu Vella Tibor Navracsics

European Commissioner for European Commissioner for
the Environment, Maritime Education, Culture,
Affairs and Fisheries Youth and Sport

Field maple (Acer campestre) in a rapeseed (Brassica napus)

cultivation near Dorchester (Dorset, UK).
(Copyright Ian Andrews,www.geograph.org.uk: AP)

6 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

The European Union Forest Strategy and the Forest Information System for Europe
J. San-Miguel-Ayanz
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is a key objective of
all European countries. A commitment to SFM forms the basis of
the Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe
(Forest Europe1), which were held in Strasbourg (1993), Lisbon
(1998), Vienna (2003), Warsaw (2007), Oslo (2011) and Madrid
(2015). As part of the Forest Europe process, countries report
national information on a series of forest criteria and indicators
every four years. This information is used to assess the sustainable
management of forests in the different regions of Europe and to
elaborate the series of reports on the State of Europe’s Forests,
the latest of which was published in 2015. While the information
contained within this series of reports is very valuable, it does
not lend itself to a more detailed assessment of environmental
processes as the reports are made at national rather than local
or regional scales.
It is difficult to produce detailed harmonised information on
forests at European level. As countries have their own national
or regional forest information systems, and often their own
definition of forests, a compilation of national datasets does not
provide a reliable pan-European assessment of the state of the
forests. For this reason, it is necessary to harmonise national
information at the European scale so as to derive pan-European
forest information.
Within the European Union, a series of regulations were
established over the years to collect information on forests
and to ensure their sustainable management. Chronologically,
Regulation EEC No 3528/862 and Regulation EEC No 2157/923
helped establish information systems for the monitoring of air
pollution in forests and for forest fire prevention. Both regulations
were substituted by the Forest Focus regulation4 during the period
2003-2006, which facilitated the establishment of common
European forest information systems for air pollution (the Forest
Focus database5, 6) and for forest fires (the European Forest Fire
Information System (EFFIS)7). However, with the expiration of the
Forest Focus regulation in 2006, European countries are currently
under no obligation to report information on forest resources to
European forest information systems.
Although there is no comprehensive common European forest
information system to which countries report, most countries in
Europe have their own systems in place to collect information
about their forests. The most common systems are the National
Forest Inventories (NFIs). While NFIs are very different in most
countries, they collect ground data and forest parameters
that can be processed to obtain harmonised European forest
information. Initiatives to support this harmonisation process
were first financed through the Forest Focus regulation. Several
projects were financed for the harmonisation of different forest
parameters, including forest area, carbon stocks, forest protection
indicators in mountain regions, etc. The largest of these was the
Biosoil project8, 9 , as part of which a soil survey was conducted
in 22 EU countries, and biodiversity data were collected in
standardised plots in 19 countries. The information from these
projects was incorporated and is available in the Forest Focus
database of the Joint Research Centre. Additionally, research
initiatives on the harmonisation of reporting activities from
NFIs were launched in the form of Cooperation in Science and
Technology (COST) Actions. Although essential for the process of
harmonising forest information from NFIs, the COST Actions do
not in themselves produce harmonised European datasets (which
would be necessary to assess the state of forest resources at
the European level), but instead develop definitions and methods
that may allow for the derivation of these datasets.
Attempts to establish common information systems at
the European level were launched through the EFICS regulation
(1989)10 and followed by the setting up of a European Forest
Information and Communication Platform (EFICP)10 . However, the
lack of standardised forest information systems across countries
and the difficulties faced in establishing common protocols for data
transmission impeded the successful establishment of a common
forest information system in Europe. Although a common EU
Forest Strategy had existed since 1998, little progress was made in
setting up a comprehensive common European forest information
system. However, initiatives to bring together European forest-
related information systems were still ongoing11 .
In 2005, an agreement between several Commission
services and the European Environment Agency led to the
creation of 10 environmental data centres. The responsibility for
the establishment of two of these centres, those dealing with
forests and soils, was given to the JRC. These environmental data
centres were named EFDAC (European Forest Data Centre) and
ESDAC (European Soil Data Centre). In order to further support
the collection of harmonised information on forest resources in
Europe, the JRC set up a four-year Framework Contract in 2009
for the provision of data and services to EFDAC. A second four-
year Framework Contract was established in 2012. In this context,
the European Commission has been collaborating with European
NFI services to produce harmonised forest datasets at European
level, and datasets on forest basal areas, forest biomass and the
distribution of forest tree species have been compiled. The latter
dataset is one of the core datasets used for the production of the
Atlas of Forest Tree Species of Europe.
Autumnal foliage of the horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).
(Copyright Hans Braxmeier, pixabay.com: CC0)
The adoption of the new EU Forest Strategy12 by the
European Commission in 2013 opened a new opportunity for
the establishment of a common European forest information
system. Within this strategy, the European Commission and the
EU Member States are establishing a Forest Information System
for Europe (FISE). FISE is currently under development, and a
prototype is already available at http://fise.jrc.ec.europa.eu. The
development of FISE builds on existing European systems such as
EFDAC, EFFIS and the Forest Focus database, and aims to become
the focal point for information on forest resources in Europe.
The forest-based sector plays a crucial role within a
growing bioeconomy in terms of value-added, job creation, and
(through the sequestration of carbon and providing a substitute
for fossil-fuel-based materials and energy) climate change
mitigation. Different EU policies affect the forest-based sector
(and therefore European forests), including the Climate and
Energy Framework, the EU Biodiversity Strategy & Natura 2000.
To ensure coherence among policies, their impacts need to be
modelled. The establishment of FISE is at the core of the EU
Forest Strategy as the instrument to assess progress towards
the targets established in the cross-sectorial policies that affect
forests and forest resources, and to ensure the sustainable
management of forest resources in Europe.
Spruce forest surrounding the Atorno Lake (Belluno, Italy).
(Copyright Domenico Salvagnin, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
References
[1] Ministerial Conference on the Protection of [8] R. Hiederer, T. Houston Durrant, E. Micheli,
Forests in Europe, Forest Europe - growing Evaluation of BioSoil Demonstration
life (2016). http://www.foresteurope.org. Project - Soil Data Analysis, vol. 24729 of
EUR - Scientific and Technical Research
[2] Council of the European Union, Official
(Publications Office of the European
Journal of the European Union 29, 2
(1986). Union, 2011).
[9] T. Houston Durrant, J. San-Miguel-Ayanz,
[3] Council of the European Union, Official
E. Schulte, A. Suarez Meyer, Evaluation
Journal of the European Union 35, 3
(1992). of BioSoil Demonstration Project: Forest
biodiversity - Analysis of biodiversity
[4] Council of the European Union, Official module, vol. 24777 of EUR - Scientific and
Journal of the European Union 1, 1 Technical Research (Publications Office of
(2003). the European Union, 2011).
[5] R. Hiederer, et al., Forest focus [10] D. Tilsner, et al., International Journal of
monitoring database system - Validation Spatial Data Infrastructures Research 2,
methodology, vol. EUR 23020 EN (Office 112 (2007).
for Official Publications of the European
Communities, 2007). [11] J. San-Miguel-Ayanz, G. Schmuck, R. Flies,
E. Schulte, I. Seoane, Database and Expert
[6] T. Houston Durrant, R. Hiederer, Journal of Systems Applications, 2005. Proceedings.
Environmental Monitoring 11, 774 (2009). Sixteenth International Workshop on (IEEE,
[7] J. San-Miguel-Ayanz, et al., Approaches to 2005), pp. 669–673.
Managing Disaster - Assessing Hazards, [12] European Commission, COMMUNICATION
Emergencies and Disaster Impacts, FROM THE COMMISSION pp. 1–17 (2013).
J. Tiefenbacher, ed. (InTech, 2012), chap. 5.
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012228. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., 2016. The European Union Forest Strategy
and the Forest Information System for Europe. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e012228+
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 7
Forest resources in Europe: an integrated perspective on ecosystem services, disturbances and threats
D. de Rigo, C. Bosco, J. San-Miguel-Ayanz, T. Houston Durrant, J.I. Barredo, G. Strona, G. Caudullo, M. Di Leo, R. Boca
In Europe, 33 % of the total land area (215 million ha) is and 80 years old and 18 % are over 80 years old, while 70 %
covered by forests, with a positive trend of increase for are dominated by at least two tree species (during the last 15
the forested areas. Other wooded lands cover an additional years, the area of forests composed by a single tree species has
area of 36 million ha. continuously decreased)1 . Recent research results suggest how
the density of above-ground biomass carbon of mature forests
113 million ha are covered by coniferous forests, 90 million
may increase as forests age from 80 to 400 years8 . More in
ha by broadleaved ones and 48 million ha by mixed forests1 .
general, biodiversity and cultural ecosystem services linked to
Forest resources should not be considered as a monolithic
recreation are generally more favourable in uneven-aged and old
entity. Instead, they play a multifaceted role, with complex
even-aged forests than in young even-aged forests1 . However,
patterns and relationships among forests and other wooded
the distribution of tree ages suggests that, over the past century,
lands, their usage and their interaction with other natural and
several forests in boreal and temperate ecological zones have
anthropic systems.
been disturbed by natural causes (e.g. wildfires, pests, weather),
Wood is a primary source of renewable energy in Europe2, 3
or land management9 . Furthermore, tree species composition and
(Fig 4 top). At the same time, primary feedstocks for wood-based
management practices may affect a multiplicity of ecosystem
biofuels frequently compete for a variety of non-energy uses. For
functions and services6, 10, 11 . Trade-offs may emerge between Fig. 1: Short rotation forestry (SRF) of willows, Dormagen, Germany.
example, wood can be used as material for furniture production
competing usages and adaptation/mitigation strategies for forest (Adapted from an image authored by Alexej Potupin, PD)
and on construction sites as building material2 (see also chapter
resources in view of climate and global changes - highlighting
“Forest bio-based economy in Europe”). 150 million ha are change and ecosystem services21, 22 . As an example, sustainable
the key role of the scientific state of art, its progress and open
considered available for wood supply1 . forest management practices are recommended in a broader
problems on wide-scale integrated problems (data and modelling
In 2010, the value of marketed roundwood reached 11 500 context so as to “maintain and enhance forest cover to ensure
uncertainties, intrinsic complexity due to transdisciplinary
million Euro, while the overall value of marketed non-wood goods soil protection, water quality and quantity”21 .
modelling and knowledge integration)12-20 .
related to forest resources reached 2.3 billion Euro1 . An estimate
of 103 million euro (0.8 % of the European GDP) constitutes the
gross value added by the forest sector1 . Forestry and forest-
based industries in Europe allow almost 3 million people to earn
their living (estimates for 2010)1 . However, monetary value alone
does not provide a complete picture of the real impact of forest
resources in Europe (see the next section of this chapter).
Recreational and tourism aspects play an important role. 90 %
of forest and other wooded land has been reported as available
for recreational purposes1 . Although data are incomplete, at
least 1.25 million cultural sites are located in European forests,
of which around three-quarters classified as ‘Cultural heritage’1 .
Cultural services are part of the rich set of ecosystem services
provided by forests, the value of which reverberates far outside
the forest sector (see Box 1). For example, considering only the
protective functions of forests, they affect soil resources, water
resources and biodiversity1 . 30 million hectares of European
forests have been protected with the main objective to support
biodiversity or landscape conservation, and a large majority of
European countries (more than 90 %) have specific objectives
in relation to biodiversity1 (see Box 1). Forests can offer a key
contribution to mitigate the effects of climate change. European
forest biomass adsorbs a remarkable amount of atmospheric
CO2. This service of forest resources amounts in Europe to an
average (from 2005 to 2015) annual carbon sequestration of
719 million tonnes, which is about 9 % of the net greenhouse
gas emission in the region (414 million tonnes in the EU-28)1 . Fig. 2: Qualitative illustration of some ecosystem functions, processes and services associated
to forest resources. They may range from the local scale (e.g. wood, soil formation, ....) to the
In addition, carbon is also stored in long-lasting structures (e.g. catchment scale (e.g. water regulation and purification), regional scale (e.g. aesthetic, cultural
wooden buildings) and another “carbon sink” is constituted by heritage) and beyond (e.g. global aspects of climate regulation).
(Adapted from an image authored by Harald Deischinger, CC-BY, https://archive.is/aoYxd)
wood products which replace more energy-demanding materials
or industrial processes/sectors1 . Wood-based biofuels also help
to reduce the necessity to use fossil fuels, thus contributing to Unfortunately, almost 3.7 million ha of the overall forested Similar forestry practices are exploited or investigated in
decrease greenhouse gas emissions1 . areas in Europe are affected by forest damage, frequently due several European countries as energy crops23-26 . Fast-growing
A significant share of European forests (more than 110 to biotic causal factors (1.9 million ha damaged by insects and trees are used which are able to reach their economically
million ha) is designated for protecting water, soil, ecosystem and diseases). Among the abiotic factors, fire causes the damage optimum size in 8-20 years. Positive services of SRF include
infrastructures1 . Forests protect soil resources by significantly of 0.5 million ha forests while storm, wind and snow damage carbon sequestration. However, the potential impact of some
reducing soil erosion. This role is especially relevant in have been estimated to affect 0.8 million ha of forest resources typologies of extensive SRF plantations on biodiversity or soil
mountainous areas and areas with extreme climates. Ultimately, (estimation based on reports covering 73 % of the forested area)1 . acidification is debated27-30 .
the soil-protection services offered by European forests This brief overview of facts and statistics aims to provide
reverberate also as climate change mitigation. In particular, this a descriptive picture of the multifaceted aspects of forests in
may be appreciated by considering that while the living above Europe. However, a deeper understanding of the structure and
ground biomass (leaves, branches, trunks, etc.), the litter and the functional relationships among forest resources and other natural
living below ground biomass (roots, etc.) amount respectively to and anthropic systems requires some underpinning concept to be
about 28.5 %, 9.0 % and 7.1 % of the overall forest carbon pools, considered in an integrated way.
the larger proportion of forest carbon pools is constituted by This may be essential even at the science-policy interface
forest soils (54.1 %)1 . in order to provide policy-making with a robust science-based
However, not all types of forest can provide the same support. In the recent Forest Strategy of the European Union
level of functions, services, biodiversity and sustainability. (see the chapter on European Union Forest Strategy and the
They also interact with other natural resources, bioclimatic Forest Information System for Europe on page 7), one of the
and anthropogenic aspects, some of which are introduced in four strategic orientations explicitly recommends “advanced
the next section. In this respect, details on the forest ecology, research and modelling tools to fill data and knowledge gaps to
composition and age structure may be relevant. For example, better understand the complex issues around social, economic
evidence suggests that old forests may provide higher water and environmental changes related to forests” within a general
storage from storm rainfall and local flooding mitigation4, 5 . They strategy which “promotes a coherent, holistic view of forest
may also offer more suitable habitats for some animals than management, covers the multiple benefits of forests, integrates
young forests6 while the age of forest stands shows peculiar internal and external forest-policy issues, and addresses the Fig. 3: Another example of short rotation forestry. Coppice short rotation
relationships with species richness which appear specific to whole forest value-chain”21 . This could be achieved by integrating of willows, irrigated by water from a purification plant in northern France.
This kind of plantation is here exploited for the final stage of purification of
functional groups (e.g. richness of lichens, ectomycorrhizal fungi, diverse data, information systems and models in a modular way, water from nitrates and phosphates. The coppice is then used to produce
and saprophytic beetles appears higher in undisturbed old- considering forests in relation with natural disturbances like wood chips.
(Adapted from an image authored by F. Lamiot, CC-BY, http://archive.is/AxELA)
growth forest)7. In Europe, 40 % of the forests are between 20 fires and pests, the bio-economy (see the next chapter), climate

8 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

 a

Fig. 4. Top: The role of wood and other solid biofuel among the renewable sources for the primary production of energy. Data for the EU-28,
from 1990 to 2013. (Source: Eurostat2) e
Bottom: An indicator of biodiversity such as the common bird index is a composite multispecies statistic and is considered by Eurostat as
a headline indicator on the status of natural resources in the European Union31-33 . Overall, the index declined between 1990 and 2013.
However, while the common farmland bird index experiences a noticeable decrease (which has mainly been associated with agricultural
changes33), the index associated with common forest birds shows a recovery with a positive trend between 2000 and 2013. (Source: Eurostat33)

Setting the complexity of European forests in a broader context:

integrated natural resources modelling and management
The reductionist classification of forests as a domain-
specific sector ideally segmented in parallel with others (and
as such, suitable to be investigated and managed within well-
defined boundaries of its scientific/technical domain, then
seamlessly “embedded” in a more general economic frame) has
been challenged by the growing evidence of the transdisciplinary
nature of forest systems as a highly connected hub interacting
with a large network of other natural and anthropic systems
(see Figure 6). As mentioned, this holistic multifunctional role is
underlined by the Forest Strategy of the European Union, and
the specificities of the European continent easily confirm the
interdependence of sound forest information and management
with the management of other natural resources. This also calls
for a cooperative information approach toward “integrating
diverse information systems [...] into a dynamic modular system
that combines data and models”21 .
The complexity and heterogeneity of the landscape,
climate, orography and anthropic patterns in the European
continent characterise the local peculiarities of the forest
resources in Europe, which highly depend upon abiotic, biotic and
anthropogenic factors. The anthropic component may dominate
some European landscapes. For example, approximately 95 % of
the original floodplain area in Europe has been converted to other
uses and 88 % of alluvial forests in 45 European countries have
disappeared from their potential range34 . Another example may
refer to the landscape-wide losses of biodiversity concerning the
decline of several European farmland birds as a trade-off linked
to agricultural intensification (see also Figure 4, bottom), although f
some multiple-use agroforestry practices may effectively support
biodiversity and ecosystem services provision35-38 .
The anthropogenic impact on the connectivity and fragmentation
of European forests shows a variety of diverse patterns. While 40 %
of the forest lands are within a 100 m distance from other lands
and 70 % of the European territory shows landscapes with poorly
connected woodlands, the regional share of “physically connected”
sites (complex forest subnets) is highly variable, ranging from 5 %
to 40 % depending on the country, and a meaningful assessment
of forest patterns may require the integrated analysis of the local
landscape composition, edge interface, habitat morphology and
connectivity39-41 . Considering the level of invasion by alien plants, Fig. 5: Some of the forest birds monitored in the common bird index (see
Figure 4, bottom)31-33 .
although an average lower impact is reported for most European A: Accipiter nisus in Galicia, Spain.
woodlands, sclerophyllous vegetation, heathlands and peatlands, (Copyright Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias, CC-BY, http://archive.is/7ubCv)
B: Phylloscopus sibilatrix in Luopioinen, Finland.
nevertheless uneven patterns are evident42 . The European continent (Copyright Alpo Roikola, CC-BY, http://archive.is/k2MLw)
has high geographic43 and climatic heterogeneity44-46 (see also the C: Dryocopus martius, Haukipudas, Finland.
(Copyright Estormiz, CC0, http://archive.is/C4K1F)
chapter “European forests: an ecological overview”), along with D: Pyrrhula pyrrhula, Kittilä, Finland.
high population densities and intense landscape diversity47. (Copyright Estormiz, CC0, http://archive.is/7Vouu)
E: Regulus ignicapilla in Galicia, Spain.
(Copyright Noel Feans, CC-BY, http://archive.is/5xloK)
F: Turdus viscivorus, Lake district, United Kingdom
(Copyright David Friel, CC-BY, http://archive.is/6hhk5)

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 9

 From a broader perspective, natural resources and
ecosystems, their related services6, 48-52 and projected
perturbations under climate change53-59 appear as highly
differentiated and interconnected by complex patterns which
require integration of advanced modelling and management
approaches25, 60-66 .
The particular composition and health of a forest is influenced
by the suitability of its plant species to the local climate, the
extent of preservation of forest core areas and genetic diversity
as well as by the management practices to which the forest is
subject3, 10, 20, 22, 25, 41, 67-71 . Furthermore, parasites, plant pests and
diseases (see Box 4) show multifaceted patterns of spread, also
depending on their suitability to the local environmental conditions
of the ecosystem they affect72-83 . As previously mentioned,
the impact of these biotic disturbances may occasionally be
destructive, implying severe consequences for both ecological
and economic aspects. Another family of forest disturbances is
linked to abiotic factors and may also display catastrophic effects
on forests73, 74, 84 . Examples are wildfires (see Box 2), rain or wind
storms (see Box 3) or large landslides sometimes connected to
the impact of intense runoff on the geological peculiarities of a
given catchment or region74, 85-95 .
Forest composition and management may display complex
transdisciplinary interactions and trade-offs not yet completely
understood, for example concerning carbon sequestration, albedo,
cloudiness and global warming, energy and wood production,
precipitation interception, surface waters and ground water
reserves18, 59, 96-100 .
The elements directly affecting forest resources are
tightly connected with other factors, sometimes more remote
but essential in order to understand the status, dynamics and
trends of forests, and the threats to which they may be exposed.
Ultimately, this general goal is critical for ensuring the sustainable
provision of economic assets and ecosystem services by forests.
Recently, Europe has experienced a series of particularly
severe disasters101, 102 . Impacts of similar disasters may
potentially persist or intensify under future projected scenarios
of economy, society and climate change103, 104 . They range from
flash floods105-107 and severe storms in Western Europe with
an expected trend of increasing intensity108 , large-scale floods
in Central Europe109 , and large forest fires in the Mediterranean
countries88-90, 110 . Biological invasions such as emerging plant
pests and diseases have the potential to further interact e.g.
with wildfires111 and to impact on ecosystem services112 and the Fig. 6: A simplified overview of some key interactions among forest resources and other natural and anthropic systems (adapted from de
Rigo121 , AP, http://w3id.org/mtv/Mastrave/img/INRMM-simpl; for more details, see also http://w3id.org/mtv/Mastrave/img/INRMM114, 115).
economy with substantial uncertainties113 . Ecological and biotic/abiotic stressors influence the health, composition and sustainability of forests. Some factors act at the local scale
Natural resources are intrinsically entangled in complex causal (e.g. fires, pest outbreaks, landslides). However, given the spatial permeability among connected areas, for example the spread of pests
and pathogens may potentially affect the regional/continental scale, with consequences for plant health, canopy cover, deadwood and fuel
networks (Figure 6)114, 115 whose management is increasingly accumulation, and ultimately fire risk and erosion patterns. These regional patterns may locally reverberate at the catchment scale, locally
complicated due to the need to reliably model the climate change altering the sediment transport in water resources and the relationship between precipitation and run-off. Changes in the regional patterns
of precipitation and temperature may potentially affect the local soil water dynamics, the snow/ice melt and accumulation, the frequency
along with the “feedbacks between the social and biophysical and intensity of floods and droughts and, as a consequence, agriculture, hydro-power and other water usages. Regional and local scale
systems”116 and due to huge economic and social impacts of their changes are also driven by global scale climate changes and by general economy/technology drivers which may modify local land use
and other anthropic influences on ecosystems (e.g. due to industry, energy, etc.). At the same time, regional changing patterns of forests,
management policies. These policies could greatly benefit from vegetation and other land cover may influence the global climatic system. This network of interactions is the transdisciplinary subject of
the possibility to integrate risk assessment and multipurpose the integrated natural resources modelling and management (INRMM)114 .

use optimisation of different resources: a challenge which is

progressing on different fronts25, 60, 72, 117-120 . changes and directly varying precipitation intensity and duration. resources management at the river-basin scale142-144 . Forests
At the same time, soil erosion (with its connection with the and water resources are further connected in some recent
dynamics, disturbances and management of upstream forests approaches to reduce tree drought stress by increasing the
Water resources directly affect agriculture, drinking water and vegetation cover) influences water sediment transport (see retention of water in forest sites145, 146 .
and energy supply while also determining flood and drought risks, Figure 6), water resources quality and water storage loss138-140 .
whose mitigation impose severe constraints to the effectiveness This may induce water-managers to alter established water
of seasonal water allocation. This is because dams and other
water reservoirs (e.g. regulated lakes) can store/release water
when more appropriate for maximising the combined multi-
purpose efficiency of agriculture irrigation, hydro-power and other
key usages of water (e.g. domestic, environmental, industrial,
navigational, and recreational)122-124 . A water management
designed to be efficient under the assumption that upstream
and riparian forests are relatively stable may be impaired
by the consequences of altered land-cover and thus run-off
dynamics125-128 . An increasing frequency of seasonal droughts
may require the stored water not to be exploited when otherwise
more valuable; conversely, an increasing frequency of seasonal
floods may prevent water reservoirs to exploit their full storage
capacity, for them to be ready to accumulate more upstream
water during flooding events and thus better contribute to their
mitigation122, 124, 127, 129, 130 . The land cover of river catchments
influences the precipitation-runoff relationship. In particular, the
share, distribution and sustainability of forest resources play a
decisive role in exacerbating or mitigating droughts, moderate
floods and soil erosion5, 128, 131-135 . While land cover directly Fig. 7: Steep hills and slopes may be particularly vulnerable to erosion. In absence of a sustainable vegetation cover and of a developed root system
affects soil erosion either positively (i.e. forest cover and good protection (i.e. because of unfavourable land use or climate change), these phenomena might persistently alter the landscape due to the complete
agricultural practices) or negatively (wildfire- or pest-degraded removal of soil and exposure of the underlying parental material. Impressive examples are constituted by the badlands.
Left: Canossa, Italy.
cover and bad agricultural practices136, 137), climate and climate (Copyright: Paolo da Reggio, CC-BY, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canossa_castle.jpg ).
change affect soil erosion both indirectly by driving land cover Right: Adret de l’Escure, France.
Adapted from an image authored by Alpes de Haute Provence, CC-BY, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adret_de_l’Escure_badlands.jpg).

10 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

 The water cycle is linked with land use and with water and
forest resources management, with possible repercussions on
the local micro-climate147, 148 if not, occasionally, the wider-scale
climate (determining a complex land-use/forest/water/climate
feedback which might be simply invisible to single sectoral
approaches)149, 150 .
Forest fires and deforestation in semi-arid Mediterranean
areas may contribute to severe land degradation151, 152 . The
opposite feedback also holds: forest resources may help to
control even advanced stages of land degradation such as
desertification153 (see Figure 13).

Fig. 8: The ability of forest tree species to tolerate periodic flooding and soil-water saturation varies from taxon to taxon. Different trees are
better suited to cope with different intensity of soil moisture, flooding and waterlogging. Among other factors, this also depends on the flooding
tolerance of the rooting system, while anthropic factors (e.g. agriculture, pasture, management of forests or water bodies, ...) may alter the
natural stratification of taxa with respect to the frequency of waterlogging154-156 . Within forested mountain valleys of hills, some areas may be
subject to more intense run-off (gullies, shallow secondary drainages or valleys). There, a sustainable, healthy forest cover requires the presence
of suitable tree species. Riparian forest buffers also provide remarkable services and require flooding-tolerant tree species38, 157, 158 .
Top: the side of a secondary valley (Italy, Trentino Alto Adige) clearly shows the stratification of coniferous trees (upper part) and more flooding-
tolerant broadleaved trees/shrubs (lower part).
Bottom: qualitative visualisation of the typical dendritic network along which flow accumulation due to run-off is more intense (gullies).
Correspondingly, erosion rates and thus forest soil carbon losses may be concentrated in relatively few critical areas. The presence of flooding-
tolerant vegetation may mitigate erosive phenomena and protect the carbon accumulated in the forest soil. The partial coverage by debris and
sediments with high permeability (due to periodic intense runoff and sediment transport) may sometimes require these strategic tree species
also to be drought tolerant20, 159, 160 .
(Adapted from an image authored by F. Delventhal, CC-BY, http://archive.is/TNMT8)

Fig. 9: Source: Daniele de Rigo, CC-BY, http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.2204755 (doi:

10.6084/m9.figshare.2204755). Top right image: a typical valley in the temperate
mountain system. Vallorcine Valley towards Mont Blanc, Alps. Adapted from an
image authored by Richard Allaway, CC-BY, http://archive.is/yuBCM . Right top, middle,
bottom: qualitative visualisation of the typical local topography of a valley side.
Within forested areas, gullies and small secondary valleys are a consequence of the
geomorphological processes, influenced by the local climate and also by the local
patterns of vegetation.

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 11

a

b c
Fig. 10: Source: Daniele de Rigo, et al., http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.2247472 (doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.2247472). In Europe, the larger
proportion of forest carbon pools is constituted by forest soils (54.1 %)1 . Continent-wide, the boreal, temperate and subtropical
mountain systems host a variety of forest ecosystems44, 161, 162 . At the same time, European mountainous areas are among the
one more susceptible to potential soil erosion by water163 . Forests and other vegetation may provide a very effective protection
to mitigate soil and carbon loss and can support the provision of some key ecosystem services concerning mass stabilisation
and buffering/attenuation of mass flow such as sediments, rockfall, shallow landslides117, 131, 164, 165 . The extent of this protection
is also related to particular species composition of forests166 . In particular, some forested areas in hills and mountains may be
subject to a multiplicity of disturbances, with a limited number of tree species suitable to thrive under the combined effect of
these stressors154, 155, 159, 160, 167. This box qualitatively illustrates the network of valleys, hollows, gullies and riparian areas where
higher rates of potential erosion coexist with higher frequency of waterlogging or flooding. A healthy, sustainable forest cover in
these critical areas is able to display a multifunctional mitigation and protection.

12 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction


Fig. 11: Some feedbacks between vegetation, disturbances, land use and
management may intensify degradation phenomena. However, positive
feedbacks may partly counteract negative ones. Agriculture practices over
hills may expose bare soil to erosion and contribute to generating rills
(picture foreground), deep gullies (background) and slope instability, which in
turn may intensify erosion - e.g. by means of shallow landslides93 . However,
deeply incised gullies with their more intense runoff and flow accumulation
(which may generate ephemeral streams) may become suitable for
flooding-tolerant trees, whose establishment may help to counteract a
further erosion. In the picture, Salix and other shrubs and trees tolerant to
soils wetter than the surrounding landscape occupy a small valley between
eroded crops in a hill close to the Apennines in Central Italy, at the boundary
between two subtropical ecological zones (subtropical mountain system and
subtropical dry forest).
(Adapted from an image authored by Claudio Bosco: CC-BY)
Considering some forest threats, plant pest outbreaks also
intensely affect land cover168 , and wildfires169, 170 and other
disturbances108, 171 also influence the connectivity of habitats
and the overall landscape, either quantitatively (the plant species
composition of forests and of agriculture areas) or qualitatively
(e.g. sudden pest-induced disruption of forests).
Austria, a flood meadow. Areas subject to frequent intense run-off and even
occasional waterlogging tend to host flooding-tolerant tree species and
other resistant vegetation.
(Adapted from an image authored by Stanislav Doronenko, CC-BY, http://archive.is/EwMjv)
Fig. 13: Forest tree species may serve to mitigate and control desertification.
Forested sand dunes in Fårö, Gotland, Sweden.
(Adapted from an original image authored by Bernt Rostad, CC-BY, https://archive.is/oMGnD )
A further complication lies in the intrinsic complexity of
forest ecosystems, which are not monolithic systems but instead
a composition of uneven subsystems. The overall impact of the
aforementioned threats may be challengingly difficult to assess
within the complex chain of interactions among taxa in forest
ecosystems. Even vegetation and forest management may affect
different taxa in substantially different ways depending on their
habitat (for example, dead wood and infrequently disturbed
areas may be more sensitive to some management practices)172 .
Evidence suggests that vegetation in European areas characterised
by a high summer temperature is more sensitive to drought-
stress and that droughts have more influence on grasslands than
forests173 . In Europe, taller forest vegetation appears to mitigate
the effect of even severe summer heatwaves and droughts (for
example, the extreme event of the 2003 drought) compared with
shorter vegetation174 .
More diverse forest ecosystems appear to be more stable
and species mixtures may have lower levels of pest damage
and higher resistance to invaders73 . As already mentioned,
tree species richness has been correlated with higher levels of
provision for a multiplicity of ecosystem services175 . However,
monitoring these effects may require an integrated perspective,
as the major impacts of forest plant species biodiversity and its
pattern of losses may become evident at wider than local spatial
scales176, 177. Furthermore, knowledge on these key aspects
is still subject to substantial uncertainties which may lead to
quantification of impacts ranging over orders of magnitude178 .
This array of relationships suggests the importance of
improving and integrating the modelling and management of
these natural resources – forest, soil, water resources – along with
land use management (integrated natural resources modelling
and management)114 .
Fig. 15: Top: an extratropical cyclone over the United Kingdom, on February
The important case of forests in mountainous areas may help 2014. The storm was associated with intense precipitation, flooding and
to exemplify some of the aforementioned interactions among winds exceeding 160 kilometres per hour. Bottom: in the beginning of 2014,
a series of storms affected northern and central Europe. Some evidences
uneven subsystems. The Figures 9 and 10 provide an overview suggest that storm intensity is increasing with a potentially deeper
on the many disturbances and stressors to which forested areas penetration into mainland Europe, local patterns of increased precipitation
and subsequently more saturated soils, while higher temperatures in
in hills and mountains may be subject, and the corresponding rich Fennoscandia may expose unfrozen soils for longer periods – which may
set of ecosystem functions and services they may provide. overall increase the risk of wind damage to European forests74, 108, 179 .
(Adapted from images authored by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, CC-BY, https://archive.
is/sgHwD and http://archive.is/gvtGH)
a b
c d
e f
Fig. 14: Biodiversity of forest ecosystems may also be appreciated for the rich variety of animals living in European forests and woodlands, which include
birds (see Figures 4-bottom and 5) and mammals, along with other key vertebrates and invertebrates. Although it is impossible to summarise even a
simplistic overview of these animals in a picture, a few well known mammals are here illustrated in their forest environment.
A: Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus), Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany. Copyright MrT HK, CC-BY, http://archive.is/4abQB
B: Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany. Copyright MrT HK, CC-BY, https://archive.is/SBD3v
C: Red deer (Cervus elaphus), United Kingdom. Copyright Dave Hamster, CC-BY, https://archive.is/zrInn
D: European beaver, (Castor fiber). Copyright NTNU, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, CC-BY, https://archive.is/CIbc5
E: Red fox, (Vulpes vulpes), United Kingdom. Copyright Neil McIntosh, CC-BY, https://archive.is/GpQUM
F: Wolverine (Gulo gulo). Copyright NH53, CC-BY, https://archive.is/qUpx0
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 13
Box 1: Forest ecosystem services and Biodiversity
Forest is the largest terrestrial ecosystem in Europe and is home to much The multiplicity and complexity of services provided by forest ecosystems Forest biodiversity refers “to all life forms found within forested areas and the
of the continent’s biodiversity. In addition, forests provide a multitude of necessitates a comprehensive framework and a systematic extensible ecological roles they perform”186 . Despite the existence of some knowledge
benefits to humans in terms of climate regulation, water supply, timber, classification of those services. To this end at EU level the CICES gaps on how biodiversity supports and interacts with forest ecosystem
energy, clean air, erosion control and many others. These benefits are classification185 was adopted as a reference typology of ecosystem services. functions and services, there is evidence suggesting the dependency of
defined as ecosystem services, which are the benefits that people obtain A large number of forest services have been identified at European level specific functions and services on biodiversity175, 187. Decreased levels of
from ecosystems180 . They are the direct and indirect contributions of categorised into three main types: provisioning, regulating/maintenance biodiversity affect ecosystem functions and service delivery. Likewise, there
ecosystems to human well-being181 . and cultural services (Figure 17). is growing consensus that increasing levels of biodiversity increases the
stability of forest ecosystem functions, thus maintaining the provision of
The provision of forest ecosystem services includes three interlinked Provisioning services include all nutritional, material and energetic outputs
multiple services. Evidence in this respect supports, for instance, greater
concepts. The first, ecosystem process, is any change or reaction which from forest ecosystems. Specifically they include forest production of
temporal stability of total biomass at higher levels of diversity.
occurs within forest ecosystems. These include decomposition, production, biomass, water and energy. Regulating and maintenance services are derived
nutrient cycling, and fluxes of nutrients and energy. The second is from forest ecosystems mediation or moderation of the environment that In line with the guiding principles of the Forest Strategy and the Biodiversity
ecosystem function, which is a subset of the interactions between affects people’s performance. They include the degradation of wastes and Strategy, the concept of multifunctional forest relies on the need to
biophysical structures, biodiversity and ecosystem processes that underpin toxic substances; the mediation of flows in solids, liquids and gases; as well maintain forest productivity while increasing the provision of non-market
the capacity to provide ecosystem services. Finally, ecosystem services are as the regulation of the physico-chemical and biological environment. Forest services that meets societal demands. At this juncture, sustainable forest
the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems51, 182 . cultural services include the non-material outputs of forest ecosystems. management plays a fundamental role in multifunctional forest. The two
They are the physical settings, locations or situations that produce benefits concepts, sustainable forest management and multifunctional forests,
Unlike forest market services, such as timber, the contribution of non-market
in the physical, intellectual or spiritual state of people. They can involve ensure the delivery of multiple market and non-market services in a
forest services to society is sometimes neglected because their full value
individual species, forest habitats and whole ecosystems. balanced way, simultaneously maintaining and improving forest health,
is often not accounted in economic terms. Understanding the complex
vitality and biodiversity.
interactions influencing the provision of forest services requires the underlying
factors and relations of these three concepts integrating the biophysical
and socio-economic domain to be addressed. In addition, European forest
ecosystems face multiple natural and anthropogenic threats. For instance,
a changing climate is producing increased droughts in the Mediterranean;
forest disturbances are foreseen to increase (forest fires, invasive pests) and
competing socio-economic demands for forest services can result in multiple
drivers of forest change, and all these processes are having an effect on the
provision of ecosystem services from forests.
In the EU, the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services
(MAES) initiative is a key action for the advancement of biodiversity
objectives, and also to inform the development and implementation of
related policies on forest among others. The MAES analytical framework
of Figure 17 ensures consistent approaches are used throughout the EU
regarding mapping and assessment of ecosystem50, 182 . The framework
links human societies and their well-being with the biophysical environment.
Specifically, target 2 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy183 aims to maintain and
enhance ecosystems and their services by establishing green infrastructure
and restoring at least 15 % of degraded ecosystems. Three concrete
actions are proposed in the Biodiversity Strategy to achieve target 2. Action
5 improves the knowledge base on ecosystems and ecosystem services;
Action 6 sets priorities to restore ecosystems and promote the use of green
infrastructure; and Action 7 launches an initiative to ensure no net loss of
biodiversity and ecosystem services. These actions are in synergy with the
provisions of the EU Forest Strategy regarding enhancing forest biodiversity
and forest multifunctionality184 . Fig. 16: Relationship between biodiversity, ecosystems and socio-
economic systems in the conceptual framework for supporting ecosystem
assessments in the European Union, from Maes et al.182 .

Fig. 17: Source: Daniele de Rigo, CC-BY, https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.3047380 (doi: 10.6084/

m9.figshare.3047380). Simplified overview of the main ecosystem services provided by
forest and other woodland ecosystems. The classification is based on the Common
International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES)185 . and on MAES (Mapping
and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services) approach50, 51, 182, 188 .

14 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Forests above- and below-ground: the
interaction between soil and forest
resources, biotic and abiotic factors
It is not rare for European forests to have experienced for
decades an increment of tree biomass, with more numerous and
larger trees potentially producing more litter. The carbon budget
of soils and trees in the forests of several European countries,
estimated from 1950 to 2040, suggests a noticeable increment
of carbon stock of the soils235 .
Aside from this potential increment, which might eventually
saturate236 , the overall amount of forest soil carbon deserves a
specific focus. For example, although in Europe the soil carbon
concentration appears to decrease with decreasing latitude237, in
Spain alone, forest soils are estimated to store about 2,500 million
tons of carbon. This is four times the amount of carbon estimated
to be stored in the biomass of Spanish forests. To compare, in the
last 29 years the anthropogenic emissions of CO2 in Spain are
almost equivalent to the carbon stored in Spanish forest soils238 .
Fig. 18: In mountainous area, forest systems are characterised by a complex
array of functions and feedbacks. In particular, tree roots influence water
run-off, filtration and soil stabilisation.
(Adapted from an image authored by NH53, CC-BY, http://archive.is/hoHtF)
This remarkable service of forest soils is not uniformly provided
by all types of forests and tree species associations. Carbon stock
in forest soils has been found to significantly vary with site factors,
such as local climatic zones44, 235 .
Carbon stock in the forest floor and mineral soil also appears
to be highly dependent on the local tree species. Evidences suggest
that in temperate and boreal forests it could be increased by
200-500 % in forest floors and by 40-50 % in top mineral soil by
changing the local composition of tree species [239]. Irrespective
of these considerations, the total soil organic carbon supporting
European forests is estimated in the order of 12 billion tonnes, a
figure to compare with the total carbon stock of forest trees (whole
tree) estimated to be about 7.9 billion tonnes240, 241 . Therefore,
forest soils in Europe are the main component of forest-related
carbon stock.
Beside carbon stock, forest soil is an essential resource
providing critical ecosystem functions and services. It supports
plant growth, retaining and delivering nutrients to vegetation. More
generally, forest soil also has the capacity to retain and release
Fig. 19: Rills and incipient gullies of erosion within a forest of broadleaved trees, where the understorey has been removed close to a
cattle crossing. Weakened protection is offered during wintertime, with a subsequent unsustainable imbalance between soil formation
and soil erosion rates. Similar circumstances may reduce the provision of soil protection ecosystem services by a forested area.
(Adapted from an image authored by J. Kelley, CC-BY, http://archive.is/dPvzB)
water, contributing to flood mitigation and water purification and it
takes a fundamental part in biogeochemical cycles.
However, soil resources in Europe may often be fragile. In Europe,
soil degradation is mainly caused by erosion by water (93 million
ha affected by at least moderate or higher degradation) followed
by wind erosion (39 million ha affected), physical and chemical
degradation (respectively, 36 and 26 million ha affected)241 . Forests
soils, especially in the European areas with high erosion rates such
as the European mountain systems163, may occasionally be subject
to intense degradation where forest disturbances damage the
vegetation cover, composition and health. Along with this risk, other
European forested areas might be affected by less obvious potential
threats.
Mediterranean areas generally show a less rainy climate -
often semi-arid or arid. This factor means that forest soils in these
areas can be less subject to erosion degradation. However, several
Mediterranean areas experience an alternation of long-lasting
droughts with intense rainstorm events. Considering the current
trends of land-use change and the corresponding vegetation-
climate feedback, an intensification of both phenomena may be
possible in the Mediterranean region, leading to more frequent
and intense torrential rains in autumn with associated flash
floods over the coasts and nearby mountain slopes and increased
erosion [150]. On the other hand, longer droughts may seriously
affect the future forest cover and composition151, 242 .
This trend highlights the worrying impact of additional
forest soil losses in this region, in particular considering that
Mediterranean soils are often already very thin and that the
Mediterranean forest disturbances are predicted to increase due to
climate change (e.g. in the period 2071-2100, for a scenario with
a global temperature increase of 3.5 °C, the area burned by forest
fires could more than double in Southern Europe, compared with
the period 1961-1990)104, 243 .
The loss of forest soil as a result of erosion processes leads to a
decline in organic matter and carbon cycling, a reduced productivity
of forest resources, agroforestry and agriculture, a breakdown of
soil structure and to other processes such as an enhanced flood
risk244-248 . Soil erosion is also closely related with the enhanced
susceptibility for a given landscape to generate mass movements;
either can be a cause or an effect of the other93, 249, 250 . Forest
management may influence all these aspects. Paired catchment
studies identified some alterations in runoff, suspended solid and
nutrient fluxes due to management practices20 .
Vegetation cover, soil, water resources and the land use and
management are intrinsically linked.
A typical example is the relationship between vegetation
cover (e.g. forests, grasslands, crops, etc.) and soil erosion (see
also Figures 8-11). The vegetation cover is able to positively
or negatively influence the precipitation-runoff relationship.
A healthy vegetation cover and good agroforestry practices
positively influence soil erosion while heavily perturbed forest
resources (e.g. after a clear-cut), agricultural practices exposing
bare-soil or, more generally, a degraded vegetation land cover
(e.g. as a consequence of wildfires or pest spreads) have a
negative impact on the soil erosion process. In turn, the ongoing
changes in the climatic conditions can directly or indirectly affect
the loss of forest soil.
Fig. 20: Within forests, erosion may be unnoticed by non-experts due to the
leaf litter and the geological irregularities of the terrain in mountainous areas
(although litter dams may ease the identification of erosive phenomena).
Top: minor gullies converging in a beech forest (Fagus sylvatica), Italy. It may
be observed that beech trees are absent where the intensity of run-off causes
high soil moisture or even occasional waterlogging. In this particular example,
no flooding-tolerant species appears to occupy the niche left empty by beech.
In these cases, the erosion of forest soil might progress in the gullies with a
weakened protective effect by vegetation.
(Adapted from an image authored by Francesco Ciabatti, CC-BY, http://archive.is/rhon5)
Middle: Example of deep rill, apparently induced or intensified by human
alteration of the forest topsoil, exposed on a track.
(Adapted from an image authored by Chris M. Morris, CC-BY, http://archive.is/lCSsD)
Bottom: removal of trees within forest gullies may intensify erosion and
slope instability. Occasionally, intense precipitation and subsequent run-
off/waterlogging may remove as sediments the forest topsoil, negatively
affecting or even preventing the establishment of a new forest cover.
(Adapted from an image authored by Nociveglia, CC-BY, http://archive.is/wdJQi)
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 15
Box 2: Wildfires and adaptation strategies of forest tree species
Natural and human-caused fires associated with agriculture and grazing
have historically defined the Mediterranean landscape203, 204 . Wildfires are
not only destructive factors, but they can, if moderate and not frequent,
increase the biodiversity and complexity of the Mediterranean vegetation
communities205 . Mediterranean woody and scrub vegetation has been
exposed to recurring fires for long periods206 , and has developed different
adaptation strategies to survive. Fire-adapted plants are defined as
pyrophytes (fire loving plants), in some cases requiring wildfire for their
reproduction. They can be divided into passive and active types in relation
to the feed-back responses to fire205, 207.
The active pyrophytes are able to regenerate after a fire even if damaged.
Two main strategies are identified. One is vegetative regeneration through
re-sprouting from roots. These plants in fact store their nutrient reserves
underground where they are protected from fires, and are heliophilous,
so that the light of burnt areas stimulates their growth. Most of these
trees and shrubs belong to the sclerophyllous vegetation group, such
as oaks (Quercus coccifera, Quercus ilex, Quercus calliprinos, Quercus
pyrenaica), but also carob (Ceratonia siliqua), heath plants (Erica arborea,
Erica australis), myrtle (Myrtus communis), mastic (Pistacia lentiscus),
Mediterranean buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus), etc.206, 208-211 . The other
active strategy is seed protection and the requirement for the stimulation
of fire to germinate. This is the case for some of the Mediterranean
conifers, such as Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), Turkish pine (Pinus brutia)
and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), which are unable to re-sprout, but
develop cones which protect the seeds and which are opened by the heat
of fires (serotinous cones)206, 212, 213 .
The same strategy is also adopted by some rock roses of the genus Cistus,
which have seeds protected by thick teguments214, 215 . On the other hand,
the passive pyrophytes are plants adapted to avoid or limit fire damage.
These species can have thick or suberized barks which protect the cambium
from heat damage, such as stone pine (Pinus pinea) or cork oak (Quercus
suber). Some limit the exposure of the crown to fire thanks to rapid height
growth during the juvenile period or to a strong self-pruning habit which
increases the height of the lowest part of the crown, adopted by various
species of the genre Pinus. Others have leaves with low flammability
due to high water or ash content, or lower amounts of resins; e.g cypress
(Cupressus sempervirens) or many broadleaves216-218 .
In Mediterranean climes, terpenoids play an important role in wildfires
and vegetation dynamics. They are present in conifers and in several
sclerophyllous plants rich in essential oils, increasing their flammability
rate. When in high concentration in litter, terpenoids also inhibit seed
germination. Wildfires, by destroying these substances accumulated on the
ground, promote the colonisation of new species, including the germination
of seeds from the same plant that originally produced the terpenoids,
which needs fire for its regeneration219-221 .
The top right map enlargement shows clearly the damage caused by a single
fire of over 12 000 ha that occurred in Sweden in 2014, the largest fire of the
year and among the largest recorded anywhere in Europe in recent years88 .

Fig. 21: The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) was established jointly by the European
Commission (EC) services (DG ENV and JRC) and the relevant fire services in the EU Member States and the
Forest and Civil Protection services other countries222 as the EC focal point of information on forest fires.
The Rapid Damage Assessment module of EFFIS was set up to provide reliable and harmonised estimates
of the areas affected by forest fires during the fire season. The methodology and the spatial resolution of
the satellite sensor data used for this purpose can map all fires of about 40 hectares or larger. Although
fires smaller this are not mapped, the analysis of historical fire data has determined that the area burned
by wildfires of at least 40 ha accounts for about 75 % of the total area burnt every year in the Southern EU.

The figure shows the total cumulated burnt areas mapped by EFFIS from 2000 to 2015 across the entire
region covered. As expected, the regions with the most fires are in a band across southern Europe, and
the five most affected countries (Portugal, Spain, Mediterranean part of France, Italy and Greece) account
for around 85 % of the total burnt area each year222 . However, almost all countries have been affected,
at least in some years, by large fires of more than 40 ha. The northern regions such as UK, Ireland and
Scandinavia are not usually as affected the southern regions, but in dry years, especially in the early parts
of the season before the new green vegetation has started to sprout, large wildfires can occur.

This enlargement shows some the large fires that have

occurred in the last 15 years in Ireland and Scotland. Some
of these fires occur on peatland, and can be very difficult to
extinguish if the fire penetrates the surface and becomes a
smouldering fire.

The northern half of Portugal and parts of northern Spain are historically the The other most affected parts of Europe are concentrated around the Mediterranean region.
most affected regions with a significant proportion of the annual total burnt Particularly affected are the large islands (Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily), Greece and Croatia. Like
area recorded here. In these regions, the main fire season occurs in summer. the other most affected countries, the main fire season for these countries is in summer.

16 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

 Fig. 23: Forest fire in Degaña, Asturias, Spain in August 2009.
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

Fig. 22: Serotinous cone opening after a fire.

(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

Box 3: Forest disturbances by wind and storms

Wind is a natural disturbance agent in forests189 . Although windstorms at
small scale constitute part of the forest ecosystem dynamics, catastrophic
windstorms or wind throws are possibly the most intense and economic
damaging abiotic agent in European forests. They are responsible for
more than 50 % of the primary damage to forest stocks in Europe179 .
Although information gathering on windstorm frequency and damage is not
comprehensive, since there is no European system in place for this purpose,
it is estimated that about 0.12 % of the standing volume of Europe is
damaged annually (1950-2010)190 . Over 275 wind storms were recorded in
Europe in the last 112 years, which means that, on average, nearly 2.5 wind
storms take place every year22, 191 .
Windstorm damage to forests is not only produced at the time of the storm,
when trees are broken or blown over by the wind speed and intensity, but
through subsequent agents that may affect the damaged area, which can be
biotic, such as pests and diseases that originate in the fallen trees (such as
bark beetle attacks), or fires, which may happen due to the large availability
of woody material (fuel) on the ground. Interaction between windstorms and
bark beetles has occurred historically192 .
The potential damage caused by windstorms to forests depends on a variety
of factors, including meteorological conditions, especially wind speed, soil
type and condition, tree species composition193 and forest management
practices. Trees with shallow roots are the most vulnerable; this vulnerability
increases if trees grow on sandy soils or very wet soils, and also with the
height of trees. In general, conifer species seem to be more vulnerable than
broadleaves, although vulnerability is also affected by forest management
and site conditions194 .
Windstorms often affect species composition and may accelerate tree
succession; they alter stand structure, diameter distribution and canopy gap
size within a forest195-197. However, the natural effects of windstorms are
often non-lasting. In intensively managed forests, often felled trees and the
affected areas replanted soon after the event, have a strong influence in
tree regeneration in the affected area198, 199 .
Despite the limitations in the way that climate change effects have been
modelled, predictions of future climate scenarios indicate a trend to an
increase in the number and intensity of wind storms in Europe200 and in
Fig. 24. Top left: Pine damaged by wind snap after a storm in Germany in 2013.
other world areas where they are already happening201 . However, forest (Copyright AnRo0002, CC0, https://archive.is/NP9VI)
management and adaptation strategies can help in mitigating potential
Bottom left: Wind throw of pine after a storm in Germany in 2013
future wind storm damage202 . (Copyright AnRo0002, CC0, https://archive.is/pGHo2)

Top right: Significant wind throw damage after a storm in Loch Bharcasaig, Scotland.
(Copyright Andrew, CC-BY, https://archive.is/gWjss)

Bottom right: Storm Gudrun struck Denmark and Sweden in January 2005. The
damage resulted in the creation of the world’s largest wood stockpile.
(Copyright Göranssons Åkeri AB i FÄRILA: AP)

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 17

Box 4: Biotic disturbances: forest tree pests and diseases
Trees can be infected by a wide range of pathogens, including viruses,
bacteria, fungi and insects. The European and Mediterranean Plant
Protection Organization (EPPO) identified more than 150 quarantine
pests as locally present in the European and Mediterranean region. Most
of the research on tree pests focuses on species having direct economical
relevance. Yet, severe epidemics often involve species that, despite not
commercially valuable, occupy key positions in ecosystems. These events
may have profound negative effects on the ‘value’ of forests in a broad
sense, weakening or hampering the ability of a forest to store carbon,
to reduce risk of floods and to purify water112 . In addition, there is an
increasing recognition of an invisible network of species interactions that
is fundamental for ecosystem functioning223 . From this perspective, the
detrimental effect pests may have on a few species could set in motion
a cascade of consequences eventually leading to a general reduction of
species diversity.
A particular case much relevant to pest risk assessment is that of planted
forests, which represent about 10 % of European forests in terms of
area224 . Planted forests usually consist of one or few species, and are
increasingly threatened by both typical and newly emerging pathogens225 .
Epidemics may have greater effects in planted forests than in natural ones,
due to the absence of the dilution effect typical of diverse ecosystems,
which acts as a natural barrier for the spread of host-specific pathogens
by lowering the probability of a pest individual to find a suitable host226 .
Molecular techniques offer important new tools to tackle the problem
of forest pests from new perspectives. In particular, they could help
to get a better grasp on pathogen virulence, host specificity and host
susceptibility, making it possible to identify sensitive pests that could
be harmful if moved to other regions, or under future climatic and/or
ecological scenarios227, 228 .
Clearly, monitoring all possible pests is not feasible, so that a priority is
identifying potential pathways of introduction in order to prevent possible
future situations such as, for example, those caused by Xylella fastidiosa
in Italy229, 230 and by the pine wood nematode (PWN) in Portugal231 . These
two diseases are now creating great concern, and are both presumably
consequences of single involuntary introductions230, 231 . The strong difficulties
in counteracting their spread highlight how vectors can play a fundamental,
and largely unpredictable, role in promoting large scale epidemics (both X.
fastidiosa and the PWN are transported from a host to another by flying
insects). For X. fastidiosa, this aspect is particularly compelling, since the
large number (some tens) of insect species capable of carrying the pathogen,
combined with its very large host range (more than 300 plant species)
makes any intervention measure aiming at the eradication of the pathogen
extremely difficult. A possible strategy would be that of selecting resistant
hosts, as has been suggested for the common ash dieback, a lethal fungal
disease that represents a serious threat for European forests, due to the key
role played in ecosystems by the common ash232 .
These paradigmatic cases also emphasize several problems in
communicating biological understanding of concepts to the political sphere
of society, and possible philosophical obstacles related to the common
negative public perception towards managing natural forests233 . In general,
the management and prevention of epidemic spreads require coordinated
actions that should go beyond the national scale, especially because one
of the leading causes of epidemics is represented by the involuntary
transport of pathogens through international trade. Nevertheless, climate
change clearly plays a fundamental role in promoting the spread and
increasing the virulence of alien pathogens, and so do human induced
habitat alterations. Consequently, future conservation actions should
necessarily target multiple threat drivers simultaneously234 .
Within this Atlas, each chapter focusing on specific tree species provides
a section with a summary of main threats and diseases (see also chapter
How to read the Atlas). For further details (e.g. for host-pest and pest-host
lists of the tree taxa which are susceptible hosts for a given mentioned
pest or disease) and for a more detailed overview of main pests and
diseases of European forest tree species, an extensive selection of
periodically updated literature is available in de Rigo et al78 .

Fig. 25: Clockwise from top:

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (Ash dieback disease) in Kocherwald, Germany.

(Copyright Sarang, PD, https://archive.is/cN9Ij)
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19
Forest bio-based economy in Europe
S. Mubareka, R. Jonsson, F. Rinaldi, J. Azevedo, D. de Rigo, R. Sikkema
A bio-based economy may be defined as one using “...
production paradigms that rely on biological processes
and, as with natural ecosystems, use natural inputs,
expend minimum amounts of energy and do not produce
waste as all materials discarded by one process are inputs
for another process and are reused in the ecosystem.”1 .
The transition towards a more sustainable primary
production and resource efficiency will certainly benefit
the environment but also induce a number of significant
economic benefits, such as stimulating the economy
through encouraging innovation and building new and
competitive industries through the emergence of new
sectors such as biomaterials and green chemistry.
The bioeconomy in Europe already exists, and has been
estimated at 2.4 billion Euro for 2012, employing more than
22 million people2 . The Commission’s bioeconomy strategy
and action plan aims at further shifting the European
economy towards a greater and more sustainable use of
renewable resources; however the transition towards a
true bioeconomy relies on a series of breakthroughs in
technology and cost effectiveness, as well as the pure
availability of biomass2 .
Box 1: Wood in modern urban construction
Many countries across Europe, encouraged by EU policies, have set targets
to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and are adopting legislative methods
to ensure that buildings and materials satisfy the requirements implicit in
individual country targets. In many cases this has led to an increased use, or
at least consideration, of wood as an alternative to conventional construction
materials such as steel and concrete6 .
Until the late 1980s, wood-framed buildings with more than two
storeys were prohibited by building regulations in most European
countries, due to the negative perceptions arising from historic city
fires. However, national building regulations are being revised towards
functional criteria as opposed to prescriptive criteria, driven by the
Construction Products Directive adopted in the EU in 1988. Thus,
a larger number of storeys with a wooden frame is being allowed
throughout Europe7.
As a result of the adoption of functional building regulations and technological
development, the share of wood-frame in multistorey construction is on the
rise, particularly so in the Nordic countries, the UK, Ireland and the Alpine
region of Europe7. In Sweden wood-frame multistorey construction (WMC)
already has a market share of around 10 %6 , and also in Finland WMC is
approaching a ten per cent market share7.
In the UK, the market share of wood-frame in residential construction
increased from 8 % in 1998 to 25 % in 2008, but there are as yet no
data on the WMC segment specifically. However, residential WMC has
made a breakthrough in the UK as a result of environmental policies,
the rising interest towards WMC among the developers, and the
lightness of wood making it possible to utilise building sites that could
not sustain corresponding buildings made of concrete. Also in Ireland,
the building practice has been changing from on-site construction to
wood-frame off-site construction. However, while the overall market
share of wood-frame in all construction increased from 1 % in 1990
to 30 % in 2007, the market share in the WMC segment is still rather
small. In Austria, wood-frame is common in the single-family housing
sector, with a 40 % market share, yet the regulations and attitudes
towards wood use vary from one province to another, and on average
the market share of WMC has remained low. Likewise, in Germany and
Italy, there are regional differences in the attitudes towards WMC.
In Southern Germany, the use of wood for construction has been
increasing in the 2000s, and it has been suggested that the market
share of WMC could increase from 2 % to 10 % towards 20307.

Pine logs, Cannock Chase, UK.

(Copyright Jeremy Atkinson, CC-BY, https://archive.is/q6jvZ )

Fig. 1: Three different wood-frame multi-storey construction (WMC) techniques and corresponding key
wood elements7. 1: Platforms may be based on pole frame structures (1a) or on panel elements (1b).
2: In the post-and-beam technique, massive supporting columns are exploited. 3: Modular elements are
Forests and Europe’s economy instead directly manufactured at the factory, including several final elements such as doors and windows,
The forest-based sector plays an important role within the electricity appliances, or heating. Different WMC techniques imply different industrial workflows. WMC
diffusion is dependent on regulatory framework and industry structure7. Modified from Hurmekoski, et al.7
European Union (EU) in terms of value added, trade balance, (Copyright Elias Hurmekoski: AP)
and job creation. The forest industry includes products such as
buildings (see box on “Wood in modern urban construction”),
books, magazines and newsprint, furniture, food (see box on
“The importance of non-wood forest products in Europe”),
textiles, packages, energy (see box on “Forest-based energy”)
and bio-based products (see box on “Forest resources in bio-
based products”). The values of sales for these products total to
more than 200 billion Euro3 .
Overall, 58 % of harvested EU wood biomass is processed
by EU forest-based industries, which represents approximately
7 % of EU manufacturing GDP and nearly 3.5 million jobs. The
remaining 42 % is exploited for energy and accounts for about
5 % of the total energy consumption in EU4 .
As an example, some 101 million m3 of sawnwood were
produced in the EU-28 in 2013, close to two thirds of which
came from the five largest producing EU Member States;
namely Germany (21.3 %), Sweden (16.2 %, 2012 data), Finland
(10.1 %), Austria (8.8 %) and France (8.0 %)5 .
The volume of roundwood produced is strongly linked to the
value added to the raw material (see Figure 3).
The important role of forests in reaching the EU’s Renewable
Energy Directive targets, which include the production of energy
from renewable sources in the EU, has raised questions about
Timber Bridge Construction in Arbon, Bodensee in Steinach, Canton of Traditional timber frame building in the Burgenstraße (Castle Road),
the sustainability of mobilising biomass for these purposes and St. Gallen, Switzerland. southern Germany.
the forest economy-environment-energy nexus. (Copyright Norlando Pobre, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) (Copyright Thomas Quine, CC-BY, https://archive.is/sdVn7)

20 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Box 2: The importance of non-wood forest products in Europe
Forests systems are responsible for a diversity of very valuable ecosystem
services throughout Europe. Among these, Non-Wood Forest Products
(NWFPs) such as mushrooms, chestnuts, cork, pine nuts, honey truffles and
berries are among the most important from economic and social points of
view. The FAO has classified NWFPs into two broad categories: animal and
plant products.
In several European countries, the Nordic common rights (right of public
access to the wilderness, or freedom to roam) grant access for picking
non-wood forest products such as berries.
Top: Blueberry picking.
(Copyright Ragnar Jonsson, CC-BY)
Bottom: Understorey of Vaccinium myrtillus in a coniferous forest.
(Copyright Yuri Timofeyev, CC-BY, https://archive.is/D6fqw)
Variety of mushrooms found in the forests of Priekuļi, Latvia.
(Copyright Inga Vitola, CC-BY, https://archive.is/5L6W2)
In northern Europe, the Nordic common rights allow access for picking berries, to cities in the region and abroad and by the abandonment of traditional
mushrooms and other non-wood forest products (NWFP), even from private agriculture systems. Chestnut diseases such as “ink disease” and “chestnut
forests. This free access, facilitated by a dense network of forest roads, blight” and the newly arrived “chestnut gall wasp” (Dryocosmus kuriphilus)
makes berry and mushroom picking an essential part of the way of life in are serious threats to this product. Localised research (for example17) and
rural areas of the Nordic countries. Opportunities in the sale and processing forest extension promoted by forest associations has, however, contributed
of NWFPs to provide additional income vary widely between products, regions to minimise the effects of these agents.
and seasons. Earlier interventions to promote NWFP utilisation have included
training in identification, picking, processing and marketing of natural
products. As an example, in Finland 55 000 commercial mushroom pickers
have been trained since the early 1970s. Sales tax and income tax exemptions
on selling berries and mushrooms picked by an individual continue to be key
incentives for commercial picking. About one-third of berries and some one
tenth of mushrooms picked in the Nordic countries enter the market. In recent
years, berries sales have decreased as a result of urbanisation and aging
of the rural population, as well as low berry prices. As a result, commercial
berry picking has, during the past decade, relied largely on migrant pickers,
including workers from neighbouring countries and from as far as SE Asia11 .
In the Mediterranean region, non-wood forest products such as mushrooms,
cork, pine nuts, chestnuts, resin, honey and truffles are of extreme importance
to the economy. Despite this, there is a general lack of regulation of the
cultivation of these non-forest wood products12 .
For example, in the Northeast of Portugal, mushrooms have traditionally
been picked for self-consumption. This region is one of the few in the country
where there is a strong local knowledge concerning wild (and even cultivated)
mushrooms. Thanks to this strong tradition and a rich stock of mushrooms,
commercial picking has become a very important economic activity in the
region since the 1980s. This activity has provided significant income for
families and individuals on an annual basis. At the same time, the first
studies on mushrooms in the region were conducted with the purpose of
assessing diversity, productivity and the economic potential of mushrooms as
a forest resource13, 14 . This activity is still mainly undertaken by locals, usually
self-employed or retired elderly woman, individually or in groups of two, and
within the limits of the village where they reside or the neighbouring village15 .
Almost all the mushrooms picked locally have international markets as final
destination including Spain, France, Germany, and Italy. Although no official
statistics are available for the production and trade in the region, mushrooms
are estimated to contribute 5 to 10 million Euro to the local economy
every year. Population in cities have recently developed an interest in wild
mushrooms which has led to the organisation of courses, workshops and
other training initiatives by forest, agriculture and environment associations.
Formal education in mushrooms has been offered in the Polytechnic Institute
of Bragança since 199116 .
Chestnuts are a very important non-wood forest product of forests in In 1993-2013, the European average production of chestnuts has been
Mediterranean countries. The high market price of chestnuts and the low 130 000 tonnes per year, i.e. more than 10 % of the global production18 .
Top: Chestnut bur.
level of inputs required in the chestnut systems have led to the recent (Copyright William Warby, CC-BY, https://archive.is/0qaSn)
expansion of chestnut agro-forestry systems in some Mediterranean regions. Bottom: Chestnuts.
(Copyright Maja Dumat, CC-BY, https://archive.is/05xeX)
This process is favoured by the movement of people from the countryside
Raspberries. Truffle hunter with his dog, Tuscany, Italy. Italian white
(Copyright Maja Dumat, CC-BY, https://archive.is/wqkTZ ) truffles are highly sought after and have high value.
(Copyright Michela Simoncini, CC-BY, https://archive.is/P2xPu)
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 21
 Fig. 2: Qualitative evolution from the pre-industrial society to two subsequent transitions.
First, the transition to the industrial society and economy. Then, toward a bio-based
economy. The short-term patterns of the actual evolution may be complex since they
are subject to several sources of local fluctuations. The qualitative future trend will also
depend on the cumulative feedback effect due to different potential technology and
policy scenarios.
(Author: Daniele de Rigo)

Box 3: Pulp and Paper Industry

The pulp & paper industry is an important industry within the forest-based bioeconomy of Europe. Using some
150 million cubic meters of wood per annum, this industry provides 1.5 million jobs in the value chain, adding
15 billion euros to the Gross Domestic Product of the European Union. The industry is going through structural
changes. Thus, while the consumption trend for graphic paper is a decreasing one, consumption of paper for
sanitary and packaging purposes is rising. Recycling plays an important role within this industry. Indeed, paper
is the most recycled product in Europe, with a recycling rate that increased from 40% in 1991 to 72% by 2014.
Recovered paper make up 54% of the raw material used in the paper industry34 .

Corrugated cardboard. Waste paper for recycling.

(Copyright jaymethunt, CCO, https://archive.is/cG356)
(Copyright sonja_paetow, CC0, https://archive.is/8ETQX)
Fig. 3: Roundwood production in 2012 and gross value added of forestry
and logging. For Italy, Lithuania and the Netherlands, the available data
refer to 2006. For Spain, data refer to 2007. For Hungary and Malta, data
refer to 2009. For Greece, Latvia and Luxembourg, data refer to 2011.
France, Portugal and Norway data are provisional.
(Source: Eurostat5)

Fig. 4: Integrated forest resources management within the context of a bio-based

economy. Qualitative trade-off between monetary and non-monetary benefits. The
trade-off emerges considering different optimisation frameworks. Two extreme
frameworks optimise policy / management options towards classic economic optimum
(forestry marked economics and other provisioning services of forest resources) or
instead towards pure forest ecosystem conservation / restoration (maximising non-
monetary forest ecosystem services). Intermediate efficient options to support policy
and society decisions may emerge with a multi-criteria framework for integrated forest
resources modelling and management.
(Author: Daniele de Rigo)

22 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

 Box 4: Forest-based energy
Forest-based woody biomass is currently the most important source of
renewable energy in the European Union (EU), accounting for around half of
the total renewable energy consumption. The targets for renewable energy
have resulted in a surge in the use of wood pellets within the EU. The EU-28 is
the largest global producer of wood pellets, its output reaching an estimated
13.2 million tonnes in 2013; production in the EU-28 rose by 97.6 % overall
between 2009 and 2013. The EU-28 is a net importer of wood pellets: the level
of imports from non-EU Member States rose to 6.4 million tonnes by 2013,
which was an overall increase of a staggering 267.6 % compared with 200919.
In countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy, wood pellets are exclusively
used in heat production for the residential sector while the industrial use for
power generation prevails in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Belgium.
In Sweden and Denmark, both sectors are well established20. According to the
National Renewable Energy Action Plans, biomass used for heating, cooling
and electricity would supply about two-fifths of the 20 % renewable energy
target for 2020. If achieved, the amount of wood used for energy purposes in
the EU would be equivalent to today’s total wood harvest4 .
Left: Forest-based production of wood pellets.
(Copyright Richard Sikkema, CC-BY).
Right: wood pellets, detail.
(Copyright Andrew_Writer, CC-BY, https://archive.is/cv7JF )

Relationship between bioeconomy and non- Box 5: Forest resources in References

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industry/sector). However, a significant part of forest ecosystem and cosmetic industries (tree sap). Slowly, anaerobic digestion-based multi-storey house building in England, [26] D. Pimentel, Environment, Development
services provides a non-monetary benefit which requires France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sustainability 8, 119 (2006).
biorefineries may replace our main source of energy and materials: and Sweden, vol. 52 of School of
a sometimes quite challenging21 multi-criteria economic petroleum. This depends on the efficient conversion of feedstocks, often Technology and Design Reports (Växjö [27] L. Vranken, P. Van Turnhout, M. Van
University, Växjö, Sweden, 2009). Den Eeckhaut, L. Vandekerckhove,
framework to be properly assessed22-24 . A few examples of this low-value, into high-value biofuels and bio-based products. These range [7] E. Hurmekoski, R. Jonsson, T. Nord,
J. Poesen, Science of The Total
Environment 447, 323 (2013).
last category are summarised below. from municipal and industrial organic wastes, to agricultural and forest Technological Forecasting and Social
Change 99, 181 (2015). [28] M. Klose, L. Highland, B. Damm,
One of the major sources of damage to soil resources in residues, and energy crops10 . [8] RoK-FOR Project, Bio-based products
B. Terhorst, Landslide Science for a Safer
Geoenvironment, K. Sassa, P. Canuti, Y. Yin,
Europe, unfortunately leading to surprisingly high direct and (2015). eds. (Springer International Publishing,
indirect costs, is due to soil erosion by rainfall and runoff and [9] Y. Zhao, N. Yan, Journal of Biobased 2014), pp. 661–667.
Materials and Bioenergy pp. 465–480 [29] C. Bosco, G. Sander, IEEE Earthzine 7,
its monetary and non-monetary impacts25, 26 . Landslides are (2014). 910137+ (2014).
also associated with considerable costs27, 28 and the impact of [10] K. C. Surendra, C. Sawatdeenarunat, [30] D. de Rigo, C. Bosco, IFIP Advances
S. Shrestha, S. Sung, S. K. Khanal, in Information and Communication
both erosion and slope instability hazards may occur together Industrial Biotechnology 11, 103 (2015). Technology 359, 310 (2011).
with even greater effects29 . The multiple layers of vegetation [11] Y. Gerasimov, et al., Making boreal forests [31] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
work for people and nature, Tech. rep. P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
in a typical forest (canopy, sub-canopy or midstorey, shrub of (2012). System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[12] G. Allard, et al., State of Mediterranean
understorey and ground-layers) make a significant contribution to forests 2013 (FAO, 2013). 177 pp.
[32] M. Marchetti, M. Vizzarri, B. Lasserre,
L. Sallustio, A. Tavone, Annals of
reducing the potential erosion caused by rainfall30, 31 . Forest soil [13] J. C. M. Azevedo, Inventário de Silvicultural Research 38 (2014).
macrofungos em povoamentos de
and topsoil are also able to reduce the surface runoff mitigating castanea sativa em Trás-os-Montes,
[33] N. Dudley, et al., Running Pure: The
importance of forest protected areas to
the risk of both erosion and slope instability32 . Master’s thesis, Vila Real (1989). drinking water (World Bank / WWF Alliance
[14] A. F. C. Meneses, Inventário de cogumelos for Forest Conservation and Sustainable
Moreover, the soil layers of forests have a high filtering em soutos e castinçais de Trás-os-Montes, Use, 2003).
capacity regarding most of the chemical components of Master’s thesis, Vila Real (1990). [34] CEPI Key statistics 2014: European Pulp
and Paper Industry
pollutants32 . In Europe, 65 % of public water supplies come from
groundwater. Part of the remaining water supplies relies on rivers,
lakes, water dams and reservoirs, whose water quality critically
depends on land use within the catchments33 . Several of the main
European cities either obtain a significant proportion of their
drinking water from protected forest areas, or explicitly manage
forests for watershed protection33 . Furthermore, many European
forest authorities explicitly mention watershed functions within
their plans33 .
These few examples among many underline the tight
relationship between environmental economics and conservation/
(Copyright David Wright, CC-BY, https://archive.is/Mqv4W)
restoration efforts focusing on key functional aspects of healthy
forest ecosystems. Depending on the society and policy needs,
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
these efforts may require an integrated perspective focusing on this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01a52d. The purpose of this
both monetary and non-monetary aspects. Research innovation summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
on both forest bioeconomy and ecosystem services may thus main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
contribute to integrated modelling and management of forest updated content may be freely accessed.
resources, providing a science-based support to critical policy and Please, cite as:
(Copyright Agnieska Ovaskainen: CC-BY) Mubareka, S., Jonsson, R., Rinaldi, F., Azevedo, J. C., de Rigo, D.,
society decisions. Sikkema, R., 2016. Forest bio-based economy in Europe. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01a52d+

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 23

European forests: an ecological overview
D. de Rigo, T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo, J.I. Barredo
Ecosystems may be classified into a variety of groups or
zones according to their homogeneity1-9 . An Ecological
Zone may be defined as an area with broad yet relatively
homogeneous natural vegetation formations that are
similar, although not necessarily identical.
Several key aspects of forest resources are influenced at the
global and continental scale by the ecological zone where
a given forest or woodland grows10-17. Even at the regional
and country scale, the distribution of environmental and
ecological zones may contribute to the understanding of
core differences in local forest ecosystems18-22 .
For its Global Forest Resources Assessment, the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) produced
a global ecological zoning classification1, 2 . The FAO zoning is
exploited by a rich variety of applications11-13, 17, 23-25 .
In this chapter, the classification of FAO is summarised and
complemented by a qualitative analysis of the secondary
ecozone components which may coexist in a given
European area as subordinate constituents of the local
forest ecosystems. These components have been derived
by means of a robust fuzzy analysis of climatic similarity26 .
The FAO Ecological Zones
Boundaries of the Ecological Zones approximately coincide
with Köppen-Trewartha climatic types, which are based on
temperature and rainfall27, 28 .
At the first level a total of five domains are distinguished
based on temperature: Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Boreal
Temperate domain
The temperate domain lies in a region where average
temperatures above 10 °C can be found from 4 to 8 months of the
year. The temperate domain covers a large area across mainland
Europe and is subdivided into Temperate Oceanic Forest, Temperate
Continental Forest, Temperate Steppe and Temperate Mountain
Systems.
Temperate Oceanic Forest is typically found on the western or
windward side of the continent and has the mildest climate of the
four temperate zones. The average monthly temperature is always
above 0 °C and there is adequate rainfall in all seasons. The annual
rainfall may vary quite significantly from 400-800 mm in lowlands
up to 2 000-3 000 mm on windward lower coastal mountain slopes.
The main vegetation type in these areas is deciduous broadleaved
forest. In Western Europe a typical example is beech.
Temperate Continental Forest may be found in the interior
and eastern areas of the continent. Winters are colder, with
a shorter frost-free season and at least one month having
average temperatures below 0 °C. There is a larger annual range
of temperatures than in the Oceanic zone. Rainfall generally
decreases with distance from the ocean and also at the higher
latitudes. Similar to the Oceanic zone the main vegetation cover is
deciduous broadleaved forest or mixed forest: a typical example in
Europe is oak-hornbeam in Central Europe.
Temperate Steppe is found in the deep interior of the continent Fig. 1: A key factor in the local variability of ecosystems is the influence
of water bodies. Water resources, such as lakes or rivers, may exercise a
and is characterised by cold winters and relatively low rainfall (200- variety of effects on the surrounding microclima. Beside providing additional
humidity, they may contribute to mitigate the temperature range inducing a
400 mm per year). Evaporation exceeds precipitation. The vegetation stabler pattern, and influence the local geomorphology - being a factor e.g.
is dominated by grass and low shrubs. in shaping the slope of mountain and hill sides.
Temperate Mountain Systems are found in the Alps and the Top: Subtropical dry ecological zone. France, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur.
Pyrenees in Europe. They share several characteristics of the boreal (Copyright Jean Latour, CC-BY, http://archive.is/vqbxT)

and Polar. Four of these domains can be found in Europe zone and are snow covered for large parts of the year. Typical Bottom: Temperate oceanic ecological zone. The Saar river influences part
(Tropical is absent). vegetation is pine forest. of northeastern France and western Germany.
(Copyright Wolfgang Staudt, CC-BY, http://archive.is/2XBaO)
At the second level, precipitation is also used to subdivide
the domains into a total of 20 subclasses, of which 12 can be
found across the European continent.
"Mountain systems" are classified as a separate Ecological
Zone in each domain and are characterized by a high variation
in both vegetation formations and climatic conditions1, 2, 27.

Introduction
Boundaries of the Ecological Zones approximately coincide
with Köppen-Trewartha climatic types, which are based on
temperature and rainfall27, 28 .
At the first level a total of five domains are distinguished
based on temperature: Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Boreal
and Polar. Four of these domains can be found in Europe
(Tropical is absent).
At the second level, precipitation is also used to subdivide
the domains into a total of 20 subclasses, of which 12 can be
found across the European continent.
“Mountain systems” are classified as a separate Ecological
Zone in each domain and are characterised by a high variation
in both vegetation formations and climatic conditions1, 2, 27.

Subtropical domain
The subtropical domain is generally characterised by having
on average at least 8 months above 10 °C.
It occurs throughout the southern regions of Europe and is
divided into Subtropical Humid Forest, Subtropical Dry Forest,
Subtropical Steppe and Subtropical Mountain Systems.
The Subtropical Humid Forest zone has high humidity every
month with annual rainfall usually over 1  000 mm distributed
throughout the year. Relatively few regions of Europe can be
classified as Subtropical Humid Forest, but some may be found on
the northern coast of Turkey, north-eastern Spain and parts of central
south-east Italy. Vegetation may comprise evergreen broadleaved
forest, evergreen coniferous forest and deciduous forest.
Subtropical Dry Forest is the typical Mediterranean climate with
dry, hot summers and humid, mild winters with an annual rainfall
of 400-900 mm. Found throughout the Mediterranean Basin, typical
vegetation is sclerophyllous evergreen forest, woodland and shrub,
for example maquis dominated by Quercus ilex.
In the Subtropical Steppe zone, evaporation generally
exceeds precipitation. These regions are found at the southern
Fig. 2: FAO ecological zones for forest reporting (2010).
parts of the Mediterranean Basin and vegetation is dominated
by shrubs adapted to arid environments.
Polar Temperate mountain system Subtropical mountain system
Subtropical Mountain systems can be found in the southern
Boreal tundra woodland Temperate steppe Subtropical steppe
mountain regions of Europe and the Middle East. The vegetation may
be quite varied depending on the altitude, exposure and humidity. Boreal mountain system Temperate continental forest Subtropical dry forest
Boreal coniferous forest Temperate oceanic forest Subtropical humid forest
Note: Only the main ecological components are represented.

24 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Boreal domain
The boreal, or subarctic, domain is characterised by a large
annual range of temperatures, with one to four months with average
temperatures above 10 °C and generally low levels of rainfall, usually
below 500 mm. The name taiga has been given to the subarctic
lands of Eurasia with their extensive coniferous forests. This domain
is found across the northern regions of Eurasia and is subdivided
into Boreal Tundra woodland, Boreal Coniferous Forest and Boreal
Mountain systems.
In Boreal Coniferous Forests the summers are short with
at most 3 months having temperatures above 10 °C. Winters are
long and cold. Geographically this zone covers the northern part of
Eurasia, and is typified by dense coniferous forests, dominated by
spruce and fir in northern Europe and western Siberia, and larch in
central and eastern Siberia.
Boreal Tundra occurs at the northern limit of the Boreal zone,
where it meets the Polar domain. Climatic conditions are similar to
the Boreal Coniferous Forest zone but are colder and more extreme
with very low winter temperatures and permafrost. Species are
similar to those found in the Boreal Coniferous Forest zone, but the
vegetation cover is more open.
Boreal mountain systems may be found in parts of Norway
and the eastern part of the Russian Federation. Temperatures are
extremely cold and there is continuous permafrost. Vegetation
comprises open woodlands and scrub.

Polar domain
In the Polar domain there are months with average
temperatures below 10 °C throughout the year. There are no
sub-divisions in this domain as it is generally only very sparsely
vegetated. In Europe there is a small Polar region in the very
northern tip of Scandinavia.

Fig. 3: Local-scale pattern of ecological components. Orography, prevailing wind direction and intensity, slope, aspect
and the presence of surrounding peaks influencing the local solar radiation and rain shadow effects are among the
factors able to alter vegetation at very local scales by affecting the local pattern of disturbances and the availability of
resources.

Top: canton of Bern, Switzerland. Forest areas and grassland alternating along the peaks of a mountain ridge. Human
influence is evident in the complex patchiness of pastures/grassland fragmenting the forests in the lower part of the
valley. Along the mountain ridge, the impact of differential solar radiation, dominant winds and peak-induced rain
shadow effects may contribute to the regularity of the pattern of forests (in the picture, shadow side of the peaks) and
grassland/sparse vegetation (sunny side and saddle landforms). See also Figure 5.
(Adapted from an image authored by Vasile Cotovanu, CC-BY, https://archive.is/8dGPq)

Middle: Northern Sweden subarctic landscape. In the foreground, a dominant ecological component of boreal tundra woodland
is visible. However, the water body on the right and the partial wind protection offered by the corresponding valley allow a
boreal coniferous forest component to survive.
(Adapted from an image authored by Alexander Cahlenstein, CC-BY, https://archive.is/AxnHo)

Bottom: Retezat Mountains, Romania. At very local scale, the transition between sparse trees (right of the picture),
pine shrubland (right side of the two small valleys, i.e. their left bank) and grassland (left side of the picture) is clearly
connected with the aspect of the banks. See also Figure 6. Wider scale ecosystem characteristics may be influenced by
these details (for example, average connectivity and fragmentation of forest/shrub patches, average availability of core
undisturbed patches40-43).
(Adapted from an image authored by Horia Varlan, CC-BY, https://archive.is/aIL3J)

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 25

Polar

Boreal Tundra

Boreal Mountain

26 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Boreal Coniferous

Temperate Mountain

Temperate Steppe

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 27

Temperate Continental

Temperate Oceanic

Subtropical Mountain

28 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Subtropical Steppe

Subtropical Dry Forest

Subtropical Humid Forest

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 29

 Fig. 5: The transition between different bioclimatic conditions and ecosystems
(even within the same ecological zone) may occasionally happen along sharp
boundaries. Slovakia, Western Carpathians. The sides of this mountain ridge
show a sudden transition between a dense coniferous forest and a grassland
with sparse trees. Different solar radiation, dominant winds and induced rain
shadow effects may contribute to this kind of transition along mountain ridges
(see also Figure 3). Anthropogenic factors such as delimited pastures may also
induce or reinforce these sudden transitions. The different ecosystems may
even influence the local micro-climate: for example, coniferous forests may
have a lower albedo than areas with predominant grassland - with subsequent
differential radiation/warming feedbacks10, 29, 30 .
(Adapted from an image authored by Ján Sokoly, CC-BY, http://archive.is/Oxamq)

FIg. 4: The transition between ecological zones sometimes happens within

relatively low distances.

Top: Italy, geographic sudden transition between the Alps (temperate

mountain system) and the Po valley (whose sparse forests are
predominantly characterised by a temperate oceanic climate). Although this
transition may be smoother in other areas of the Alps, in the picture the
urban/agricultural landscape (foreground, Schio, Italy) lies at an elevation
of less than 300 m above sea level while the mountain peaks (background,
at a distance of few kilometres) are more than 1000 m higher. Ecological
zones classified according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment of
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO FRA) 1, 2.
(Adapted from an image authored by Doc Searls, CC-BY, https://archive.is/pGEPG)

Middle: France, Massif Central, Puy de Sancy (foreground) and the contiguous
plain with low elevation hills (background). Even in this case, the sudden
transition is between temperate mountain ecosystems to temperate oceanic
forests. The transition is smoother in other areas of the Massif Central.
(Adapted from an image authored by Patrice, CC-BY, https://archive.is/BcSK5)
Fig. 6: Norway, Femundsmarka National Park at the transition between the ecological zone of the boreal
Bottom: Wider scale view of the Alpine transition between the temperate mountain system and that of the boreal coniferous forests.
mountain system and the surrounding plains hosting fragmented temperate
oceanic forests. Top: Compared to the sometimes sudden transitions highlighted in Fig. 4, in this region the component of
(Adapted from an image authored by Francisco Antunes, CC-BY, http://archive.is/vy5Fa) boreal coniferous forests may show a smoother shift towards the boreal mountain component.
(Adapted from an image authored by Mahlum, PD, http://archive.is/r23pC)

Bottom: Detail of a typical forest ecosystem in the region.

(Adapted from an image authored by Robert Anders, CC-BY, https://archive.is/1EIGx)

30 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Pages 26-29: Temperate continental zone: mixed broadleaved forest on Veľká homoľa mountain near
Polar zone: polar shrub vegetation in Sør-Varanger (Finnmark, Norway). Modra (Bratislava, Slovakia).
(Copyright Soldatnytt, CC-BY, https://archive.is/yiNIK) (Copyright Ján Sokoly, CC-BY, https://archive.is/WRHEj)

Boreal tundra zone: shrub tundra vegetation in northern Kola Peninsula (Murmansk, Temperate oceanic zone: mixed broadleaved forest along Ystwyth river (Ceredigion,
Russia). Wales).
(Copyright Ninara, CC-BY, http://archive.is/AXysf) (Copyright Ruben Holthuijsen, CC-BY, https://archive.is/0JCCJ)

Boreal mountain zone: boreal forests on the side of the cliff over the Aurlandsfjorden Subtropical mountain zone: mediterranean mixed forest on mountain area of the
(Sogn, Norway). Pollino National Park (south Italy).
(Copyright Stan, CC-BY, https://archive.is/I1IvB) (Copyright Brian Gratwicke, CC-BY, https://archive.is/47l9B)

Boreal coniferous zone: coniferous forest by Hundtjärnen lake near Floda (Dalarna, Subtropical steppe zone: steppe dry grassland on Djurdjura Massif of the Tell Atlas
central Sweden). chain (Kabylie, Algeria).
(Copyright Taxelson, CC0, https://archive.is/KEuAl) (Copyright Atif Rafik, CC-BY, https://archive.is/Chq1H)

Temperate mountain zone: mixed broadleaved and coniferous stands in the Black Subtropical dry forest zone: sclerophyllous evergreen vegetation on the coasts of the
Forest (Freiburg, Germany). Fethiye Gulf (Muğla, south-western Turkey)
(Copyright ilovebutter, CC-BY, https://archive.is/mNK71) (Copyright Jorge Franganillo, CC-BY, https://archive.is/ONm91)
Fig. 8: Romania, Transsylvania, Fanatele Oroiului. A meadow-steppe
grasslands in the temperate continental ecological zone. This landscape
Temperate steppe zone: steppe grasslands near Poltava (Poltava Oblast, Ukraine). Subtropical humid forest zone: mixed broadleaved and coniferous forest on the side of shows components of temperate steppe and the beginning of some
(Copyright Vlad Butsky, CC-BY, http://archive.is/qf8qf) Pontic Mountains near Trabzon (Trebisonda, Turkey). characteristics from the temperate mountain system.
(Copyright Aleksasfi, PD, https://archive.is/W8Ffz)
(Copyright Alexandru Badarau, AP, https://archive.is/mQfqE )

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[17] M. van Zonneveld, N. Castañeda,

X. Scheldeman, J. van Etten, [41] C. Estreguil, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo,
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[42] V. Amici, et al., Ecological Complexity 21,

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[22] F. Evrendilek, S. Berberoglu, O. Gulbeyaz, [44] L. R. Holdridge, J. A. Tosi, Life Zone Ecology
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boreal desert scrub forest forest forest subalpine
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[23] P. S. A. Beck, S. J. Goetz, Environmental [45] W. R. Emanuel, H. H. Shugart, M. P.
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[24] J. I. Barredo, J. San-Miguel-Ayanz, [46] A. E. Lugo, S. L. Brown, R. Dodson,
8

desert steppe moist wet rain

cool temperate desert scrub forest forest forest montane G. Caudullo, L. Busetto, Reference Report by T. S. Smith, H. H. Shugart, Journal of
the Joint Research Centre of the European Biogeography 26, 1025 (1999).
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16

warm temperate thorn dry moist wet rain lower montane Research 25730, 16 pp (2012). 153 (2001).
desert desert steppe/ [25] A. Langner, F. Achard, G. Grassi,
forest forest forest forest
subtropical scrub woodland premontane Environmental Research Letters 9,
0
00

desert thorn very dry dry moist wet rain 24°C 124008+ (2014).
32

16

tropical desert scrub woodland forest forest forest forest forest

super- perarid arid semi- sub- humid per- super- This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
arid arid humid humid humid this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01e873. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
humidity provinces main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
Fig. 7: Holdridge Life Zones updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
de Rigo, D., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., Barredo, J. I., 2016.
European forests: an ecological overview. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01e873+

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 31

European forest classifications
G. Caudullo, S. Pasta, F. Giannetti, A. Barbati, G. Chirici

Phytosociology The sector of phytosociology which deals with vegetation system (EUNIS), available at http://eunis.eea.europa.eu.
dynamics and aims at detecting successional series is known This database provides information about European habitat
Phytosociology is a rather young discipline which started
as symphytosociology. The vegetation series (or sigmetum) classification, data sheets on species, habitats and designed
in Europe in the early decades of the last century with the
is a group of spatially and/or temporally interconnected protected sites compiled in the framework of Natura 20008 ,
Swiss botanist and ecologist Josias Braun-Blanquet1 . This
vegetation units that may co-occur in different succession and species mentioned in relevant international conventions
discipline is focused on describing plant communities through
stages or steps within the same place. Progressive succession and in the IUCN Red Lists. The EUNIS habitat classification
a multi-purpose approach, taking into consideration different
is the natural dynamic process from pioneer to mature and is a hierarchical classification of the terrestrial, freshwater
parameters such as species composition, frequency, cover,
stable communities (the so-called ‘climax’ or head series), and marine habitats for the whole of Europe9 . Up to now this
structure (tree, shrub, herb, moss layers), spatial distribution
while regressive succession is a disruptive process from classification provides a pan-European reference set of units
(the so-called sociability; i.e. causal, clumped, etc.). The aim
more complex communities to open and less developed plant for meeting requirements in policy objectives and in supporting
of phytosociology is to provide effective synthetic information
assemblages; the latter mostly issues from intense and/or applications that relate to biodiversity monitoring and reporting.
about plant communities in order to assign them to different
frequent anthropogenic disturbance. A crosswalk from the EUNIS habitats at level 3 to the European
and recognisable units called syntaxa. Syntaxa are then
In the last century a very large body of phytosociological phytosociological syntaxa and vice-versa is also available10 .
grouped hierarchically within a classification system which
literature has been published, and a variety of schools with
is ruled by the ICPN (International Code of Phytosociological European Forest Types
different approaches formed, especially in southern and eastern
Nomenclature)2 . Phytosociologists usually collect data through
Europe, while this approach found no or little consensus in the The European Forest Types (EFTs) scheme has been
vegetation relevés recording the species occurrences within
United Kingdom and in north European countries. Recently the developed by an international consortium of experts with the aim
selected plot areas using a semi-quantitative cover-abundance
European Vegetation Survey, a working group established in to create a user-friendly classification system. It is, in fact, able
scale. Collected data are then analysed looking for similarities
1992, joined European phytosociologists in order to develop to facilitate understanding, interpretation and communication of
and dissimilarities in order to detect distinct vegetation types.
common standards, organize scientific meetings and survey data on indicators describing the status and trends of forests,
More recently several numerical models have been developed,
programmes, and to produce shared protocols and publications5, and forest management in Europe. The EFTs is a hierarchical
which help to identify dominant and diagnostic species, to 6
(http://euroveg.org). In the first overview of vegetation units, classification consisting of 14 categories, including 78 forest
evaluate species-richness and species-evenness, and which can
80 classes, 233 orders and 928 alliances have been detected types11-13 . The 14 categories represent groups of ecologically
lead to a more objective classification of vegetation units3 .
all over Europe7. distinct forest communities dominated by specific assemblages
The hierarchical classification foresees, as the botanical
of trees, including introduced tree species, while the types
one, different ranks. The association is the basic vegetation EUNIS Habitat Classification correspond to a finer level of division of the category in terms
unit: it represents a plant community defined by a particular
The European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity (ETC/BC), an of tree species composition. The EFTs is, therefore, a flexible
and uniform floristic composition and habitat structure, where
international consortium working with the European Environment system to compare forest information on ecologically similar
a relative constancy or abundance of characteristic species is
Agency (EEA), developed the European nature information forests, unlike other classification systems that present an
recognisable (called also diagnostic or dominant), which can
describe the community and its ecology. The upper units are
a group of lower ones, which share one or more diagnostic RANK SUFFIX EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION
and dominant species4 . Each unit is assigned a scientific name Class -etea Quercetea ilicis All the evergreen woody plant communities of the Mediterranean basin.
and is defined with compound names formed by one or two
Order -etalia Quercetalia ilicis All the Mediterranean forests dominated by evergreen broadleaved trees.
scientific names of the dominant and diagnostic plant species
with a different suffix for each rank2 . Alliance -ion Quercion ilicis All the Mediterranean forests dominated by holm oak (Quercus ilex).
Association -etum Aceri campestris- Mixed wood dominated by holm oak (Quercus ilex) and several deciduous
Quercetum ilicis broadleaved species typical of the North-Western Sicilian calcareous
mountains in the meso- and supra-Mediterranean bioclimatic belts.

Table 1: Example of the hierarchical classification of a forest dominated by

holm oak according to the nomenclature used in phytosociology.

Subalpine larch-arolla pine forest near Morgex (Valle d’Aosta, North-West Italy).
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)

32 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Fluvial forest in Záhorie Protected Landscape Area along the
Morava River (West Slovakia).
(Copyright Stanislav Doronenko, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Spruce-birch boreal forest in Norra Kvill National Park (Kalmar County, South Sweden).
(Copyright Tracy Houston Durrant: CC-BY)

impractical number of classes: e.g. the EUNIS classification at

Atlantic lowland beech forest in the New Forest National Park
(Hampshire, South England).
(Copyright Marilyn Peddle, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
level 39 counts more than 700 forest units, while the European
phytosociological communities, defined by Rodwell and
colleagues7, count 110 alliances and do not cover plantations
and anthropogenic forests. So far, the EFTs have been applied
in several EU level forest monitoring initiatives as a reference
framework to report data on biodiversity14, 15 and sustainable
forest management indicators for Forest Europe (Ministerial
Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe: MCPFE)11, 12 .

Evergreen sclerophyllous scrub forest near Faro (Algarve, South Portugal).

(Copyright Miguel Vieira, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

References
[1] J. Braun-Blanquet, Pflanzensoziologie:
Grundzüge der Vegetationskunde
(Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1964).
[2] H. E. Weber, J. Moravec, J. P. Theurillat,
Journal of Vegetation Science 11, 739
(2000).
[3] L. Mucina, E. van der Maarel, Vegetatio
81, 1 (1989).
[4] M. D. Jennings, D. Faber-Langendoen, O. L.
Loucks, R. K. Peet, D. Roberts, Ecological
Monographs 79, 173 (2009).
[5] L. Mucina, et al., Lazaroa 30, 267 (2009).
[6] M. Chytrý, et al., Applied Vegetation
Science 19, 173 (2015).
[7] J. S. Rodwell, et al., The diversity of
European vegetation - An overview of
phytosociological alliances and their
relationships to EUNIS habitats (National
Reference Centre for Agriculture, Nature
and Fisheries, Wageningen, 2002).
[8] Council of the European Union, Official
Journal of the European Union 35, 7
(1992).
[9] C. E. Davies, D. Moss, M. O. Hill, EUNIS
habitat classification - revised, Tech. rep.,
European Environment Agency, European
Topic Centre on Nature Protection and
Biodiversity, Paris (2004).
[10] J. H. J. Schaminée, et al., Development of
vegetation syntaxa crosswalks to EUNIS
habitat classification and related data
sets, Tech. rep., Alterra, Wageningen, NL
(2014).
[11] A. Barbati, P. Corona, M. Marchetti, Plant
Biosystems - An International Journal
Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
141, 93 (2007).
[12] A. Barbati, P. Corona, M. Marchetti,
European forest types: Categories and
types for sustainable forest management
reporting and policy (European
Environment Agency, Copenhagen, 2007),
second edn.
[13] A. Barbati, M. Marchetti, G. Chirici,
P. Corona, Forest Ecology and
Management 321, 145 (2014).
[14] T. Houston Durrant, J. San-Miguel-Ayanz,
E. Schulte, A. Suarez Meyer, Evaluation
of BioSoil Demonstration Project: Forest
biodiversity - Analysis of biodiversity
module, vol. 24777 of EUR - Scientific and
Technical Research (Publications Office of
the European Union, 2011).
[15] R. McRoberts, et al., National Forest
Inventories: Contributions to Forest
Biodiversity Assessments, G. Chirici,
S. Winter, R. E. McRoberts, eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2011), vol. 20 of Managing
Forest Ecosystems, pp. 41–97.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Dwarf pine forest in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park (Pyrenees of Huesca, North Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01e1b6. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., Pasta, S., Giannetti, F., Barbati, A., Chirici, G., 2016.
European forest classifications. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo,
D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas
of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01e1b6+

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 33

European Forest Types: tree species matrix
M. Pividori, F. Giannetti, A. Barbati, G. Chirici
CATEGORY
1. Boreal forest
2. Hemiboreal forest and nemoral
coniferous and mixed broadleaved-
coniferous forest
3. Alpine coniferous forest
4. Acidophilous oak and oak-birch
forest
5. Mesophytic deciduous forest
6. Beech forest
7. Mountainous beech forest
8. Thermophilous deciduous forest
9. Broadleaved evergreen forest
10. Coniferous forests of the
Mediterranean, Anatolian and
Macaronesian regions
11. Mire and swamp forest
12. Floodplain forest
13. Non riverine alder, birch, or
aspen forest
14. Introduced tree species forest
In this table the European Forest Types (EFTs) scheme is
presented as proposed and revised by Barbati and colleagues1-3,
counting 14 broad categories which include 78 forest types, some
of which are divided into sub-types. For every EFT the presence
34 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction
CONIFERS BROADLEAVES
Cupressus sempervirens
FOREST TYPE
Juniperus communis
Abies nordmanniana
Juniperus phoenicea
Tetraclinis articulata
Juniperus oxycedrus
Juniperus thurifera
Populus canescens
Carpinus orientalis
Ostrya carpinifolia
Betula pubescens
Pinus canariensis
Cedrus brevifolia
Salix atrocinerea
Abies borisii-regi
Carpinus betulus
Pinus halepensis
Corylus avellana
Populus tremula
Pinus heldreichii
Fagus moesiaca
Fagus orientalis
Pinus sylvestris
Fagus sylvatica
Alnus orientalis
Alnus glutinosa
Betula pendula
Salix eleagnos
Taxus baccata
Pinus pinaster
Picea omorika
Alnus cordata
Populus nigra
Pinus cembra
Juglans regia
Larix decidua
Juniperus sp.
Cedrus libani
Populus alba
Alnus incana
Salix cinerea
Abies others
Salix fragilis
Salix caprea
Alnus viridis
Pinus peuce
Myrica faya
Pinus mugo
Pinus pinea
Picea abies
Pinus nigra
Abies alba
Salix alba
1.1 Spruce and spruce-birch boreal forest
1.2 Pine and pine-birch boreal forest
2.1 Hemiboreal forest
2.2 Nemoral Scots pine forest
2.3 Nemoral spruce forest
2.4 Nemoral Black pine forest
2.5 Mixed Scots pine-birch forest
2.6 Mixed Scots pine-pedunculate oak forest
2.7 Atlantic maritime pine forest
2.8 Nemoral silver fir
3.1 Subalpine larch-arolla pine and dwarf pine forest
3.2 Subalpine and mountainous spruce and mountainous mixed spruce-silver fir forest
3.3 Alpine Scots pine and Black pine forest
3.4 Mountainous birch forest
4.1 Acidophilous oakwood
4.2 Oak-birch forest
5.1 Pedunculate oak–hornbeam forest
5.2 Sessile oak–hornbeam forest
5.3.1 Ashwood and oak-ash forest lowlands
5.3.2 Ashwood and oak-ash forest uplands
5.4 Maple-oak forest
5.5 Lime-oak forest
5.6 Maple-lime forest
5.7 Lime forest
5.8 Ravine and slope forest
5.9 Other mesophytic deciduous forests
6.1 Lowland beech forest of southern Scandinavia and north central Europe
6.2 Atlantic and subatlantic lowland beech forest
6.3 Subatlantic submountainous beech forest
6.4 Central European submountainous beech forest
6.5 Carpathian submountainous beech forest
6.6 Illyrian submountainous beech forest
6.7 Moesian submountainous beech forest
7.1 South western European mountainous beech forest
7.2 Central European mountainous beech forest
7.3 Apennine-Corsican mountainous beech forest
7.4 Illyrian mountainous beech forest
7.5 Carpathian mountainous beech forest
7.6 Moesian mountainous beech forest
7.7 Crimean mountainous beech forest
7.8 Oriental beech and hornbeam-oriental beech forest
8.1.1 Downy oak forest - western
8.1.2 Downy oak forest - Italian
8.1.3 Downy oak forest - Greek, Anatolian
8.1.4 Downy oak forest - steppe
8.2 Turkey oak, Hungarian oak and Sessile oak forest
8.3 Pyrenean oak forest
8.4 Portuguese oak and Mirbeck’s oak Iberian forest
8.5 Macedonian oak forest
8.6 Valonia oak forest
8.7 Chestnut forest
8.8.1 Thermophilous ash forest
8.8.2 Fraxinus ornus and Ostrya carpinifolia forest
8.8.3 Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia) forest
8.8.4 Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) forest
8.8.5 Thermophilous maple (Acer spp.) forest
8.8.6 Mediterranean lime (Tilia spp.) forest
8.8.7 Celtis australis forest
8.8.8 Horse chestnut and walnut mixed woods
9.1 Mediterranean evergreen oak forest
9.2 Olive-carob forest
9.3 Palm groves
9.4 Macaronesian laurisilva
9.5 Other sclerophlyllous forests
10.1.1 Mediterranean pine forest - Pinus pinaster
10.1.2 Mediterranean pine forest - Pinus halepensis
10.1.3 Mediterranean pine forest - Pinus pinea
10.2.1 Mediterranean Black pine forest
10.2.2 Anatolian Black pine forest
10.3 Canarian pine forest
10.4 Mediterranean and Anatolian Scots pine forest
10.5 Alti-Mediterranean pine forest
10.6 Mediterranean and Anatolian fir forest
10.7 Juniper forest
10.8 Cypress forest
10.9 Cedar forest
10.10 Tetraclinis articulata stands
10.11 Mediterranean yew stands
11.1 Spruce mire forest
11.2 Pine mire forest
11.3 Alder swamp forest
11.4 Birch swamp forest
11.5 Pedunculate oak swamp forest
11.6 Aspen swamp forest
12.1 Riparian forest
12.2 Fluvial forest
12.3 Mediterranean and Macaronesian riparian forest
13.1 Alder forest
13.2 Italian alder forest
13.3 Birch forest
13.4 Aspen forest
of the main tree and shrub species of forest interest in Europe in the EFT; the species presence in the EFT is either secondary
has been evaluated, separated into three main groups: conifers, or predominant but in peculiar and not characteristic ecological
broadleaved and alien trees. The species presence in the EFTs is conditions of the EFT; the presence in the EFT is both dominant
categorized in three classes: the species is abundant and dominant and secondary in some cases. It has to be taken into account that
 Species is dominant in that forest type References
[1] A. Barbati, P. Corona, M. Marchetti, Plant [2] A. Barbati, P. Corona, M. Marchetti, [3] A. Barbati, M. Marchetti, G. Chirici,
Species is present but not dominant Biosystems - An International Journal European forest types: Categories and P. Corona, Forest Ecology and
Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology types for sustainable forest management Management 321, 145 (2014).
Species is present in either category 141, 93 (2007). reporting and policy (European Environment
Agency, Copenhagen, 2007), second edn.

ALIENS

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Acer monspessulanum
Aesculus ippocastanus

Robinia pseudoacacia
Euonymus europaeus
Crataegus monogyna
Quercus ithaburensis

Acer pseudoplatanus

Fraxinus angustifolia
Crataegus laevigata

Buxus sempervirens
Pistacia terebinthus
Quercus macrolepis

Rhamnus alaternus
Quercus pubescens

Ailanthus altissima
Tsuga heterophylla
Cercis siliquastrum
Platanus orientalis

Rhamnus frangula
Quercus pyrenaica

Acer sempervirens
Quercus cerroides

Sorbus domestica

Cornus sanguinea
Quercus coccifera

Fraxinus excelsior
Sorbus torminalis
Quercus frainetto

Prunus cerasifera
Sorbus aucuparia

Quercus palustris
Prunus lusitanica
Malus domestica

Phillyrea latifolia
Ceratonia siliqua

Tilia platyphyllos
Acer platanoides
Quercus petraea

Pyrus communis
Quercus faginea

Prunus mahaleb

Sambucus nigra
Castanea sativa

Malus sylvestris
Quercus trojana
Fagus orientalis

Picea sitchensis

Prunus serotina
Acer campestre

Larix kaempferi
Tilia tomentosa
Prunus spinosa

Ilex aquifolium
Celtis australis

Acer tataricum

Olea europaea
Fraxinus ornus
Arbutus unedo
Pyrus pyraster
Quercus suber

Pinus contorta
Quercus cerris

Eucalyptus sp.
Quercus rubra
Quercus robur

Erica scoparia
Laurus nobilis

Prunus avium

Acer negundo
Ulmus grabra

Prunus padus

Pinus strobus
Erica arborea

Pinus radiata
Ulmus minor

Ulmus laevis

Populus hyb.
Tilia cordata
Quercus ilex

Cornus mas
Acer opalus
Sorbus aria

Tamarix sp.

in many cases the EFTs are wide forest communities having inner This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of this chapter (revised and peer-
reviewed) will be published online at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01e1b6. The purpose of
variability in their species composition and structure according to this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related main topics.
more local ecological conditions. For this reason the presence of This QR code points to the full online version, where the most updated content may be freely
accessed. Please, cite as:
some species can be both, dominant or secondary in some cases. Pividori, M., Giannetti, F., Barbati, A., Chirici, G., 2016. European Forest Types: tree species matrix.
In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas
of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01f162+

Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 35

Past forests of Europe
H. J. B. Birks, W. Tinner
European forests have varied in their composition, structure,
and extent over the last 5 million years or more in response
to global climate changes. European forests have also
undergone very major changes due to the alternating
glacial-interglacial cycles of the Quaternary (last 2.6
million years). European forests have greatly changed in
their extent and structure in the last 5 000 years due to
human activities (the Homo sapiens phase) in the current
Holocene interglacial in which we live. Contemporary
ecologists and foresters can learn from ‘lessons from the
past’ about forest responses and resilience to environmental
changes in the past.

Introduction
Were European forests 500, 5 000, 15 000, 150 000, 1.5
million, 2.5 million, and 5 million years ago similar in species
composition, structure, and extent to the forests of Europe today?
As we cannot directly observe the forests of the past, to answer
these questions we need to reconstruct past forests indirectly
using the fossil record. This involves the study of seeds, fruits,
leaves, wood, and charcoal (macrofossils)1 and of microscopic
pollen grains, spores, cells (e.g. stomata), and charred particles
(microfossils) preserved in lake, bog, alluvial, and other sediments
where organic material can be preserved2 . Pollen analysis as
a tool for vegetation reconstruction - invented in 1916 by the
Swedish geologist Lennart von Post - was and still is the dominant
technique in the Quaternary period, especially the last 15 000 years
of the late-Quaternary. Von Post had the idea of expressing fossil
pollen assemblages as percentages of the sum of pollen grains
counted, and of presenting these percentages as stratigraphical
pollen diagrams with pollen assemblages plotted against their
stratigraphical position through the sediment sequence (Fig. 1). He
showed strong similarities in pollen diagrams from a small area,
and striking differences between different areas. He was thus able
to provide the dimension of time (vegetation’s fourth dimension) to
the study of past vegetation and forests2, 3 .

Pollen analysis
There are ten basic principles of pollen analysis1 (see Box 1).
The results of a pollen analysis are most commonly presented
as a pollen diagram, showing how the percentages of different
pollen types vary with depth, and hence age, in the sedimentary
sequence (Fig. 1). When many sequences have been studied, their
pollen data can be mapped for a particular time interval (e.g. 5 000
years ago) to produce so-called ‘isopollen’ maps for particular
pollen types where the contours represent different pollen values
(e.g. 2.5 %, 5 %, 10 %) (Fig. 2)4 . Alternatively when interest is
centred on the directions and rates of tree spreading, so-called
‘isochrone’ maps can be constructed where the contours represent
ages established by radiocarbon dating (e.g. 5 000, 6 000, 7 000
years ago). When the value of a particular pollen type exceeds a
certain threshold value it can be interpreted as reflecting the first
expansion of that taxon at different sites (Fig. 3)5 . The first arrival
of a taxon is more difficult to assess, because the absence of
pollen or macrofossils may not mean a true absence of the taxon
in the landscape. Interpretation of pollen-stratigraphical data in a
qualitative manner in terms of major past vegetational changes is
relatively straightforward2 . Quantitative interpretation of such data
Fig. 2: ‘Isopollen’ maps of Quercus (oak) pollen percentages across Europe for 12 000, 10 000, 8 000,
in terms of quantitative estimates of past plant abundances is less 6 000, 4 000, and 2 000 radiocarbon years before present (BP). Note the progressive northward spread into
straightforward because of the differential production, dispersal, southern Scandinavia by 6 000 BP and the subsequent contraction at 2 000 BP in Norway. The percentage
contours are percentages of total tree and shrub pollen.
and hence representation of different pollen types. Approaches for (Modified from Huntley and Birks4)
quantitative interpretation are currently an area of active research
within Europe and elsewhere (e.g. 6, 7).

Fig. 1: Summary pollen diagram from Loch Cill an Aonghais (Argyll), a small
lake in south-west Scotland covering the last 12 000 radiocarbon years. The
horizontal lines represent partitions of the pollen stratigraphy into pollen-
assemblage zones. The vertical axis is radiocarbon (14C) years before present
(BP) based on eight radiocarbon dates. The small arrows by the Betula (birch),
Quercus (oak), Alnus (alder), and Corylus/Myrica (hazel/bog myrtle) indicate
when these trees or shrubs are inferred to have first expanded near this site.
Cryocratic taxa are coloured red and stippled. These taxa become abundant
again in the open conditions of the Homo sapiens phase where they are
shown in plain red. Protocratic trees are coloured blue, mesocratic trees are
green, oligocratic and telocratic taxa are orange, and taxa associated with
human activity and the Homo sapiens phase of the Holocene are shown in
red. All the pollen and spore percentages are expressed as percentages of the
total number of terrestrial pollen and spores counted (generally 500-600 per
sample). Pollen analyses by Sylvia M. Peglar.

36 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction

Box 1: Principles of pollen analysis
i Pollen grains and spores are produced in great abundance by
plants
ii A very small fraction of these fulfil their natural reproductive
function of transferring the male gamete to the female ovary: the
vast majority fall to the ground
iii Pollen and spores decay more or less rapidly, unless the processes
of biological decomposition are inhibited by a lack of oxygen, such
as in bogs, lakes, and the ocean floor where pollen is preserved
iv Before reaching the ground, pollen is well mixed by atmospheric
turbulence, which results in a more or less uniform pollen rain
within an area of similar vegetation and landform
v The proportion of each pollen type depends on the number of
parent plants and their pollen productivity and dispersal. Hence
the pollen rain is a complex function of the composition of the
vegetation. A sample of the pollen rain is thus an indirect record of
the regional vegetation at that point in space and time
vi Different pollen grains and spores can be identified to various
taxonomic levels (e.g. species, genus, family)
vii In vegetated areas pollen is ubiquitous in lake and bog sediments.
Very high concentrations (usually around 100 000 cm-3) in the
sediment permit efficient analyses and statistically robust results
(standard pollen counts are usually ca. 300-1 000 grains per
sample).
viii If a sample of the pollen rain is examined from a peat or lake-
mud sample of known age (dated by annual layers or radiocarbon
dating), the pollen assemblage is an indirect record of the regional
and local vegetation surrounding the sampled site at a point of
time in the past
ix If pollen assemblages are obtained from several levels through a
sediment sequence, they provide a record, admittedly an indirect
record, of the regional and local vegetation and their development
near the sampled site at various times through the time interval
represented by the sedimentary record (Fig. 1)
x If two or more series of pollen assemblage are obtained from
several sites, it is possible to study changes in past pollen
assemblages and hence in the regional and local vegetation
through both time and space (Figs. 2 and 3)
Fig 3: ‘Isochrone’ map for Quercus (oak) in Britain and Ireland showing
its progressive rate and/or expansion from the south-west at 9 500
radiocarbon years before present (BP) through England and southern and
central Ireland to 8 500 BP and its declining rate as it spreads north into
Scotland between 8 000 and 6 000 BP.
(Modified from Birks5)
Europe’s forests prior to the Quaternary ice-ages
The Quaternary period with its multiple glacial stages with
ice-sheets and intervening temperate interglacial stages began
about 2.6 million years ago. What were European forests like
prior to the Quaternary?
Period Epoch Age (Million years)
Holocene 0.01
Quaternary
Pleistocene 2.6
Pliocene 5.3
Neogene
Miocene 23
Oligocene 33.9
Palaeogene Eocene 56
Palaeocene 66
Table 1. Partial geological time scale. Time is shown in million years with
youngest epoch at the top going down to older epochs at the bottom.
Knowledge of the flora and vegetation of the Palaeogene and
Neogene (‘Tertiary’) periods (66-2.6 million years ago, see Table
1 for an outline of the relevant geological time scales) is very
fragmentary due to the shortage of fossiliferous sedimentary
sequences in Europe8 . Following the tropical and sub-tropical
Palaeocene, Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene epochs (66-5.3
million years ago) when plants (e.g. Nipa palm) found today in the
tropical lowlands of the Indo-Malaya region occurred in north-
west Europe9 , the European tree flora of the Pliocene epoch (5.3-
2.6 million years ago) contained many genera characteristic of
modern European forests (e.g. Quercus oak, Carpinus hornbeam,
Fagus beech, Pinus pine, Picea spruce, Abies fir) as well as genera
growing today in eastern Asia and/or eastern North American
(e.g. Pterocarya wing-nut, Liriodendron tulip-tree, Tsuga hemlock,
Liquidambar sweetgum, Nyssa blackgum, Sequoia redwood,
Taxodium cypress, Magnolia magnolia, Carya hickory, Clethra
pepper-bush, Engelhardia, Aesculus chestnut)9, 10 . These trees
belong to the so-called Arcto-Tertiary geoflora that in the
Neogene existed widely in the Northern Hemisphere across North
America, Europe, and Asia. This geoflora was first defined by
J.S. Gardner and C. Ettinghausen in 1869. The successive loss of
these taxa during the Pliocene epoch and the early Pleistocene of
the Quaternary and their restriction today to two almost opposite
areas of the globe (eastern Asia and eastern North America) is
explained by the hypothesis explicitly presented in the 1850s
by the American botanist Asa Gray (1810-88). The cool phases
within the late Pliocene epoch and the subsequent Pleistocene
continental glaciations, combined with the west-east chains of
glaciated mountains (e.g. Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians, Caucasus
mountains) and the Mediterranean Sea provided barriers to the
southward retreat of many of the Arcto-Tertiary geoflora resulting
in their progressive extinction in Europe. In contrast, the mountain
chains and valleys of south-eastern Asia (e.g. Yunnan) and North
America (e.g. Appalachians, Rocky Mountains) run north-west to
south-east or north to south reaching low latitudes without sea
barriers, thereby permitting temperate and warm temperate trees
to spread southward along unglaciated areas or valley corridors in
cold stages and to spread northward during temperate intervals.
As a result of the west-east barriers and the many relatively cold
stages in the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene, Europe lost
many trees or their close relatives that today are found in the
warm-temperate-subtropical ‘evergreen forest’ of south-eastern
China11 . These were largely replaced by trees of the temperate
‘mixed mesophytic forest’. Many taxa had already disappeared
at the beginning of the Quaternary (e.g. Liquidambar, Meliosma,
Pseudolarix false larch, Stewartia), while others survived longer
(e.g. Liriodendron, Magnolia, Taxodium, Sequoia, Phellodendron
cork tree, Tsuga, Carya) to vanish finally from Europe during the
course of the early- or mid-Quaternary9, 11 .
Europe’s forests in the Quaternary period
The Quaternary period (last 2.6 million years) witnessed very
marked and widespread climatic and environmental changes12 .
Large terrestrial ice-sheets started to form in the Northern
Hemisphere about 2.75 million years ago, resulting in multiple (at
least 50) glacial-interglacial cycles driven by secular variations in
insolation as a result of periodic fluctuations in the Earth’s orbit
around the sun. Glacial-stage conditions account for 80 % of
the Quaternary whereas the remaining 20 % consists of shorter
interglacial stages during which conditions were similar to, or
slightly warmer than, the present day12 . During the glacial stages,
environmental conditions were very different from the present
interglacial (Holocene or post-glacial plus the recent Anthropocene)
in which we live today. Much of the region north of 40° N was
covered by large terrestrial ice-sheets and widespread permafrost
with temperatures possibly 10-25 ° C lower than present. High
aridity and temperature 2-5 ° C lower than today were features of
low-latitude areas. Global atmospheric CO2 concentrations were as
low as 180 ppm during glacial stages, rising to pre-industrial levels
of 280 ppm in interglacial stages. Given these extreme conditions
in the glacial stages that cover 80 % of the last 2.6 million years,
an obvious question12 is how did European forest trees survive
these repeated long glacial-stage conditions and where did they
grow in the glacial stages?
The evidence we have suggests that many European trees
survived the last glacial maximum (LGM) in relatively narrow
refugial elevational belts (ca. 500-800m) in the mountains of
southern Europe (including the Caucasus) and possibly in parts of
western Asia13 . These belts lay between lowland xeric steppe-like
vegetation too dry for tree growth and high-elevation tundra-like
vegetation, or permanent snow or ice, too cold for tree growth.
Such mid-elevation belts of trees can be seen today in the Andes,
American Rockies, the Californian Sierra Nevada, the Pamir, parts
of the Sino-Himalayan region, and the Tien Shan in Kazakhstan12 .
Trees may also have occurred scattered in locally moist sites
(water seepages, ravines), so-called ‘cryptic’ or ‘micro’ refugia in
Europe during the LGM as they do today on the Tibetan Plateau in
Sichuan and Qinghai, in the Zagros mountains of Iran, and in parts
of south-east Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan12 .
There is increasing evidence from macrofossils and charcoal
remains in central, eastern, and north-eastern Europe that conifer
trees such as Pinus, Picea, and Larix larch may have grown locally
in such microrefugia during the LGM, along with Betula birch, Salix
willow, and possibly Alnus alder, Populus aspen, and Ulmus elm,
as far north as the north-eastern edge of the great Fennoscandian
ice-sheet in Russia at 60° N (12 , but see 14 for a contrasting view).
Europe’s forests during Quaternary
interglacial stages
Pollen analysis and macrofossil studies reveal that in north-
western and central Europe15 there is strikingly similar vegetation
development from the end of a glacial stage through the ensuing
interglacial (about 10 000-15 000 years duration) and into the next
glacial stage. Although the species and their relative abundances
may vary from one interglacial to another, there are such strong
ecological similarities that the Danish pollen analyst Johannes
Iversen recognised in 195816 an interglacial cycle consisting of
four or five ecological phases (Box 2 and Fig. 4)17, 18 . The cryocratic
phase represents the cold and dry, often glacial, stage with sparse
assemblages of pioneer, arctic-alpine, steppe, and ruderal herbs
growing on skeletal mineral soils, frequently disturbed by ground-
ice activities. Trees are absent, except in specialised refugia.
At the onset of an interglacial, temperature and moisture rise
and the protocratic phase begins. Base-demanding shade-intolerant
herbs, shrubs, and trees (e.g. Betula, Salix, Populus, Pinus, Juniperus
juniper, Sorbus aucuparia rowan) immigrate into formerly glaciated
areas and expand to form a mosaic of grassland, scrub, and open
woodland growing on unleached, fertile soils rich in nitrogen and
phosphorus and with a low humus content (Fig. 1). The mesocratic
phase is characterised by the development of temperate deciduous
forests of Quercus, Ulmus, Tilia lime, Corylus hazel, Fraxinus ash, and
Alnus on fertile brown-earth soils (Fig. 1). Shade-intolerant herbs and
shrubs are rare as a result of competition and habitat loss, except
in openings caused by fire, wind-throw, and, possibly, grazing mega-
fauna19. The next phase, the oligocratic phase, comprises open conifer-
dominated woods (Pinus, Picea, Abies), ericaceous heaths, and bog
vegetation growing on infertile (low available phosphorus18) humus-
rich podsols and peats. Climatic deterioration (temperature decreases,
reduced moisture, etc.) occur in the final telocratic phase and, most
especially, at the onset of the next glacial cryocratic phase as forests
decline, frost action and cryoturbation destroy the leached infertile
acid soils, and herbs expand on the newly exposed mineral soils. The
telocratic forest vegetation is very similar to the oligocratic phase
except that as the climate cools towards the end of the interglacial,
warmth-demanding and or frost-sensitive trees and shrubs (e.g. Tilia,
Ilex, Hedera) decline. These ecological phases within an interglacial
are not synchronous between sites because the onset of a phase such
as the oligocratic phase may depend on local site features such as
bedrock geology, topography, climate, and land-use.
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 37
 The characteristic trees of the interglacial phases differ in their
reproductive and population biology and ecological and competitive
Box 2: Glacial-interglacial phases in north-west Europe
tolerances17, 20, 21 . Protocratic trees have high reproduction rates, The glacial-interglacial cycle showing the broad changes in biomass, soil, and temperature that take place during a glacial (cryocratic) stage
low competitive tolerances, high rates of population increase, and and associated interglacial stage. The phases of the interglacial (protocratic, mesocratic, oligocratic, and telocratic) are shown along with the
display ‘pioneer’ and ‘exploitation’ traits17. Mesocratic trees have dominant soil features.
low reproductive rates, high competitive tolerances, medium-low Cryocratic:
Interglacial
rates of population increase, arbuscular phosphorus-scavenging • glacial stage
mycorrhiza, and ‘late-successional’, ‘competitive’, and ‘saturation’ • sparse assemblages of pioneer, arctic-alpine, steppe, and ruderal plants
traits 17. Oligocratic and telocratic trees have medium reproductive N&P
• skeletal mineral soils
s , high
rates, high competitive tolerances, medium-low rates of population oil
Protocratic: es ass De
increase, ectomycorrhiza with a phosphorus-mining strategy, and
• early interglacial stage
til biom
m

r
u

cre
‘cold-stress tolerant’ and ‘adversity’ traits17.

Fe
• rich assemblages of herbs, shrubs, and trees (birch, pine, willow) xim

as
Within these three broad groups of protocratic, mesocratic,

ing
Ma
• unleached fertile soils

Incr
and oligocratic and telocratic plants, the actual floristic and

soil
M or

Decre
Dec
forest composition varies from interglacial to interglacial in north- Mesocratic:
Mesocratic Oligocratic

fertility, P limitation
e fe rti
e a sin g te m p e

reasin
western and central Europe17. Factors such as location of refugia • mid interglacial stage

asing temp
• temperate deciduous forests

In cre a sin g
in the cryocratic phase, rates of spreading, distances over which

g biomass
le
spread occurred, competition, predation, genotypic variation, and • fertile brown-earth soils
Protocratic Telocratic

s o li s, i n
chance as it affects survival, dispersal, and establishment may Oligocratic & Telocratic:
all have contributed to the observed differences in interglacial • late interglacial stage

bio
cre
forest patterns17. Similar cycles occurred in southern Europe, yet • open conifer (spruce, pine), ericaceous heaths, bogs Cryocratic

e
m
a si

r
rat
s

as
• infertile, humus-rich podsols and peats

a
with substantial differences in comparison to central and north-

ng

tur
ss

u
western Europe10, 11, 22 . Due to warmer conditions, European tree &

N
L ow bio m a

re

e
P
species persisted locally, although strongly reduced, in the steppe- Unique to the Holocene i ls
like environments of the glacial stages. This corresponds to the Base- e so
Homo sapiens: ric h in fertil
cryocratic phase in central and northern Europe. At the onset of an • mid-late Holocene (6 000 years ago-present)
interglacial, corresponding to the protocratic phase in central and • forest clearance, agriculture G la cial
north-western Europe, temperate taxa (e.g. deciduous Quercus, • range of soil types, often fertilised (Modified from Birks and Birks18)
Ulmus, Ostrya hop-hornbeam, Carpinus) form open forests together
with evergreen broad-leaved trees (e.g. Quercus ilex holm oak, Olea
europaea olive) and mediterranean shrubs (e.g. Pistacia pistachio),
mixed Fagus-Ilex holly-Quercus forests developed whereas in other cleared or cultivated areas, relaxation in grazing pressure, or
while boreal and steppe vegetation declines (e.g. Betula, Juniperus,
areas there was a rapid change from Tilia- or Quercus-dominance reduction in fire frequency17.
Artemisia wormwood, Chenopodiaceae goosefoot)11, 22, 23 . In the
to Fagus-dominance17. These changes commonly occurred after an The westward, northward, and southward spread and expansion
following phase during the mid-interglacial, corresponding to the
extensive phase of human activity involving clearance and grazing of Picea abies through Finland, Sweden, and Norway over the last
mesocratic phase in central and north-western Europe, warm-
followed by the abandonment of cleared and cultivated areas. This 6 000-7 000 years4, 31 may be a contemporaneous response to subtle
temperate and Mediterranean conifers (e.g. Abies, Pinus) expand
abandonment may have occurred as a result of local population step-wise climate change, a delayed migration unrelated to simple
into the broad-leaved deciduous and broad-leaved evergreen
collapse following, for example, climate change, emigration, or climate change, a response to forest disturbance creating gaps
forests and arboreal cover increases, probably in response to
over-exploitation of environmental resources30 . for colonisation, or a combination of these factors32 . Whatever its
rising moisture availability. Towards the end of the interglacials,
Other types of secondary woodland developed in areas beyond causes, the invasion of Picea into northern and central Fennoscandia
corresponding to the oligocratic phase in north-western and central
the natural geographical range of Fagus, for example woods of over the last 6 000-7 000 years resulted in major changes in forest
Europe, moisture-loving taxa such as Fagus, Alnus, and Abies
pure Fraxinus excelsior European ash, Quercus spp., Taxus baccata composition and structure and in soil conditions, with widespread
gradually replace Mediterranean evergreen broad-leaved trees,
English yew, Betula spp., or Ilex aquifolium common holly became accumulation of mor humus, soil leaching, and podsolisation and
while broad-leaved deciduous trees remain important11, 22, 23 .
established on particular soil types following abandonment of changes in the natural fire regime within the boreal forest15, 33.
Finally, forest cover declines and steppe-like environments expand
during the climatic deterioration at the transition from the
interglacial to the next glacial (temperature decreases, reduced Box 3: Palaeo-model comparison: past, present and future Mediterranean vegetation
moisture), corresponding to the telocratic phase. There is an
apparent order within interglacial forest patterns when viewed at Simulation of future vegetation dynamics at Lago di Massaciuccoli, a a b c
the broad-scale of an entire interglacial cycle of 10 000-15 000 coastal lake in Tuscany (central Italy), with a dynamic vegetation model
years, whereas within each phase of an interglacial (ca. 5 000 (LANDCLIM) for different climatic conditions (today vs. warming) and
years) there is often great variation between interglacials, hence levels of disturbance (low vs. moderate). The mid- to late-Holocene
the ability of pollen stratigraphy to differentiate between many of sedimentary pollen record of Lago di Massaciuccoli is used to validate
the different interglacials17. the model, in particular LANDCLIM is able to simulate extinct vegetation d e
types which were growing in the past at the site before anthropogenic
Europe’s forests in the Holocene (11 700 disturbance became excessive.
years ago-today) a) Present-day (1950-2000 AD) mean monthly temperature (±1
The mesocratic phase in the Holocene interglacial stage was standard deviation) and average total monthly precipitation at Lago di
greatly modified about 5 000-6 000 years ago by the onset of Massaciuccoli close to Pisa (Tuscany).
forest clearance and prehistoric shifting cultivation and livestock f
b) Map of Italy and Switzerland with Lago di Massaciuccoli denoted by a black
farming (Fig. 1). This new phase, unique to the Holocene is called
star, red star shows position of Gorgo Basso in southern Sicily (Fig 4).
the Homo sapiens phase (see Box 2)17. There was a steep fall in
Ulmus pollen values (Fig. 1), probably a result of an interaction c) Future (2071-2100 AD) mean monthly temperature and precipitation
between prehistoric human activities and a tree pathogen, with projected by a regional climate model (SMHI) for Lago di Massaciuccoli.
elm pollen values halving within 5 years at a site in southern
d) and e) Vegetation simulated at Lago di Massaciuccoli with LANDCLIM,
England24 . Similarly, 5 000-6 000 years ago Abies disappeared
a dynamic vegetation model with d) present climate and future climate Figure from Henne et al.52
from the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean lowlands of the
e). All vegetation models were initialised with the same present-day
Italian Peninsula, probably in response to excessive Neolithic
climate scenario and moderate disturbance before 2010.
disturbance by fire and by browsing25, 26 . As with Ulmus in England,
Abies collapses were rapid, with pollen values of Abies halving f) Holocene pollen percentages of upland trees and shrubs at Lago di
within 13 and 22 years at sites in Italy27 and Italian Switzerland28 , Massaciuccoli.
respectively.
Simulations of today’s vegetation under low disturbance shows
In some areas of central and north-west Europe, forest clearance
Abies alba co-dominance with Quercus ilex (see right image) in the
and subsequent dereliction of clearings may have facilitated local
Mediterranean forest. This vegetation type disappeared during the late
colonisation and expansion of new immigrants such as Fagus
Holocene most likely in response to excessive anthropogenic burning
sylvatica European beech, Picea abies Norway spruce, and possibly
and land use25 . In agreement, simulations show the disappearance of
Carpinus betulus European hornbeam4 . While the establishment of
this vegetation type under current climate with moderate land use.
Fagus sylvatica during Mesolithic times followed climate change
Future climate and vegetation conditions at Lago di Massaciuccoli are
(cooling and a moisture increase) in southern and southern-central
comparable to present climate and vegetation conditions at Gorgo
Europe29, it is possible that the rapid spread of Fagus across
Basso, southern Sicily (Fig 5). With low land use, evergreen oak forest
central Europe in the last 4 000-5 000 years4 may have only been
will prevail16 , while under moderate land use forests will be reduced and
facilitated by the creation of abundant, large clearings within Tilia- Spontaneous regeneration of Abies alba and Quercus ilex
maquis (low biomass) will expand. in a cryptic Mediterranean stand in lowland Tuscany.
or Quercus-dominated forests on well-drained soils. In some areas (Copyright Willy Tinner: CC-BY)

38 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Introduction


Fig. 4: Xeric maquis and cultivated land north of Gorgo Basso, a small lake
in southern coastal Sicily. This sclerophyllous vegetation type expanded
2 700-2 000 years ago with Greek and Roman colonisation involving regular
vegetation burning, pastoral and arable farming37.
(Copyright Willy Tinner: CC-BY)
Fig. 5: Dense evergreen oak forest (Quercus ilex) south of Gorgo Basso. This
vegetation type is representative of natural conditions in coastal Sicily prior
to human-induced creation of maquis vegetation (Fig. 4). Forest vegetation
survived on rocky calcareous slopes less suited for agriculture.
(Copyright Willy Tinner: CC-BY)
In general, disturbance-sensitive taxa such as Tilia, Ulmus,
Fraxinus, Acer maple, Abies, and Hedera ivy declined while
disturbance-resistant taxa such as Quercus, Ostrya, Corylus,
Betula, Alnus, Salix, Fagus (re-sprouters), and Picea (non-
palatable) expanded34 . Quercus, Fagus, and Picea were also
favoured by humans for their valuable acorns or timber, ultimately
forming monospecific forests25, 35 . Continued forest clearances
and agriculture, interspersed by periods of abandonment and
secondary regeneration, occurred as the result of the development
and expansion of more permanent land-use practices (e.g. animal
husbandry, ploughing, crop cultivation, woodland management)
during the late Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Viking,
Medieval, and recent times. Forests initially became more open,
and wood- and scrub-pasture and hazel coppice expanded.
However, increased human interference including regular burning36
led ultimately to the widespread deforestation of much of Europe
and the development of extensive pastures of ‘commons’, fields,
heaths, maquis, and settlements (Figs. 4 and 5). This process was
particularly intense in the lowlands of Mediterranean Europe, where
practically no unplanted forest environments survive (e.g.27, 37).
Almost all extensive and naturally forested areas surviving today
have been extensively managed by selective silviculture over many
centuries38, 39 .
Why is European forest history important to
modern ecologists?
What ‘lessons from the past’ can be learnt from the ever-
changing composition, structure, and extent of forests in Europe?
We see that European forests have been changing since the
Palaeogene, with progressive extinction from Europe of trees of
the so-called Arcto-Tertiary geoflora in the Pliocene and early
Pleistocene9, 10 . The repeated glacial-interglacial cycles15, 17 that
are so characteristic of the Quaternary (Pleistocene, Holocene)
have resulted in a continuous dynamic of tree survival in refugia
during glacial stages and rapid spread and expansion and unique
tree combinations in the different interglacial stages13, 17. Human
impact with forest clearance and agriculture (Fig. 4, maquis and
Fig. 5, Quercus ilex forest) are unique to the Holocene, the so-
called Homo sapiens phase (see Box 2)17. What emerges from
the many palaeoecological studies (mainly based on pollen
analysis but increasingly strengthened by macrofossil studies)
is continual change at time scales of millions, thousands, and
hundreds of years. Forests develop when certain plant species
become abundant and dominant at specific areas under particular
environmental conditions40 . These forests may change gradually
or abruptly when the dominant trees are replaced by other
trees, usually in response to extrinsic environmental change41 or
major disturbances (e.g. forest pathogens, fire, human activity)17.
Few major terrestrial forest systems have existed for more
than 10 000 years and most are considerably younger, some
developing only within the last few centuries38-40 . Future forest
systems are thus inevitably uncertain and historically contingent.
Given the richness of forest-tree responses during the Quaternary
with all its climatic shifts10, 13, 15, 17, many novel future responses,
outcomes, and ecological surprises are certainly possible42-46 .
Assessing whether current forest systems are sustainable in
the face of future global change is aided by considering the range
of environmental variation that these systems have experienced
in the past and by reconstructing the environmental conditions
under which these systems were initiated and developed40 . A
narrow time window (e.g. 200-300 years) underestimates the
range of variation within which a forest system is sustainable, and
this underestimates the risk of major disruption of the system by
environmental change40 . Longer time periods (e.g. 1 000-2 000
years) inevitably increase the inherent range of natural variation
in the earth system40 . Most systems disappear, as shown by
the palaeoecological record, when the time window extends
to 10 000-15 000 due to major changes in the Earth’s climate
system due to orbital forcing9 . The palaeoecological record can
pinpoint the time of origination of particular forest systems (e.g.
30, 38
) and can, by inference in some cases, indicate the specific
environmental changes that led to the development of the system
and the range of environmental variation under which the system
maintained itself in the past40 . Such information, only obtainable
from the palaeoecological record, can thus help to identify critical
environmental thresholds beyond which specific modern forest
systems can no longer be sustained47, 48 .
The palaeoecological record for European forests provides
several additional insights and important lessons from the past40 .
First, all existing forest systems have a finite time limit to growing
in the places where they occur and all have been preceded
by ecosystems (not necessarily forest systems) that differ in
composition, structure, plant-functional traits, and ecosystem
properties40 . Second, similar forest ecosystems, as defined by
their dominant species have developed in different places and
at different times17, 40 . Third, similar systems had different
antecedents in different places. Thus apparently similar systems
may have different properties owing to different histories and to
legacy effects of different antecedents40 . Fourth, several different
systems arose at approximately the same time in different
places, presumably in response to regional- or global-scale shifts
in atmospheric circulation involving climatic shifts that led to
widespread synchronous transformations of ecosystems40, 49, 50 .
This pattern is not, however, universal but rapid regime-shifts in
the earth system may be accompanied by widespread ecosystem
changes in diverse regions40, 41 . Fifth, forest ecosystems of today
have no long history even in the time span of the Holocene and
forest systems existed in the past that have no modern counterparts
(‘analogues’)45, 46 . Examples include the former abundance of
Corylus avellana in the early Holocene across much of north-west
Europe4, 17 and the importance of Abies alba in southern Europe in
the mid-Holocene (See Box 3)25, 26 .
Palaeoecologists look to the past whereas global-change
ecologists look to the future, but both rely solely on their
understanding of modern ecosystems and ecological processes
as a basis for past reconstructions or future predictions.
Palaeoecologists apply the concept that “the present is the key to
the past” whereas global-change ecologists project this forward
and use “the present is the key to the future”. But the present
is only one time-slice in the last 11 700 years since the last
glacial stage. A critical question is thus are today’s ecosystems
and climate representative of tree and ecosystem-climate
relationships under past or future climate change? Are they robust
to climate conditions beyond modern states? Are species ranges in
equilibrium with environmental factors such as climate50 or have
the realised environmental niches of species been significantly
altered by climate-change or millennial-long land-use activities51?
These palaeoecological questions suggest that it is inadequate to
project future ecosystem conditions solely on the basis of present-
day observations47. A promising novel approach is to combine
dynamic eco-physiological models with palaeoecological evidence
to produce palaeo-validated scenarios of future vegetation
dynamics under global-change conditions52, 53 .
The dynamic nature and the often non-analogue character
of European forests in the time-span of the Holocene or even the
last 5 000 years raises critical questions about appropriate targets
(‘baselines’) for restoration efforts. Palaeoecological studies have
revealed major human imprints on many, if not all, systems in Europe17,
34
and have shown that secular climate change has kept many targets
moving at centennial to millennial time-scales9, 17, 54. Ongoing rapid
environmental changes may almost certainly ensure that many
historical restoration targets will be unsustainable in the coming
decades  34. Restoration efforts should aim to conserve or restore
historical systems if possible, but more importantly, to design, create,
and manage emerging novel ecosystems to ensure high biodiversity
and a supply of ecosystem goods and services in the future54.
The palaeoecological record of European tree and forest history
is a rich and largely untapped record of ecological dynamics over
a wide range of time-scales. As Karl Flessa and Steve Jackson55
discuss, this record is a long-term ecological observatory where
ecological responses to past climate change and the ecological
legacies of societal activities can be deciphered, quantified,
and used as a key to “understanding the biotic effects of future
environmental change”55 . There is very much still to be learnt about
past European forests using the vast amount of palaeoecological
data available in Europe4, 15, 17, 25, 29, 36, 56 .
Acknowledgements
We are very grateful to Cathy Jenks for preparing this text and
figures in a very short time and for her meticulous editing.
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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e010c45. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Birks, H. J. B., Tinner, W., 2016. Past forests of Europe. In: San-
Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e010c45+
Introduction | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 39
The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species: modelling, data and information on forest tree species
D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo, T. Houston Durrant, J. San-Miguel-Ayanz
The European Commission has recently published a Forest
Strategy for the European Union (see chapter “The European
Union Forest Strategy and the Forest Information System
for Europe”), explicitly calling for “advanced research and
modelling tools to fill data and knowledge gaps to better
understand the complex issues around social, economic and
environmental changes related to forests”1 .
The global change in its environmental (climate change),
social and economic dimensions is expected to impact on
European forest systems in complex ways (see chapter
“Forest resources in Europe: an integrated perspective on
ecosystem services, disturbances and threats”).
Potential impacts include changes in the suitability of whole
regions for certain forest taxa and types, and resulting
variations in the spatial distribution of forest tree species
in Europe, with a large array of possible environmental,
economic and social consequences2, 3 . Beside future potential
threats, transdisciplinary robust assessment is required to
identify and address emerging immediate risks for forest
ecosystems. As an example, risk assessment on emerging
risks due to exotic forest pests and diseases often has to be
performed coping with a broad set of uncertainties4 .
A key piece of information to allow some of these impacts
and threats to be reliably estimated is the availability of
updated tree species distribution and habitat suitability
for the current situation5-11 . However, even this apparently
simpler objective displays an impressive set of challenges
for it to be addressed at the continental scale.
Heterogeneity of forests and forest data at
the European scale
Europe is densely populated, with about 3  % of world
land hosting almost 7 % of the world population (estimates
for 2014)12 . As a consequence, the anthropogenic pressure on
forest ecosystems is elevated, with intense landscape diversity
and relatively few undisturbed areas of high wilderness and
low accessibility13, 14 (see Figure 2). Forest management may
significantly alter the local composition of forests compared
with the potential natural vegetation15, 16 , for example because
management practices might prevent or mitigate the natural
interspecific competition by other tree taxa. Therefore, while
40 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
undisturbed areas may display a rich variety of species adapted to
coexist in the same mature ecosystem, areas with predominantly
managed forests may exhibit very diverse patterns with sudden
changes species. In both cases, it might be that the available field
observations are not dense enough to offer a statistical sampling
without wide uncertainties on the real detailed composition and
local distribution of tree species (see Figure 1). Europe spans
over the subtropical, temperate, boreal up to the polar climate
domain, experiencing highly a wide range of climate patterns17-19 .
Fig. 1:
Top left: Croatia, Krka National Park. The park is characterised by very high
biodiversity, with more than 800 identified species and subspecies of plants.
(Adapted from an image authored by gravitat-OFF, CC-BY, http://archive.is/m11os)
Bottom left: France, Stratification over the years of forest and land
management. Even the uniformity of tree species within managed forest
stands may be subject to border effects with increased diversity of species.
(Adapted from an image authored by Hans Fransen, CC-BY, http://archive.is/fqFff)
Top right: Romania. Grazing and managed forest stands generate patches
of locally uniform vegetation. However, at the landscape scale this results in
a high heterogeneity.
(Adapted from an image authored by Sergey Norin, CC-BY, http://archive.is/JYzDI)
For example, mountains characterise more than one third of the
European land (see Figure 2) with peculiarities associated to the
subtropical, temperate and boreal mountain systems, where
highly variable bio-climatic conditions influence local forest
ecosystems and their composition17, 20-22 (see also the chapters
“European forests: an ecological overview” and “Forest resources
in Europe: an integrated perspective on ecosystem services,
disturbances and threats”).
These characteristics of the continent contribute to define
its overall high heterogeneity. Continental-scale modelling of tree
species distribution and habitat suitability needs to adapt to this
exceptional challenge with a harmonisation effort to integrate
the different sources of forest-based field observations, also
considering how to better take advantage from the already
available land cover mapping. This Atlas is based on possibly
the richest set of information harmonised at the European scale
and focusing on recorded occurrences of forest tree species.
Several hundred thousand harmonised field observations have
been collected and integrated to cover several millions of
square kilometres. However, the local density of available field
observations (plot density, see Figure 6) is uneven with extensive
areas of the continent very poorly covered. In the mountainous
areas or where land use and landscape diversity is wide, a much
denser network of field observations would have been required
to reliably reconstruct at the km2 resolution the local distribution
Fig. 2: A qualitative visual overview for some of the dimensions of complexity and
heterogeneity in the European continent.
Top left: A view of the European continent at night shows clearly the large centres of
population, where anthropogenic influences might be greatest. From NASA, Earth
Observatory40 .
Top right: Accessibility may be defined as the travel time to a location of interest using
land or water based travel, estimated using a cost-distance algorithm which computes
the “cost” of travelling between two locations, and usually measured in units of time. The
values in the map represent the cost required to travel across them (hence this is often
termed a friction-surface). This shows the varying levels of human influence, darker areas
- i.e. less accessible ones - more prevalent in the far north of the continent and along
mountain ranges. From European Commission and the World Bank14 . The similarity with
the top left view is evident.
Bottom left: The peculiar administrative heterogeneity of Europe (28 member states
in the European Union with 24 official languages and several states which are either
federations, federacies or in any case providing large autonomy to internal administrative
units) further increases the complexity of continental-scale environmental modelling. This
is because the many regional datasets are often autonomously collected and organised,
with different spatial density of sampling, accuracy and uneven definitions of measured/
estimated quantities.
Bottom right: orographic complexity. About one third of the continent is covered by mountain
systems (according to a recent revised classification based on the UNEP-World Conservation
Monitoring Centre approach20) and in most massifs the forest cover is a key component up
to the timber line. Mountain forests are exposed to heterogeneous bio-climatic conditions:
temperature, solar irradiation, precipitation patterns may vary greatly depending on the local
elevation, slope, aspect, and resulting solar and rain shadow. Therefore, field observations
of forest tree species in these areas may be associated with information limited to very
local conditions.
of forest tree species (not only including the ones that occupy
the overstorey canopy layer but also the ones in the midstorey
and understorey, for which the information is sometime more
incomplete). That said, the continental-scale modelling exercise
here described can be exploited by users for a more consistent
pan-European overview of forest tree species. The main goal of
this Atlas is to offer a robust integrated synopsis harmonising
information-rich areas with information-poor ones. At a finer
scale, local richer information (although not yet harmonised with
the information available elsewhere) may be able to provide
locally more accurate estimates.
The Commission staff working document accompanying the
Forest Strategy for the European Union, notes that “harmonized
information on forests and forest resources at EU level is still
limited, notwithstanding important research efforts in this
field”23 . In Europe, most countries collect information about
forest resources by means of National Forest Inventories (NFIs)24 .
Unfortunately, the definitions and methods underpinning
the impressive amount of collected information are not yet
uniform among the different inventories24 . Additional sources
of information are available by supra-national initiatives that
collect forest-based field observations for a number of specific
Fig. 3:
purposes25-29 . Other sources provide coarse-resolution estimates Left: Forest patchiness and variability: hills with a mixed land cover where
on the chorology of vascular plants covering the whole of Europe Europe (FISE)1, 41(see chapter “The European Union Forest Strategy forests show limited core undisturbed areas and extensive forest borders
are exposed to the anthropic influence, as well as to different patterns
or at least a substantial part of the continent30-35 . and the Forest Information System for Europe”) to integrate diverse of slope, aspect and subsequent solar irradiation. As a consequence, the
Existing land cover mapping exercises may complement database and information systems within a modular array of models. detailed composition and proportion of forest tree species may locally vary.
Switzerland, Canton of Lucerne.
this information by providing high-resolution estimates of forest This European Atlas of Forest Tree Species provides for the first time (Adapted from an image authored by Benediktv, CC-BY, https://archive.is/hUFIj)
categories - such as broadleaved and coniferous trees - instead a systematic coverage of forest tree taxa distribution and habitat Right: Italy, Marche region. Another mixed land cover. Although fragmented,
of specific forest tree species36-39 . suitability at the continental scale, based on the most comprehensively here forests are more homogeneous with weaker evidences of border
The available European-wide data and information have been integrated set of available data and information. The modelling effects.
(Adapted from an image authored by Francesco Gasparetti, CC-BY, https://archive.is/PRbcg)
collected and harmonised within the Forest Information System for strategy here summarised is designed to be inclusive and able to

Box 1: The review model and content-processing chain of the European Atlas of Forest Tree Species
The making of the European Atlas of Forest Tree Species required several Concerning the modelled maps, chorology areas may integrate several These few statistics refer to this printed version of the Atlas. As highlighted
years of work for the editorial board and intense exchange with more than sources within a single coarse-resolution overview. Each distribution (relative by Figure 4, the extended summaries of this book are associated with their
50 international experts who devoted their efforts in co-authoring, revising, probability of presence) and suitability (maximum habitat suitability) map corresponding updated online full version. The review model for the Online
reviewing, providing additional information, insights and comments for the is the result of an ensemble of hundreds of intermediate maps generated European Atlas of Forest Tree Species is similar to that applied to the printed
chapters of the Atlas. Here, a brief overview on the Atlas review model and via statistical resampling to ensure that the final estimate is more robust edition. In addition, each updated manuscript will undergo a more extensive
on its content-processing chain is summarised. and able to tolerate a larger amount of outlier data or data affected by peer review. If accepted, a chapter will be persistently published in the FISE
high uncertainties – a feature which is essential at the considered spatial portal. Periodic updates might be possible for e.g. integrating recent or
The modelling, data and information on forest tree species, as harmonised
scale (see section “Heterogeneity of forests and forest data at the European extended literature, improved data and modelling, extended statistics and
within FISE, has been complemented by open contributions from international
scale” in this chapter). Overall, this required about 20 000 core intermediate iconography, with the potential contribution of additional co-authors. All
authors, advisors and reviewers, under a clearly defined taxonomy of roles42
geospatial layers (at 1 km2 spatial resolution) to be processed, without previous peer-reviewed versions of an updated chapter will remain accessible.
to ease the collaboration and with the systematic internal recording of all
considering other ancillary layers.
contributions and modifications by means of an internal version control
system. After the initial design and implementation of core materials and
methods (data, models, maps, diagrams, bibliography and text), a cycle of
internal review – with the support of external reviewers – and subsequent
content revision has been iterated up to finalise the extended summary for
each chapter (see Figure 4). To obtain the printed version of this Atlas, the
extended summaries with their cycles of review and revision required the
support of novel computational tools, with the design and implementation of
a dedicated chain of data-transformation modules (D-TM).
For a given chapter version, the content-processing chain of D-TMs starts
from text and references, annotated by the co-authors by using common
word-processing formats (DOC, DOCX). Although easy to edit with images,
tables and other supporting information, these formats are unsuitable for an
automated semantic enhancement of their content. The manual harmonisation
of the bibliography was based on the records stored in the Meta-information
Database on Integrated Natural Resources Modelling and Management
(INRMM-MiD, http://mfkp.org/INRMM ; about INRMM see also the chapter
“Forest resources in Europe: an integrated perspective on ecosystem services,
disturbances and threats”)43. The Atlas provides an overall bibliography with
more than 2 400 cited references to scientific and technical publications, which
correspond to over 1 600 unique references. For each of them, an INRMM-MiD
public record is available with integrated metadata and meta-information on
the cited publication. Furthermore, the INRMM-MiD catalogue covers about
5 000 indexed publications, of which more than 2 400 are on forest resources,
which may serve for further readings.
From the human-editable format, the D-TM chain for each chapter version
generates intermediate information with semantic enhancements, to derive
HTML, LaTeX, PDF and RTF documents with a harmonised, machine-readable
semantic structure. The content-processing chain is implemented on a GNU/
Linux computing environment44, 45 under the semantic array programming
paradigm43, 46 . Overall, the making of the printed version of the Atlas required
the processing and generation of more than 18 000 files (considering only the
textual information content) organised in more than 2 400 units of content.

Fig. 4: The review model of the European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 41

assimilate further forest information not yet exploited. The modelled
maps, diagrams and statistics available in the printed version of this
FISE Atlas will be further improved with additional modelling modules
and data currently under harmonisation. The online version of the
Atlas (https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/) is designed to publish
updated enriched information and maps with an increasing level of
data and modelling integration, in order for FISE to offer a continuous
delivery of advanced forest research and products (as a “dynamic
modular system that combines data and models into applications”1)
for supporting a multifaceted ecosystem of uses and customers in the
scientific, policy-making, and society domains.
Materials and methods
In this section, a more detailed summary of the data and
information sources is provided. The modelling methodology for
each typology of species specific map is also described.
The semantics underpinning the array of different data
sources has been systematically harmonised by exploiting the
geospatial application47 of the semantic array programming
(SemAP) paradigm43, 46 .
This has been achieved by means of SemAP array-based
semantic constraints43, 48 . Some among the simpler of them are
Fig. 5: Examples of sparsely forested areas with mixed land cover. Although
the presence of tree species characterises these examples, some tree
formations may not fulfil the definition of forest and thus may be classified
differently in the available land cover maps. Furthermore, trees in non-
forest areas may be supported by scarcer field observations, since the main
effort of systematic data collections such as national forest inventories
is more focused on forest areas. However, remarkable biotic disturbances
(such as some forest pests) may spread also over landscapes with sparse
but susceptible trees. Therefore, even approximate information able to
systematically cover these European areas may be essential.
Top: Germany, Baden-Wurttemberg.
(Adapted from an image authored by Schwabe90, CC-BY, https://archive.is/GmS3a)
Middle: Turkey, and example of landscape with a scattered woodland
component, at the boundary between the subtropical mountain system and
the subtropical dry forest.
(Adapted from an image authored by Fredi Bach, CC-BY, https://archive.is/YLP9o)
Bottom: France. Linear formations contribute to support connectivity among
forest patches.
(Adapted from an image authored by Fredi Bach, CC-BY, https://archive.is/9jRGz)
42 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
exemplified hereinafter with the notation ::constraint::. This notation
refers to the online taxonomy of array-based semantic constraints
which implements the paradigm (see Figure 8)48 .
Harmonising presence and presence/absence
datasets
FISE is putting an intensive effort toward harmonising the
heterogeneous sources of information on forest-based field
observations24-29 . The datasets considered in this Atlas are able
to provide records on presence/absence or at least presence only
(e.g. useful for the species chorology) for the main tree species in
Europe (see also Box 2). They are collections of forest field surveys
with information about the growing tree species and geographical
localization. All datasets used have been harmonized to an INSPIRE
compliant 1 km² grid (LAEA EPSG CODE 3035)49 .
European National Forestry Inventories database
This dataset derived from National Forest Inventory data
and provides information on the presence/absence of forest tree
species in approximately 375 000 sample points with a spatial
resolution of 1 km²/pixel, covering 21 European countries8 .
Forest Focus/Monitoring dataset
This project is a Community scheme for harmonised, broad-
based, comprehensive and long-term monitoring of air pollution
effects in European forest ecosystems, normed by EC Regulation
No. 2152/200350 . Under this scheme the monitoring is carried out
by participating countries on the basis of a systematic network
of observation points (Level I) and a network of observation
plots for intensive and continuous monitoring (Level II). For
managing the data JRC implemented a Forest Focus Monitoring
Database System, from which the data used in this project27, 28 .
The complete Forest Focus dataset covers 30 European Countries
with more than 8 600 sample points.
BioSoil dataset
This project was one of a number of demonstration studies
initiated in response to the “Forest Focus” Regulation (EC) No.
2152/200350 mentioned above. The aim of the BioSoil project was
to provide harmonised soil and forest biodiversity data. It comprised
two modules: Soil Module51 and Biodiversity Module25. The dataset
used in this project came from the Biodiversity module, in which plant
species from both the tree layer and the ground vegetation layer was
recorded for more than 3 300 sample points in 19 European Countries.
European Information System on Forest Genetic Resources
(EUFGIS)
This project is part of European Forest Genetic Resources
(EUFORGEN) program, which aims to “maintain, conserve, restore
and enhance the biological diversity of forests, including their
Fig. 6: Plot density, computed with a spatial grid of 50 km2, (LAEA) for the datasets used: European
Forest Inventories (EF), BioSoil (BS), Forest Focus (FF), EUFGIS (EG), Genetic Diversity (GD). Among
other constraints, the array-based semantics of each harmonised dataset expects the corresponding
geospatial records to have nonnegative values (::nonnegative::), after the removal of outliers, highly
uncertain or missing data (::nanless::), all considered as not available information.
genetic resources, through sustainable forest management”
(Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forest in Europe,
200752). The EUFGIS maintains an online portal (www.eufgis.
org) of the national focal points for 98 target tree species in 31
European countries. In these forest sites, tree populations are
either within the natural environment to which they are adapted
(in situ), or artificial, but dynamically evolving populations
elsewhere (ex situ). EUFGIS dataset contains geo-referenced
information on around 2 500 forest samples, providing data of
the main tree species presence.
Geo-referenced Database of Genetic Diversity (GD)2
The (GD)2 is a dataset of sample points localising genetic
units (populations, single trees) that are traditionally analysed in
genetic surveys conducted in natural populations. The database
is part of the EVOLTREE project (Evolution of Trees), a network of
excellence addressing four major disciplines: Ecology, Genetics,
Genomics and Evolution (www.evoltree.eu). It was launched
in April 2006 and financially supported by the European Union
within the 6th Framework Programme. The (GD)2 database
contains geographic information of a limited number of tree
species; specifically Pine, Oak, Beech and Ash.
Harmonising forest cover datasets
Available maps of land cover in Europe have been harmonised
within FISE as complementary information on forest categories
(proportion of broadleaved and coniferous trees)36-39 . The data
sources used are listed below.
Pan European Forest Type Map 2006 (FTM)
This map is a 25 m spatial resolution raster derived from
LISS III, SPOT4/5 and MODIS satellite imagery and Corine Land
Cover 2006 data. It includes the classes “Broadleaved Forest” and
“Coniferous Forest”, covering 38 European countries. The map
was produced with an automatic classification technique based
on a Neural Network clustering algorithm36 .
CORINE Land Cover map 2006 (CLC)
CORINE project, launched by the Commission of the European
Communities, aims to produce large-scale maps of national territories
and keeping up-to-date inventories and maps of land cover. Based
on earth observation satellite images, aerial photographs and ground
surveys, the latest version of the map 2006 has been implemented
by The European Environmental Agency)37, 38 . CLC map covers 36
European countries with a pixel size of 1 hectare, from which was
extracted the forest cover from the classes “Broadleaved forest”,
“Coniferous forest” and “Mixed forest”.
ESA GlobCover 2009 (EGC)
The GlobCover project in 2010 produced a global land cover
map derived by an automatic and regionally-tuned classification of

a time series of global Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer
Instrument Fine Resolution mosaics for the year 2009. This map
counts 22 land cover classes defined with the United Nations
Land Cover Classification System and a spatial resolution of 10
degree seconds39 .
The forest cover classes have been extracted from land
cover maps (CLC, EGC). In the EGC map the forest classes are
described through percentage ranges of tree cover; for each class
the maximum tree cover percentage was adopted as the potential
value. This is due to the semantic role as a statistic constraint of the
forest cover classes within the C-SMFA model. C-SMFA also supports
statistical resampling and Monte Carlo analysis as enhancement for
more advanced modules - object of ongoing research - to integrate
forest cover classes.
Modelling methodology
The data and information harmonised in FISE has been the
basis for generating the modelled maps and diagrams which
are associated to each tree species/taxon chapter (see chapter
How to read the Atlas). In particular, high-resolution tree species
distribution (relative probability of presence) and suitability
(maximum habitat suitability), autoecology diagrams, coarse-
resolution chorology and frequency maps.
Spatial distribution: the C-SMFA model
This model supports the generation of high resolution
distribution maps at the taxon level (1 km2 pixel size). Each map
estimates the relative probability of presence (RPP) of the taxon
based on the datasets of field observations as harmonised within
the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE)1, 8, 41 .
Each map is modelled with a spatial frequency analysis
of the available field observations. The analysis is performed
with an innovative modelling methodology designed to preserve
a consistent logics and quantitative meaning (i.e. a consistent
semantics) within the heterogeneous array of data and
information which is necessary for the diversity of the European
continent to be covered.
The frequency analysis considers multiple spatial scales to
account for the different local density of data. Furthermore, it is
constrained to have a consistent semantics with an additional
array of geospatial information, in order to improve the overall
map quality (constrained spatial multi-scale frequency
analysis, C-SMFA)8 . In particular, information on the spatial
probability of finding a broadleaved (or coniferous) tree species
has been used as C-SMFA statistic constraint to improve the
accuracy of the estimation36-39 .
Together, combining the continental-scale arrays of geospatial
data and information, along with their underpinning uncertainty
and complex semantics constituted a challenging big-data
problem. For this, the geospatial semantic array programming
paradigm (GeoSemAP) has been exploited43, 46, 47, 53 .
As for the distribution maps based on the C-SMFA model,
the integration of continental-scale arrays of geospatial filed
observations, bioclimatic information constituted a challenging big-
data problem, similarly addressed with the GeoSemAP approach.
Chorology and frequency
This category of maps summarises two basic pieces of
information concerning the species:
1. The species frequency over a 50 km square grid (represented
by means of dots with variable size): this shows the percentage
of species presence related to the amount of sampling points
inside the grid. The sampling points are derived from the
same datasets which have been used to model the species
distribution and the maximum habitat suitability.
2. The species chorology: this is the broad range and
qualitative spatial distribution of the tree species derived
from one or more bibliographic sources. It is classified as
“Native” (green area) when the species is thought to occur
naturally and “Introduced” (orange area) when the species
has been historically introduced and is nowadays naturalised.
For producing the chorology maps, a heterogeneous collection
of references has been gathered and consulted. Most of maps
are principally based on historical works about the vascular plant
chorology by Meusel and Jäger32 , Hultén and Fries33 and on the
Atlas Florae Europaeae30, 31 . In some cases the chorology maps
have been derived from the species distribution maps available
on the EUFORGEN website34 . In all the tree species chapters
where chorology maps are available, the detailed list of relevant
Fig. 7: Broadleaved and coniferous forest density, computed with a spatial
grid of 50 km2, (LAEA) for the datasets used: Pan European Forest Type references is provided.
Map 2006 (FTM), CORINE Land Cover map 2006 (CLC) and ESA GlobCover
2009 (EGC). Among other constraints, the array-based semantics of each
harmonised forest density expects the corresponding geospatial raster layers Autoecology diagrams
to provide the proportion of forest cover (::proportion::), i.e. values in [0 1].
In most chapters, autoecology diagrams (also known as
climate-space diagrams) have been derived for the described
Maximum habitat suitability: the RDS-MHS model
taxon, based on the datasets of field observations8, 25-28, 55 as
This model supports the generation of high resolution harmonised within FISE1, 8, 41 . The field observations are the
suitability maps at the taxon level (1 km2 pixel size). Each map
same as those exploited to estimate the coarse-resolution forest
estimates the maximum habitat suitability (MHS) of the taxon plot frequency maps.
based on the datasets of field observations as harmonised
The local bioclimatic conditions where a given taxon is
within FISE1, 8, 41 . High values represent areas which are highly observed are obtained by means of high-resolution bioclimatic
suitable for the taxon to survive (denoted in the legend as
... and geographic factors (based on temperature, precipitation,
high survivability areas). In these areas, the local bioclimatic elevation, potential solar irradiation)8, 17, 54. This array of factors
conditions are very similar to those of at least some of the field
allows the observed trees to be analysed in their distribution
observations where the taxon occurs. Conversely, lower values patterns within a multidimensional bioclimatic space. This is the
highlight poor survivability conditions. This refers to areas with a
basis for the RDS-MHS model.
bioclimatic pattern very dissimilar from all the observed patterns To ease the visual interpretation of some patterns, two-
where the taxon is found. dimensional slices of the bioclimatic space are displayed. In
Each map is modelled with an innovative methodology particular, the distribution of observed trees is visualised against
following the relative distance similarity approach (RDS-MHS) three pairs of bioclimatic factors:
based on high-resolution bioclimatic and geographic factors (e.g.
• annual average temperature vs. annual precipitation;
based on temperature, precipitation, solar irradiation, elevation
• potential solar irradiation in spring-summer vs. the average
range, ...)8, 17, 54 . RDS-MHS estimates the maximum spatial extent
temperature of the coldest month;
where the taxon currently lives or could live. The map also
highlights unsuitable areas in Europe: i.e. areas with bioclimatic • and the seasonal variation of the monthly precipitation (i.e.
conditions very dissimilar from all the ones observed for the the difference between the total precipitation of the wettest
taxon. This is not as easily obtained with classical approaches and driest month, normalised by the precipitation of the
based instead on the average habitat suitability. wettest month) vs. the precipitation of the driest month.
Further details on the modelling aspects can be accessed in
the full online version of this chapter.
Fig. 8: Examples of the array-based semantic constraints, as exploited in the modelling methodology to generate tree species
distribution and suitability maps. Left: an array of raster layers (e.g. multiple presence/absence raster maps, or bioclimatic input
layers to estimate the tree species maximum habitat suitability). The elements composing the array may be accessed and denoted
with different levels of granularity, from the single element of a given spatial cell (pixel value) up to sparse collection of them, entire
matrix layers and list of matrices. Right: Another semantic dimension associated with the aforementioned arrays is defined by the
numerical values of each array element. Permissible values may vary depending on specific requirements of the particular algorithm
which is expected to operate on the arrays. For example, presence/absence data constitute a ::binary:: information, while the estimated
probability of presence is a ::proportion:: between 0 and 100 %. The number of measured plots per each spatial pixel, or climatic
information on e.g. precipitation patterns must be composed of ::nonnegative:: values.
Source: Daniele de Rigo, AP, http://w3id.org/mtv/Mastrave/img/SemAP-checks
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 43
Box 2: Modelling, software and data uncertainties: a qualitative integrated
overview of trade-offs for estimating pan-European forest tree taxa information

Fig. 9: Overly simplistic models may be affected by high modelling uncertainty because too many non-negligible
components of the real system are not taken into account by the model. However, with growing modelling
complexity, even the complexity of the underpinning software code increases. Software engineering techniques
and good computational science practices may help to mitigate the rise of software uncertainty. Since they
cannot completely prevent software uncertainty, a trade-off exists between increased complexity of models
(assuming that this increase is associated with a better approximation of the reality, which for some categories
of models may be structurally impossible77, 78) and the resulting increased software complexity.
Source: Daniele de Rigo, CC-BY, https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare

Fig. 10: Qualitative visualisation of the potential cumulated effect due to the combined uncertainty in modelling,
software and data. Integrated modelling frequently exploits multiple heterogeneous data sources by combining
specific data-processing and intermediate derived data as generated from specialised software modules. The
uncertainty of each data-transformation is propagated up to the final combined output, whose cumulated
uncertainty depends even on the initial uncertainty of the input data. More complex models might be associated
with a higher sensitivity of their estimates to outliers and input uncertainty, sometime with higher prediction
errors for new data77, 78 . This increase of the combined data uncertainty may be mitigated with robust modelling
techniques (e.g. statistical resampling and robust statistics) which may also contribute to mitigate software
uncertainty79-84 .
Source: Daniele de Rigo, CC-BY, https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare

Fig. 11: Qualitative visualisation of varying trade-offs for different available spatial resolution of input data and
information. A qualitative ranking is proposed to simplistically illustrate the different complexity associated to
the modelling approaches discussed in this chapter. Coarser spatial resolution of input data may be associated
with an intrinsic partial loss of information (e.g. finer-resolution details within highly heterogeneous areas such
as mountain systems and high-diversity landscapes). This may reverberate in higher final data uncertainty.
Among other aforementioned concepts and criteria, even this qualitative trade-off has been taken into account
for adapting the modelling complexity of the discussed maps and diagrams.
Source: Daniele de Rigo, CC-BY, https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare

On the semantics and interpretation of European-wide

available presence/absence records
In the section “Harmonising presence and presence/absence datasets”
of this chapter, an overview of available field-observation datasets has
been summarised. At local, regional or national scale, accurate datasets
may be available with detailed annotation on survey methodology,
sampling strategy and stratification, which typically differ from inventory
to inventory (e.g. between different National Forest Invetories, NFIs24).
The harmonisation process and some of its intrinsic challenges8 may be
exemplified considering the dataset derived from NFI data.
The data used refer to the presence/absence of a given forest tree species
with a spatial resolution of 1 km2/pixel brought up into line with an INSPIRE
compliant 1 km2 raster grid. In particular, the underlying information to assign
the presence/absence value for a given pixel and a given tree species refers
to measures within plot areas belonging to that pixel (i.e. the areas where
field observations have been recorded). The information on the presence
at the plot-scale of a given tree species may be useful for assessing
the species chorology and the maximum extent of its distribution. This
assessment may be performed without additional data-transformations,
possibly with a supporting statistical analysis so as to more easily detect
outliers. However, since the overall area of those plots can be considered
as negligible with respect to the 1 km2 area of the pixel, the NFI-derived
presence/absence information at pixel level needs to be properly processed
to model more advanced statistics than the mere probability to find at least
one tree of the given species in the 1 km2.

44 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

Moreover, the relatively negligible area on which the presence/absence has
been measured does not ensure that the measured absence of a given
species within the plots implies the absence of the species within the entire
1 km2 pixel.
A more meaningful interpretation of the NFI-derived presence/absence
measures considers them as random samples of a binary quantity (the
point presence/absence, not the pixel one). This binary quantity is a random
variable having its own probability distribution which is a function of the
unknown average probability of finding the given tree species within a plot
of negligible area belonging to the considered 1 km² pixel. We denote this
unknown statistic with the name of “probability of presence” and this is the
quantity estimated in the C-SMFA based maps. This quantity differs from
the measured records of presence/absence at the plot scale: ideally, the
average of a high number of measures (assigning 0 to an absence and 1 to
a presence) all taken within the same 1 km2 pixel, should tend to the value
assumed in the pixel by the “probability of presence” quantity.
It is worth recalling how this quantity is conceptually different from the
percentage of area in 1 km2 pixel covered by the given tree species (see in
particular the next section). Nevertheless, it is a proxy statistic which can
be further modelled by estimating its values for all the tree species whose
presence/absence data are included in the harmonised datasets. The
probability of finding some tree species (irrespective of which particular
species) within a given pixel can be linked with available and independent
estimations of forest cover. In the section “Harmonising forest cover
datasets”, a set of harmonised land cover maps has been summarised. The
Pan-European Forest Type Map 2006 (FTM)36 may serve to better exemplify
the semantics underpinning the integration between presence/absence and
land cover information. FTM classifies each 25×25 m pixel in Europe into one
of the categories broadleaved forest, coniferous forest or other non-forest
categories. Within a 1 km2 pixel, 1 600 25×25 m sub-pixels estimates are
available. If we consider each of them as approximating a negligible area,
it is possible to independently compute the average probability of finding a
broadleaved (or coniferous) tree species within a negligible area belonging
to the considered 1 km2 pixel. This independent statistic is homogeneous
with the combined “probability of presence” - as previously defined - of all
of the tree species which are respectively broadleaved or coniferous and it
is also an obvious estimation of broadleaved (or coniferous) cover at the
1 km2 pixel level. Analogously, other maps of land cover may be exploited
with the same aim. In particular, the CORINE Land Cover map 2006 (CLC)
was systematically utilised as constraint in the first set of maps based on
the C-SMFA model. The harmonisation between FTM, CLC, EGC and other
potentially useful additional layers of information on forest types is ongoing
to further improve the C-SMFA application at pan-European scale. In this
context, the term “cover” is intended as the percentage of area covered
by a given species or category of species. The way that “probabilities of
presence” of single tree species can be properly combined together is the
object of ongoing modelling research and will possibly enable a future
estimation of the corresponding forest tree species cover.
On the difference between species frequency within
forests and its relative probability of presence
In the section “Modelling methodology” of this chapter, the integrated
approach to model the spatial distribution of forest tree species has been
summarised. In particular, two typologies of distribution maps refer to
the relative probability of presence of a species (C-SMFA model) and the
species frequency within forested areas.
A first evident difference between the information conveyed by the two
maps lies in their spatial resolution, much coarser for the species frequency
(and thus susceptible to be estimated for a broader set of taxa, including
those whose available field observations do not enable a more detailed
spatial analysis to be performed). The coarser resolution is associated with
a simpler modelling strategy, reducing as much as possible the number of
data-transformation and modelling steps. This way, the biases and modelling
errors generated due to assumptions and hypotheses required by intensive
data-processing are reduced to a minimum degree – at the price of lower
details and a lower resilience of the estimates to the heterogeneity of the
available datasets. The potential impact of border effects between different
forest inventories may be more easily mitigated with the robust statistical
resampling exploited by the C-SMFA model and by its integrated use of pan-
European land cover information. However, this advanced modelling approach
requires a far more complex chain of data-processing steps.
The second key difference between the two distribution maps lies in their
reference context. The species frequency is estimated within forested
areas. Instead, the relative probability of presence (RPP) of the same
species refers to the whole pixel content, not only to forests. Therefore, two
1 km2 pixels whose forested areas have the same frequency of occurrence
for a given tree species, may nevertheless have different RPP if the first
pixel is e.g. completely covered by forests while the second one is sparsely
forested. This is the case of several European areas with mixed land cover,
either due to anthropic influence or due to natural reasons (e.g. sparse
woodlands close to the treeline in the mountain systems, or located within
ecological zones unable to support a dense forest cover).
On software uncertainty
The software implementation of nontrivial computational science models
is subject to a complex pattern of subtle errors, known as software
uncertainty43, 53, 56-62 . Best practices and specific open issues have been
identified for scientific software63-66 . The size of software code and its
structural complexity (such as the number of loops, conditional statements,
Boolean operators, code bifurcations and exceptional execution paths,
frequently nested and sometime implicitly introduced in apparently simpler
code67, 68) are highly correlated with the overall amount of software
faults69-71 .
Array programming allows the code size and its structural complexity
to be significantly reduced72, 73 . A disciplined, semantically-enhanced
modelling approach might help to mitigate the impact of software
uncertainty43, 48, 74-76 . However, other sources of uncertainty should be
considered in an integrated perspective to better design and implement
modelling strategies adaptive to the trade-offs typical of multiple
heterogeneous sources of data and information. Figs. 9-11 qualitatively
illustrate some key categories of uncertainty. They have been considered
relevant in the wide-scale transdisciplinary modelling here discussed for the
European-wide harmonisation challenge on forest tree species information.

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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01aa69. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., 2016.
The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species: modelling, data and
information on forest tree species. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo,
D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of
Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01aa69+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 45

How to read the Atlas
General information
This section provides a brief overview on how to understand
the information provided in the species chapters present in this
Atlas. In each chapter there is an extended summary of the
current state of knowledge about that species, which is aimed
to be written in an easily accessible style but at the same time
scientifically grounded. Therefore, each chapter has been through
a revision by scientific experts and includes a comprehensive list
of scientific references. Although the chapters have been written
by a number of different authors, they have been harmonized to
obtain species information that is as homogeneous as possible
throughout the Atlas. The full version of each chapter (expanded
and fully peer-reviewed) will be published in the online version of
the Atlas at http://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/.
Each chapter starts with a summary and description of
the species to continue with paragraphs concerning the species
distribution, habitat and ecology, importance and usage and
finally threats and diseases. Most chapters deal with a single
species, although in a few cases the information is presented at
taxon level (e.g. circum-Mediterranean firs).
A key contribution of this Atlas is the inclusion of innovative
maps and diagrams concerning: 1) Frequency and Chorology;
2) Modelled Distribution; 3) Maximum Habitat Suitability; 4)
Autoecology, for all those species for which sufficient data exist.
High quality images are also included relative to forest habitat,
individual trees or more detailed images concerning the bark,
leaves, fruits and flowers.
Frequency and Chorology
This map summarises two basic pieces of information concerning
the species:
1. The species frequency over a 50 km square grid (blue
dots): this shows the percentage of plots inside the grid
that contain the species of interest. The sampling points
are derived from the same datasets used to model the
species distribution (Map 2) and the maximum habitat
suitability (Map 3).
2. The species chorology: this is the broad range and
qualitative spatial distribution of the tree species derived
from one or more bibliographic sources. It is classified
as “Native” (green area) when the species is thought to
occur naturally and “Introduced” (orange area) when the
species has been historically introduced and is nowadays
naturalised. In cases where it is not possible to distinguish
between the natural and introduced range, “Actual” range
is shown.
For more details on the datasets and methodology used, as
well as a list of the bibliographic sources used to construct the
chorology, see the chapter “modelling, data and information on
forest tree species” on page 40.
Technical terms
Technical words are presented in this font and are listed in the
glossary on page 190 at the end of the Atlas.
46 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Fagus sylvatica
Fagus sylvatica in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Fagus sylvatica L., or European beech, is one of the most important and widespread broadleaved trees in Europe. It is a
large deciduous tree that can maintain its high growth rate until late maturity. Its natural range extends from southern
Scandinavia to Sicily, from Spain in the west to northwest Turkey in the east. Though not demanding of soil type,
beech requires a humid atmosphere with precipitation well distributed throughout the year and a well-drained soil. It
tolerates rigorous winter cold, but is sensitive to spring frost. Owing to the capacity of its root system for assisting in
the circulation of air throughout the soil, and the amount of potash in its leaves, Beech trees conserve the productive
capacity of the soil better than many other species. Its wood is strong and wears well making it ideal for a wide range
of uses, from furniture to musical instruments, as well as for pulp and firewood.
The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a large deciduous
tree that commonly reaches 30-40 m and is capable of attaining
heights up to 50 m in some locations1 . In contrast to many other
tree species, it is able to maintain a high rate of growth until a
relatively mature age. The tree is usually single-stemmed with
silver-grey bark. The leaves are typically 10 × 7 cm, dark and shiny
green. They have an oval to elliptic shape, with wavy margins and
short teeth at the end of the parallel veins on each side2, 3 . Beech is
monoecious: the male and female flowers are borne on the same
branches. It has a typical life span of around 150-300 years, and
reproduces very late (40-50 years old). Fruiting normally occurs
every 5 to 8 years. Its seed production is characterised by irregular
mast years (when a very heavy crop is produced), usually following
hot summers of the previous year. The bitter edible nuts are sharply
tri-angled and are borne singly or in pairs in soft-spined husks. The
beech nuts are an important source of food for several animals
and birds including squirrels, woodpigeons, woodpeckers and jays;
they also play a major part in seed dispersal by hiding the seeds
and failing to retrieve all of them1 .
Distribution
Beech is widespread across Europe: it can be found from Sicily
in the south to Bergen in southern Norway4-6 . An analysis of pollen
records indicate that the species has spread across Europe from
small scattered populations left after the last glaciation, and is
currently probably at its maximum post-glacial spread7. It needs a
growing season of at least 140 days, and for this reason cannot
survive too far north in Scandinavia7. Longitudinally its range is from
the Cantabrian Mountains in the west to the Carpathians and Balkan
Mountains in the east, although there are some areas in Europe
where it is not found as a native tree, such as the Po valley and
the Hungarian plain. As the climate becomes more continental in
the eastern parts of Europe it is replaced by oriental beech (Fagus
94 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Modelled spatial distribution of the species
This map represents the relative probability of
presence of the species derived from a harmonised
dataset of forest field observations made from a
number of different surveys and available within the
Forest Information System for Europe (FISE). The maps
are presented at a high-spatial resolution of 1 km. Dark
green colour means the species is very likely to be found
at that location, while the pale brown colour signifies a
low probability of presence. For some regions there were
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Fagus sylvatica.
Frequency of Fagus sylvatica occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial
range for F. sylvatica is derived after Meusel and Jäger, and EUFORGEN27, 28 .
orientalis). At the southern part of its range (Spain, Sicily) it is only
normally present at altitudes of more than 1 000 m, and can even be
found at elevations of up to 2 000 m1, 8 . High summer temperatures,
drought and moisture availability are limiting factors for the
distribution of beech in Europe, but continentality is also associated
with limiting its spread in north-western regions4 . Climate change
may have impacts on its future distribution, particularly at the
extremes of its range where it is likely to become less competitive in
the south and east (primarily because of drought), but could expand
its range into Scandinavia and the Baltic9.
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
not enough data available to make any predictions about
the probability of presence; these are coloured pale grey.
The map has been modelled with an innovative
methodology designed to take into account the different
local densities of the underlying data sets.
For more details on the data set and modelling
techniques used, see the Atlas chapter “modelling, data
and information on forest tree species” on page 40.
Large beech in a mountain pasture in Piani di Praglia (Genova, North Italy).
(Copyright Ettore Balocchi, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology
Beech is a hardy species. It tolerates very shady situations
(it is the most shade-tolerant broadleaved tree in its range10),
so that natural regeneration is possible in silvicultural systems
with continuous crown coverage as the seedlings are able to
survive and grow below the canopy of established trees. The
predominance of beech means a reduction of light level in the
understorey vegetation level and in that case beech seeds survive
better than those of other tree species. It is not particularly soil-
sensitive11 and grows on a wide variety of soils with a pH range
from 3.5 to 8.5, although it cannot tolerate the most acidic
conditions. Beech shows a moderate soil-acidifying ability12 . It
prefers moderately fertile ground, calcified or lightly acidic and is
also sensitive to late frosts13; therefore it is found more often on
the side of a hill than at the bottom of a clayey basin. It grows
well on soft soils in which the root system can easily penetrate
and its optimal growth is in humid soils situated on calcareous
or volcanic parent rocks. On the contrary, it does not thrive on
sites that are regularly flooded or which have stagnant water,
since it needs good drainage and will not tolerate waterlogged
or compacted soils1, 14 . Beech furthers soil conservation due to
its production of a large quantity of litter (around 900 g/m2 per
year). The root system tends to be shallow, making it susceptible
to drought when compared to coniferous stands15 . However, there
appears to be some genetic variability across different climatic
zones, since trees in southern Europe are able to cope better with
drought than those in the north1 .
Importance and Usage
Beech is an important European forestry tree. Fine grained
and knot-free, the wood is hard and has a pale cream colour
and good workability16 . With around 250 known usages, it
is one of the most diversely used tree species in Europe. Its
wear-resistance, strength, and excellent bending capabilities
make it ideal for boatbuilding, flooring, stairs, furniture, musical
instruments (piano pinblocks), plywood, panels, veneering and
cooking utensils such as bowls, platters and wooden spoons. It is
also used for pulp and can be coppiced for fire wood and charcoal
due to its relatively high energetic potential1, 8, 16 .
Threats and Diseases
The root system architecture of beech may vary depending
on local soil conditions17. While generally showing a noticeable
resistance to rockfall and wind-throw17, 18 , under unfavourable
local conditions a relatively shallow root system may make
the tree vulnerable to wind-throw1 . The thin bark provides little
Shiny dark green leaves with red galls caused by the fly Mikiola fagi
(Diptera Cecidomyiidae).
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Fagus orientalis
Fagus orientalis, or oriental beech, is closely related to Fagus sylvatica.
Some authorities consider them to be sub-species; others consider
them to be two separate species1 . In appearance they are generally
very similar. The leaves are slightly longer, darker and less glossy than
those of European beech, and tend to have more vein-pairs (9-14 as
opposed to 5-9)3 . Oriental beech can be found in the Balkans, Anatolia,
the Caucasus, northern Iran and Crimea18 . Its range overlaps with that
of the European beech and there is frequently hybridisation between the
two18 . Where both species are present, oriental beech tends to favour
the valleys while European beech is found further up the slopes; this is
because the European beech is more susceptible to late frosts12 .
Foliage and fruits of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis).
(Copyright Drahkrub, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
protection from fire, and can also be damaged through stripping
and gnawing by squirrels and other mammals. The presence of
deer is a limiting factor because they eat young stands. Spring
frosts often damage young trees or flowers appearing at the
same time as leaves. Young beech trees are susceptible to
woolly aphid; mature trees can suffer internal rot by the fungus
Ganoderma applanatum. Old trees (100-1200 years) may suffer
’red heart’ which reduces stability and timber value8 . Beech is
among the susceptible hosts to Phytophthora ramorum and
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Autoecology Diagrams
In most chapters, autoecology diagrams (also known
as climate-space diagrams) have been derived for
the described species, based on the datasets of field
observations as harmonised within the Forest Information
System for Europe (FISE). These observations are the
same as those used to estimate the coarse-resolution
forest plot distribution presented in Map 1. The local
bioclimatic conditions where a given species is observed
are obtained by means of a number of high-resolution
bioclimatic and geographic variables. The number of
Key Fact
In some chapters there is a supplementary box focusing on
some particular aspects of the species or taxon considered (e.g.
notes on the taxonomy of the species or information about a
related species).
Mature beech forest with autumn colour foliage in Delamere forest, Cheshire, UK.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
Observed presences in Europe
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Modelled maximum habitat suitability
This map represents the Maximum Habitat Suitability of the species,
Fagus sylvatica namely the areas where the species could potentially occur if
climatic conditions and ecological conditions are met. It is modelled
based on a harmonised and very dense dataset of forest plots
available for most of Europe (see Map 1, Frequency) in combination
with high-resolution bioclimatic parameters (e.g. temperature and
precipitation), solar irradiation and elevation range. The maps are
presented at a high-spatial resolution of 1 km.
Dark blue areas represent areas that are highly suitable for the
Uncertain, no-data species to survive (denoted in the legend as high survivability
Tundra, cold desert areas). In these areas, the local bioclimatic conditions are very
Negligible survivability similar to those of at least some of the field observations where
Low survivability the species occurs. Conversely, orange areas highlight low
Mid-low survivability
survivability conditions. This refers to areas with a bioclimatic
Medium survivability
pattern very dissimilar from all the observed patterns where
Mid-high survivability
High survivability
the species is found.
In practice, a given species may not be found in all the areas
marked “high survivability” for other reasons (e.g. competition
from or preferential planting of other species). However, in
those areas marked “negligible survivability” the species is
unlikely to grow, even if deliberately planted there.
The map is modelled with an innovative methodology taking
into account the different spatial distributions of the underlying
datasets as well as a number of bioclimatic and geographic
factors. Detailed information on the data and techniques used
can be found in the chapter “modelling, data and information
on forest tree species” on page 40.
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
large regions across Europe have climatic suitability to this pest,
which may become a more serious problem in the future5 . The Images
large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is harmful for beech and
markedly coexists with part of its natural niche19-22 . Herbivory
by short-snouted weevils (Strophosoma melanogrammum Forst.
Images have been carefully selected to help identification/
and Otiorhynchus scaber) is another threat to beech21, 22 . understanding of species. Captions also identify the individuals
References who have provided the image and the relative copyrights. A
[1] J. R. Packham, P. A. Thomas, M. D.
Atkinson, T. Degen, Journal of Ecology
[17] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
complete list of contributors is at the beginning of the atlas.
100, 1557 (2012). Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
Britain and northern Europe (Collins, [18] L. K. A. Dorren, F. Berger, C. le Hir,
1974). E. Mermin, P. Tardif, Forest Ecology and
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide Management 215, 183 (2005).
(Collins, 2006). [19] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
[4] J. Fang, M. J. Lechowicz, Journal of (2015).
Biogeography 33, 1804 (2006). [20] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
[5] R. Baker, et al., EFSA Journal 9, 2186+ (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
(2011). 108 pp. [21] M. Löf, Forest Ecology and Management
[6] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of
Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books,
134, 111 (2000).
[22] M. Löf, G. Isacsson, D. Rydberg,
T. N. Welander, Forest Ecology and
References
1986). Management 190, 281 (2004).
[7] D. Magri, Journal of Biogeography 35,
450 (2008).
[23] G. Kandemir, Z. Kaya, EUFORGEN Technical
guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis)
Each chapter has been fully referenced with the most up-
[8] T. Horgan, et al., A guide to forest tree
species selection and silviculture in
Ireland. (National Council for Forest
(Bioversity International, Rome, Italy, 2009).
[24] A. Oprea, C. Sîrbu, I. Goia, Contributii
to-date scientific literature, which has been revised by three
Research and Development (COFORD),
2003).
Botanice 46, 17 (2011).
[25] M. Šijačić Nikolić, J. Milovanović, M. Nonić,
scientific experts. All the references are sequentially included
R. Knežević, D. Stanković, Genetika 45,
[9] K. Kramer, et al., Forest Ecology and
Management 259, 2213 (2010). The
ecology and silviculture of beech: from
369 (2013). through the text and listed at the end of the chapter. A revised
[26] T. Denk, G. Grimm, K. Stögerer, M. Langer,
gene to landscape.
[10] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
V. Hemleben, Plant Systematics and
Evolution 232, 213 (2002).
and extended set of references will be available in the full
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[11] L. Walthert, E. Graf Pannatier, E. S. Meier,
[27] H. Meusel, E. J. Jäger, Plant Systematics
and Evolution 162, 315 (1989).
online version of each chapter.
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised Forest Ecology and Management 297, [28] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of beech
field observations from forest plots. 94 (2013). (Fagus sylvatica) (2008).
[12] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe, www.euforgen.org.
Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002). [29] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae Europaeae:
[13] L. Paule, Forest Genetics 2, 161 (1995). distribution of vascular plants in Europe Vol. 3
[14] A. Geßler, et al., Trees - Structure and Salicaceae to Balanophoraceae (Committee
Function 21, 1 (2007). for Mapping the Flora of Europe and Societas
Biologica Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
[15] A. Granier, et al., Agricultural and Forest
Meteorology 143, 123 (2007). [30] K. Browicks, J. Zieliński, Chorology of
trees and shrubs in south-west Asia and
[16] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
adjacent regions, vol. 1 (Polish Scientific
Publishers, Warszawa, Poznań, 1982). QR chapter code and citation information
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version
of this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published
online at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012b90.
This code points to the full online version of the species chapter,
The purpose of this summary is to provide an accessible
dissemination of the related main topics.
where the most up-to-date content can be found.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed. The correct way to cite this extended summary is also shown
Please, cite as:
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo, 2016. Fagus here (in the online version, readers will find the correct way to
sylvatica and other beeches in Europe: distribution, habitat,
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) usage and threats. In: European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
e012b90+, Publ. Off. EU.
cite the full chapter).
In the online version it will additionally be possible to navigate
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 95 through the expanded, fully peer-reviewed version of the chapter
having the possibility to download maps, diagrams and text.
The online version will be hosted within the newly established
Forest Information System for Europe (FISE). The Online
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species will be part of the FISE
Communications (FISE-Comm):
http://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/
possible combinations of variables is very large and for spot (one for every plot), while those plots containing
this Atlas we have focussed on three: 1. Annual average the species of interest are coloured blue, thus illustrating
temperature vs Annual precipitation; 2. Potential spring- the specific climate niche of that species, and showing
summer solar irradiation vs. Average temperature of how a given species might be constrained by one or
the coldest month; 3. Seasonal variation of monthly more climatic conditions. Grey patches on this page may
precipitation vs. Sum of precipitation of the driest month. be coloured blue in others where different species are
In the online version of the Atlas other combinations of adapted to different conditions.
variables may also be found. For more details on the data and modelling aspects, see
The overall climate space occupied by each of the field the Atlas chapter “modelling, data and information on
observations on every species is represented by a grey forest tree species” on page 40.
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 47
 Abies alba
Abies alba in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
A. Mauri, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is a large conifer that can be found in central Europe and some parts of Southern and Eastern
Europe. It is one of the tallest tree species of the genus Abies in Europe. This tree is considered an important ecological
and functional balancer of European forests and a fundamental species for maintaining high biodiversity in forested
ecosystems. Its future distribution is subject of a debate between palaeoecologists and modellers, with contrasting
climate-response forecasts.
Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is a large evergreen coniferous tree
mainly distributed in montane areas in Central Europe, but is also
present in Southern and Eastern Europe. It is a distinctive tree,
straight-stemmed with a silver-grey trunk1 . Growth is very slow in
early years, and then rapid as the tree matures. The uppermost part
of young trees has a conical shape gradually changing to become a
rounded dome as the tree grows older2 . The needles are dark green
and glossy on their upper side while the lower side has two silver-
green waxy bands of 6-8 rows of stomata, and can live for up to six
or eight years. Flowers only appear after 30 to 40 years, generally
in April or May, and the buds are red-brown and non-resinous.
The fully developed seeds are mainly dispersed by wind. With
particularly cool and moist habitats this tree can live up to 500-
600 years3, 4 and reach heights above 60 m4-7 making it among
the tallest tree species of the genus Abies in Europe. This tree is
also the most heavily browsed of the commercially important tree
species in montane forests of central and southeastern Europe8 .
Distribution
Silver fir is often distributed on relatively high elevated areas
(500-2000 m a.s.l.). It requires relatively high moisture conditions
throughout the year, with mean yearly precipitation between
700 and 1800 mm9 . Its main distribution is concentrated in
Central Europe, on the Suisse plateau and in South and Eastern
Germany as well as in the Czech Republic and Austria. There are
conspicuous numbers in the Pyrenees, Southern Alps of Northern
Italy and Ticino and the Eastern Alps, the Carpathians and Albania.
It is also found more sporadically in Eastern France, on the Massif
Central, and in the Apennines. Stands of silver fir are present
in the Dinaric Alps and are continuously connected towards the
Rodopi mountains in Bulgaria and Greece, where it naturally
hybridises with the Greek fir (Abies cephalonica) forming stable
populations of intermediate forms described as Bulgarian firs
(Abies x borisii-regis)2 . Plantations of silver fir are rare outside its
natural range, possibly because of increased potential for insect
damage in monocultures1 .
48 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Abies alba.
Frequency of Abies alba occurrences within the field observations as reported
by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial range
for A. alba is derived after several sources29-31 .
Concerning its past distribution palaeo evidence suggests
different ice-age refugia of silver fir in northern, central and
southern Italy, the Balkans, the Pyrenees and potentially France,
which is in agreement with results obtained using biochemical
and molecular markers10 . During the past decades silver fir
was positively responding to climate warming in Central Europe
and adjacent areas, as documented in many tree ring series11 .
However, in Switzerland, silver fir is decreasing as a result of
animal browsing and replacement by Norway spruce (Picea
abies), a more economically valuable species12 . The future
distribution of Silver Fir is subject of a debate. Some studies
suggest a reduction in response to future expected warming13, 14 ,
while others suggest stable conditions or expansions15, 16 .
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Young tree near Zwardoń village (South Poland).
(Copyright Crusier, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology
Silver fir tolerates a wide variety of soil types with different
nutrient content and alkalinity conditions except compact and
hydromorphic soils. Deep and moist but not too wet soils are
preferred with a pH from acid to neutral. Silver fir shows a
noticeable soil-acidifying ability15 . Unlike the other European
and Mediterranean Abies species, it prefers cooler and moister
conditions, favouring summer temperatures ranging from
approximately 14 °C to 19 °C9 . The main limiting factors are a
lack of summer heat and adequate moisture during the growing
season, while new seedlings are extremely sensitive to frost
damage. This tree is mostly found mixed with Norway spruce
(Picea abies) or Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) at the upper tree
limit1, 4, 18 . At lower altitudes it competes with beech (Fagus
sylvatica), being the first conifer species to appear among them4 .
It is very shade tolerant and can remain as a “seedling bank”
under the canopy of older dominant trees for decades. It often
invades deciduous forests due to its easy natural regeneration.
Importance and Usage
Silver fir is considered an important ecological and functional
balancer of European forests and can serve as a keystone species
for maintaining high biodiversity in forested ecosystems9 . The
wood is non-resinous, light and fine-grained and also easy to
work, which makes it a good material for carpentry and furniture.
During the seventeenth century, its wood was used to produce
ships’ masts. The essential oils obtained from the leaves were
also used in the past to heal bruises as well as for treating coughs
and colds1 . Along with Norway spruce (Picea abies), silver fir is
also used for paper production. During the 19th century it was
popular as a Christmas tree, although it has lately been replaced
by the cheaper Norway spruce1 .
Threats and Diseases
Silver fir is particularly susceptible to frost desiccation due
to late spring frosts. It is also very sensitive to fire19, 20 , insects,
fungi and industrial emissions, in particular to sulphur dioxide
SO2 exposure during winter19 . In the next decades the climate
of central and southern Europe is predicted to become warmer
and somewhat drier22 , favouring diseases and plant pests. Insect
pests such as mistletoe and bark beetles have already been
responsible for a reduction of silver fir in the Mediterranean,
especially in those areas where drought stress is more frequent21 .
The fungi Armillaria mellea agg. and Heterobasidion annosum
are responsible for butt rot and windthrow. Phytophagous insects
such as Mindarus abietinus and Dreyfusia normannianae are
often the cause of infections to needles and bark. Other insects
 Abies alba

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Branches with dark-green needles: leaves have an elliptical

insertion but are positioned to avoid shading.
(Copyright Vassil, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

such as Cinaria pectinatae and Epinotia nigricana are affecting

bark and buds2 . Silver fir is vulnerable to Ips typographus which
is also associated to potentially harmful fungal assemblages24-26 .
It is also a susceptible host to Dothistroma septosporum
and vulnerable to Gremmeniella abietina and Dothistroma
septosporum 8, 25, 27, 28 .

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Erect maturing seed cones on a branch. Old cones do not fall but
remain and disintegrate on the tree.
(Copyright IKB, www.flickr.com: AP)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Dark-grey bark of a mature tree with fissured plates.
(Copyright Crusier, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
References
[1] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, Leiden, 2010).
[2] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[3] S. Pignatti, Flora d’Italia (Edagricole,
Bologna., 1982).
[4] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of
Central Europe (Cambridge University
Press, 2009), fourth edn.
[5] K. Lauber, G. Wagner, Flora Helvetica, vol.
108 (2008).
[6] B. G. Bowes, Trees and Forests: A Colour
Guide: Biology, Pathology, Propagation,
Silviculture, Surgery, Biomes, Ecology,
Conservation, vol. 25 (2010).
[7] H. H. Ellenberg, C. Leuschner, Vegetation
Mitteleuropas mit den Alpen (Verlag Eugen
Ulmer, 2010).
[8] J. Senn, W. Suter, Forest Ecology and
Management 181, 151 (2003).
[9] W. Tinner, et al., Ecological Monographs
83, 419 (2013).
[10] R. Cheddadi, et al., Vegetation History and
Archaeobotany 23, 113 (2014).
[11] U. Büntgen, et al., Frontiers in Ecology and
the Environment 12, 100 (2014).
[12] R. Hanel, S. Thurner, M. Gell-Mann,
Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences 111, 6905 (2014).
[13] L. Maiorano, et al., Global Ecology and
Biogeography 22, 302 (2013).
[14] M. Cailleret, M. Heurich, H. Bugmann,
Forest Ecology and Management 328,
179 (2014).
[15] M. Ruosch, et al., Global Change Biology
p. n/a (2015).
[16] H. Bugmann, et al., Toward Quantitative
Scenarios of Climate Change Impacts
in Switzerland, C. Appenzeller, et al.,
eds. (OCCR, FOEN, MeteoSwiss, C2SM,
Agroscope and ProClim, Bern, Switzerland,
2014), pp. 79–88.
[17] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe,
Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002).
[18] E. G. de Andrés, J. J. Camarero, I. Martìnez,
L. Coll, Forest Ecology and Management
319, 18 (2014).
[19] W. Tinner, et al., The Holocene 10, 565
(2000).
[20] L. Wick, A. Möhl, Vegetation History and
Archaeobotany 15, 435 (2006).
[21] J. B. Larsen, X. M. Qian, F. Scholz,
I. Wagner, European Journal of Forest
Pathology 18, 44 (1988).
[22] V. R. Barros, et al., Climate Change 2014:
Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.
Part B: Regional Aspects. Contribution of
Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment
Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (Cambridge University
Press, 2014).
[23] M. Durand-Gillmann, M. Cailleret, T. Boivin,
L.-M. Nageleisen, H. Davi, Annals of Forest
Science 71, 659 (2014).
[24] R. Kirschner, D. Begerow, F. Oberwinkler,
Mycological Research 105, 1403 (2001).
[25] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[26] L. Giordano, M. Garbelotto, G. Nicolotti,
P. Gonthier, Mycological Progress 12, 127
(2013).
[27] R. Burgess, Risks of Exotic Forest Pests
and Their Impact on Trade (The American
Phytopathological Society, 2001).
[28] R. Drenkhan, K. Adamson, K. Jürimaa,
M. Hanso, Forest Pathology 44, 250
(2014).
[29] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of silver fir
(Abies alba) (2011). www.euforgen.org.
[30] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).
[31] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01493b. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Mauri, A., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Abies alba in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e01493b+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 49

 Abies

Abies – Circum-Mediterranean firs in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, W. Tinner interest and due to the threats, endemism and geographically
scattered distribution, their preservation as genetic resources
Most European firs occur predominantly in small to medium-sized populations in the Mediterranean region, sometimes is a major challenge. Diverse genetic conservation strategies
with fragmented and limited distributions, except for silver fir (Abies alba). They all are genetically closely related and can have been elaborated, complementing the protection of natural
easily hybridise, perhaps as a consequence of late speciation during the late Quaternary. Circum-Mediterranean firs occur stands (national or local parks and reserve) with the conservation
principally in mountain areas with medium to high precipitations rates which are mostly concentrated during the winter of genetic resources outside their natural habitats (plantations,
period. The species are able to tolerate long droughts in summer and tend to form pure stands when in optimal habitats. orchards and conservation of genetic material in vitro and with
In the past firs have been extensively logged for construction and fire wood and their stands were replaced by other more cryopreservation30, 31). Southern fir populations deserve special
disturbance adapted species or converted into rural areas. Nowadays with the exception of silver fir and Caucasian fir attention under global warming conditions, particularly in regard
(Abies nordmanniana), circum-Mediterranean firs do not have a wide commercial interest. In Turkey they are still exploited to their genetic characters, which may be relevant for future
for timber wood, while other firs have an ornamental use in gardening. Great importance is given to their preservation, adaptation processes of firs30 .
especially to those populations which have very limited areas and specimens, with the creation of protected reserves and
conservation programmes. Wild fires, livestock grazing and genetic drift represent actually their main threats.
Circum-Mediterranean firs are evergreen conifers from
medium (25 m in height for Abies numidica) to large size (up to
1 Abies pinsapo var. pinsapo
over 60 m in height for Abies alba and Abies nordmanniana), 2 Abies pinsapo var. marocana
with columnar trunk and conical crown, which often becomes 3 Abies numidica
4 Abies nebrodensis
flattened or rounded in old trees. The stem is straight, composed 5 Abies alba
of short and horizontal branches regularly spaced. The needles 6 Abies x borisii-regis

are spirally arranged, radially perpendicular and brush-like 7 Abies cephalonica

8 Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani
(Abies nebrodensis, Abies pinsapo, A. numidica), twisted to point 9 Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana

upward (Abies cephalonica, Abies cilicica, A. nordmanniana) or 10 Abies cilicica

pectinate in two lateral sets (Abies alba). They are from 1 to

4 cm long, flattened, linear, with two white bands of stomata 9
beneath, rounded or more or less notched at the apex. Pollen 5

cones are clustered along the undersides of the current year’s

twigs, globular or conic, yellow-grey (A. alba, A. nebrodensis, 8
A. cilicica) or reddish purplish (A. cephalonica, A. numidica, 6

A. nordmanniana, A. pinsapo). Cones are ovoid to cylindrical, 1 4

7
10

resinous, reddish or dark brown at maturity, with rounded scales 2 3

which present hidden (A. pinsapo, A. numidica, A. cilicica) or

protruding bracts (A. alba, A. nordmanniana, A. cephalonica,
A. nebrodensis). Seeds are held in a membranous winged cup,
brown-reddish, from 5 to 20 mm long. Wood is soft, white to light
tan, with little difference between sapwood and heartwood 8-10 .
Distribution
Today most of these fir species are segregated in small areas
as relict and endemic populations, separated by geographical
barriers. A. pinsapo var. pinsapo occurs in South Spain in the
provinces of Malaga and Granada. A. pinsapo var. marocana
grows in the western Rif Mountains in northern Morocco. A.
numidica occupies an area on Mounts Babor and Talahor in the
Kabylia region of Algeria. A. cilicica occurs in North Syria, Lebanon
and South Turkey. A. nordmanniana has a wider range and is
native to West Caucasus and the mountains of North-East Turkey
along the Black Sea. A. nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani forms
Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana) is one of the tallest European trees,
growing over 60 m tall. (Copyright weisserstier, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map.
Chorology of the native spatial range for the Circum-Mediterranean firs.
Derived after Alizoti et al. and Jalas and Suominen17, 31 .
pure stands on mountains in western Anatolia near to the Aegean
Sea. Similarly, A. cephalonica has a widespread distribution; it
occurs in the Regions of Espiros, Macedonia, Peloponnesus,
Sterea Ellas and the Ionian Islands. A. x borisii-regis grows in the
mountains of the Balkan Peninsula in Bulgaria, northern Greece,
the Republic of Macedonia, Albania and Serbia, overlapping the
distribution areas of A. alba and A. cephalonica. A. nebrodensis
forms only a small population located in the Madonie Mountains
in the north-central part of Sicily9, 11-18.
Habitat and Ecology
Except for A. nordmanniana, which can be found also at sea
level, generally the circum-Mediterranean firs occur in mountain
habitats at altitudes of above 400 m, up to 2 400 m for A.
pinsapo var. marocana19 . They are located in humid or even very
humid climates with an annual precipitation over 700-800 mm,
concentrated principally during the winter period20-22 . When well
established, mature trees can tolerate long drought periods, but
suffer spring frosts. They develop in different parental materials,
but grow best on deeper acid soils with high water reserves.
Natural regeneration is normally abundant and easy inside their
habitat range, but is best below a level of cover which limits the
risk of late frost damage and water transpiration losses. Circum-
Mediterranean firs commonly form pure stands in their optimal
habitat, while at the borders they can be mixed with other tree
species, such as beech (Fagus spp.), deciduous and evergreen
oaks (Quercus spp.), pines (Pinus spp.), cedars (Cedrus spp.) and
junipers (Juniperus spp.)12-16, 18, 19, 23, 24 .
Importance and Usage
Fir wood is appreciated because it is easy to work with and
aesthetically pleasant, due to its soft and light structure. Even
if its quality is mediocre compared with other more valuable
woods, like spruce (Picea abies), pines and cedars, it has been
utilized locally for many purposes. Today A. nordmanniana, A.
cilicica and A. x borisii-regis, where abundant, are still exploited
and the wood is widely utilized in the building sector, for
furniture manufacture, veneer and plywood. A. nordmanniana is
particularly appreciated for its potential large sized and regular
timbers10, 25-28 . Thanks to their aptitude to inter-species breeding,
some firs have been used for selecting hybrids and cultivars with
particular foliage colours, habit and dimensions, and are widely
planted as ornamental trees in garden and parks. For example, A.
pinsapo is particularly appreciated for their brush-shape twigs,
A. nordmanniana is a popular Christmas tree because indoors
young plants keep their needles longer and A. numidica is
sometimes planted in hedges as it takes trimming well10, 29 . Since
most of the circum-Mediterranean firs have no wide commercial
Reddish pollen cones of Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo var. pinsapo).
(Copyright MPF, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Threats and Diseases
In the past, deforestation due to logging and forest clearance
for agricultural purposes was the main threat, especially for those
fir species with a limited distribution area32 . In Lebanon and Syria
fragmented and degraded forests of A. cilicica still suffer from
urban pressure with ongoing cutting in marginal rural areas for
fuel wood, while A. nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani stands are
more threatened by tourism development10, 13, 15, 33 . Unlike others,
A. pinsapo has never been extensively felled, probably due to
the difficulty of access and the unsuitability for farming of lands
occupied by those firs34 .
Actually, in many countries the most endangered fir forests
are regulated by conservation laws and protected in natural
reserves, which limit human activities. In these protected areas
Taxonomic notes
Circum-Mediterranean firs have been historically classified on the base
of macro-morphological and anatomical differences. However, paleo-
botanic, genetic and micro-morphometric studies have recently modified
their classification1-4 . In fact these firs are closely related genetically
and they can easily hybridise naturally and artificially, so that it is not
easy to distinguish between them5 . The speciation probably occurred
from a common Tertiary ancestor. Later, firs expanded and contracted
following the glacial cycles. Around the Mediterranean basin firs now
occupy fragmented and sometimes limited areas. This is largely the result
of the geological and climatic history of the Mediterranean region where firs
have evolved, having fostered differentiations and local adaptations, which
have led to the emergence of many species, subspecies, and varieties6, 7.
Actually, the genus Abies is classified in 10 sections, of which two include
the circum-Mediterranean fir species. The Abies section comprises fir
species distributed in the Centre-North of the Mediterranean Basin: Abies
alba Mill. (silver fir), Abies cephalonica Loudon (Greek fir), Abies x borisii-
regis Mattf. (Bulgarian fir), which is a hybrid of Abies cephalonica and Abies
alba, Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Sicilian fir), Abies cilicica Ant. &
Kotschy Carriére (Syrian fir), and Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach,
for which two subspecies are recognised: Abies nordmanniana subsp.
nordmanniana (Caucasian fir) and Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani
(Turkish fir). Some authors consider this latter as a separate species Abies
equi-trojani or as a hybrid Abies x equi-trojani between Abies cephalonica
and Abies nordmanniana. Disjunct fir populations of the subspecies equi-
trojani in North-West Turkey, which show minor morphological differences,
have led some authors to recognise the subspecies Abies nordmanniana
subsp. bornmuelleriana, sometimes considered as separated species Abies
bornmuelleriana. The Piceaster section comprises fir species distributed in
the South-West of the Mediterranean basin: Abies pinsapo var. pinsapo
Boiss. (Spanish fir), Abies pinsapo var. marocana (Trab.) Cebalos & Bolaño
(Moroccan fir) and Abies numidica de Lannoy ex Carrière (Algerian fir)8-10 .

50 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Abies

accidental fires represent the major cause of forest loss. Firs

are particularly sensitive to excessive (anthropogenic) fire
disturbance, which is pervasive in most Mediterranean areas.
When severe, wild fires can destroy entire stands and degrade
the habitat, making it less suitable for firs, so that post-fire
regeneration is not always guaranteed12, 16, 34-37. Goat and cattle
grazing activity can be particularly destructive when intensive,
damaging seedlings and young shoots of juvenile plants and
limiting forest regeneration. Now in most fir forests pasturing
continues under control, but in some isolated A. cilicica stands
livestock grazing is still one of the main threats13, 18, 33 . Forests
degraded by fire and grazing activity are more susceptible to
pathogens. A. pinsapo has seen an increase in attacks of the root
rot fungus Heterobasidion spp. and the coleopteran Cryphalus
numidicus in recent decades, especially in drought periods34, 38, 39 .

Syrian fir forest (Abies cilicica) in Western Taurus Mountains (South Turkey).
(Copyright Vince Smith, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Forest of Spanish firs (Abies pinsapo var. pinsapo) in Sierra Bermeja (South Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e015be7. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., Tinner, W., 2016. Abies - Circum-Mediterranean
firs in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e015be7+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 51

 Acer campestre
Acer campestre in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Field maple (Acer campestre L.) is a medium-size tree commonly growing in most of Europe and extending its range
eastwards to the Caspian Sea. It is a mesophile species, forming part of temperate mixed deciduous forests as a
subdominant tree. Together with elms, this maple has been planted traditionally in rural areas as living props for
grapevines. It is also appreciated as an ornamental plant for its flowers and coloured foliage in autumn. Its wood is used
mainly for fire and pulp, produced in coppiced mixed forests. There are few serious diseases affecting the field maple,
principally causing damage on young seedling in nurseries.
Field maple is a medium-sized tree, typically reaching 15 m
tall (exceptionally 25 m) and 60-70 cm in trunk diameter. It can
be present as a tree, but also as a shrub in the understorey1, 2 .
The bark is light grey, rather smooth and hard but with shallow
fissures, exfoliating in small flakes when older2 . The crown is
domed, usually low, with short side-shoots; bole is sinuous and
the branch ends droop, then turn upwards3 . Leaves are in opposite
pairs, bright green when just unfolding, becoming darker. In autumn
the foliage colour is rich gold over a long period, sometimes red.
The leaf is simple, 5-16 cm long and 5-10 cm broad, with five
blunt, rounded lobes with a smooth margin2, 3 . Flowers are small
and yellow-green, about ten widely spaced in an erect head;
flowering usually starts in late April, either simultaneously with,
or several days before bud burst4 . Field maple is a monoecious
species, producing hermaphrodite flowers. Usually individuals
show complex temporal patterns of sex expression during the
flowering season. Pollination is typically entomophilous, but it
is supposedly capable of dispersing some portion of its pollen
by wind1 . The fruits are double samaras, crimson coloured with
wings horizontally aligned at 180°, 2.5-3 cm long and grouped
in 3-4 bunches. The samaras ripen in late September and are
dispersed by the wind from mid October on. Seed dormancy lasts
at least one year, natural germination usually takes 18 months;
well-established 5 to 8 year-old seedlings begin rapid growth
that lasts for about 25 years3-5 .
Distribution
This species is adapted to areas that are in transition between
Mediterranean and Euro-Siberian ecoregions. The natural
distribution of field maple covers most of Europe: the latitudinal
distribution ranges from 55° to 38° N, from central and southern
England, southern Sweden and Denmark to the Pyrenees, Sicily,
Greece and northern Turkey. Isolated occurrences can be found in
Spain and North Africa. Field maple reaches its eastern limits in
the Voronezh Region in Russia, in the Crimean Peninsula, in the
52 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
water needs and avoids waterlogging, favouring calcareous soils,
but also grows well on heavy clay and is able to subsist on soils
with pH lower than 6 or higher than 8. It is extremely shade-
tolerant during the first decade, but light requirements are higher
in seed-bearing years. It coppices very freely up to an age of 60-
100 years and it is very tolerant of cutting and grazing of shoots;
these factors make it well adapted for hedges2, 4 . Across its
natural range, field maple does not form pure stands, but instead
it is often a subdominant species in many plant communities.
Given its low commercial importance, field maple is not normally
Frequency
< 25% silviculturally managed and often grows in spontaneously
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
established and semi-natural populations1 . On the continent it
> 75% can be characteristic of mixed broad-leaved woodland, especially
Chorology
Native
with species of genera such as Quercus, Tilia, Ulmus and
Castanea, and it is rare in coniferous forests2, 10 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Acer campestre.
Frequency of Acer campestre occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for A. campestre is derived after EUFORGEN15 .
Caucasus and at the southern shores of the Caspian Sea4, 6-8 . This
species has not been planted widely outside its natural range,
except as an ornamental tree9 .
Habitat and Ecology
Field maple has a very wide ecological range, although it
is more common in mesophile stands, especially deciduous oak
forests, from sea level up to 1 600 m in altitude4, 9 . It prefers
warmer climates but it can also be winter hardy and tolerate the
temperature extremes of continental sites, even if late frosts at
the beginning of a vegetative season potentially have an impact
Corymb of hermaphrodite flowers with green-yellow
on the distribution of the species1, 5 . Field maple has moderate stamens and sepals and no petals.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Importance and Usage
Uncertain, no-data The scientific name Acer campestre, which means properly
field maple, probably originates from Italy, where this maple
Marginal/no presence < 5%
together with the elm (Ulmus spp.) were planted in fields and
Low presence 5% - 10% vineyards as living props for grapevines, and considered an
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% important element of the landscape4 . It is also commonly planted
in gardens and parks and for street and roadside, as tree, scrub
Medium presence 30% - 50%
or in hedges, appreciated for its beautiful colours in autumn and
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% for blossoms before leaves appear9 . The wood is white, hard
High presence 70% - 90% and strong and, when sizeable timber is available, it is used
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Five-lobed yellow leaves with smooth margins, displaying autumn colours.
(Copyright Wendy Cutler, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
 Acer campestre

for furniture, joinery and flooring. However, due to the small

dimensions and low quantities produced, field maple wood is
mostly used as firewood and pulpwood in coppiced mixed stands,
in combination with other valuable broadleaved tree species. This Uncertain, no-data
species represents an interesting alternative to other maples for Tundra, cold desert
plantation in open areas with significant Mediterranean influence
Negligible survivability
and sun-facing conditions, including protection forests on
watershed slopes, as long as they are not too exposed. The bark Low survivability
is used in medicine as decoctions to treat sore eyes and as anti- Mid-low survivability
cholesterol and astringent. Field maple flowers provide abundant
Medium survivability
pollen and its nectar used by bees resulting in good honey and
honeydew yield4, 9 . The field maple distribution range overlaps Mid-high survivability
with many areas in Europe with high erosion rates such as the High survivability
European mountain systems11 . Its adventitious roots are suitable
to be exploited for soil bioengineering to increase the stability of
slopes and mitigate erosion12 .

Threats and Diseases

There are few serious health problems affecting the field
maple, either in the field or in the nursery.
As other maples, this species can be a host for the fungus
Cryptostroma corticale, which causes sooty bark disease, a
pathogen common in northern America and now present Europe.
It affects principally the sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus),
causing serious damage after hot and dry summers. A fungal
pathogen of genus Rhytisma causes conspicuous dark round
spots on leaves, affecting mainly sycamore maple, but with
negligible impact on field maple growth13 . In nurseries young
maple seedlings can be damaged or killed by Ceratocystis
virescens or infected by the powdery mildew caused by Unicinula
bicornis. The field maple and other species of genus Acer are
highly vulnerable14 to the Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora
glabripennis) which is a large wood-boring beetle native of
Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea and China. Other negative
agents affecting different maple trees include aphids as well
as defoliating (Lymantria, Operophtera) and drilling (Cossus,
Xyleborus) insects2, 6, 9 .
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Seeds are green double samaras with horizontally aligned wings.

(Copyright Pancrazio Campagna, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] I. Chybicki, B. Waldon-Rudzionek, K. Meyza
10, 1739 (2014).
[2] E. W. Jones, Journal of Ecology 32, 239
(1945).
[3] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[4] L. Nagy, F. Ducci, EUFORGEN Technical
Guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for field maple (Acer campestre)
(Bioversity International, 2004).
Large field maples with large domed crown in a garden park (Weinsberg, South Germany). [5] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
(Copyright Rosenzweig, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY) British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[6] J. Coello, et al., Ecology and silviculture of
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised the main valuable broadleaved species
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. in the Pyrenean area and neighbouring
regions (Centre de la Propietat Forestal,
Generalitat de Catalunya, Santa Perpètua
de Mogoda (Spain), 2013).
[7] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
[9] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[10] Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, Global Ecological
Zoning for the Global Forest Resources
Assessment 2000 - Final Report (Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, Forestry Department, Rome,
Italy, 2001).
[11] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[12] F. Florineth, H. P. Rauch, H. Staffler,
Proceedings of the International Congress
INTERPRAEVENT 2002 in the Pacific Rim
(2002), vol. 2, pp. 827–837.
[13] EPPO, EPPO Global Database (2015).
https://gd.eppo.int
[14] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der [15] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of field

Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer mapple (Acer campestre) (2008).
Verlag Jena, 1978). www.euforgen.org.
[8] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
Annual precipitation (mm)

vascular plants (North of the Tropic of

Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books,
1986).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012c65. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Acer campestre in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e012c65+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 53

 Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Acer platanoides L., commonly known as Norway maple, is a large tree that is widespread in central Europe and reaching
eastwards the Ural Mountains. It is a fast-growing species, able to grow in a wide range of soils and habitat conditions.
In natural stands it occurs in fresh and humid sites in temperate mixed forests, both with conifers and broadleaves. It is
a secondary species, growing in small groups or individually. It has been planted intensively as an ornamental and shade
tree, appreciated for its colourful foliage and large, spreading crown, in combination with its tolerance of urban conditions.
Its wood is also valued for its attractive flaming figures and is used for music instruments, furniture, marquetry and turned
objects. This maple is generally free of serious diseases, except in urban areas, where it is more vulnerable to pathogens.
In North America it has been widely planted and is now naturalised, becoming an invasive species.
The Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) is a large and tall-
domed tree, sometimes very broad, growing to 25-30 m tall and Frequency
60-80 cm in diameter, although exceptionally over 150 cm. The < 25%
25% - 50%
stem is straight, short with perpendicular shoots and the crown 50% - 75%

is dense with foliage. The leaves are opposite, simple, 10-15 cm > 75%
Chorology
long, very variable in dimension depending on the age and the Native

vigour of the tree. They have five lobes with long and acuminate Introduced

teeth and smooth margins. The colour is bright to shiny green

turning yellow in autumn; the stalk is reddish, 10-20 cm long.
The Norway maple is a monoecious hermaphrodite species
Flowers are insect pollinated and are produced
with inflorescences grouped in panicles of 30-40 flowers, each when the tree is 25-30 years of age.
6-8 mm long with five yellow-green petals. In this species flowers (Copyright Maja Dumat, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

appear from about 25-30 years and are insect pollinated. The
fruit is a double samara, 3-5 cm each, greenish-yellow, dispersed
by the wind. The two samaras are set at a wide angle approaching
180°. The bark of young trees is smooth and grey-brown; on older
trees the bark becomes darker and shallowly furrowed with long
narrow ridges in a network. The wood is dark reddish-brown; the
grain is straight, with a fine, uniform texture. Many cultivars have
been selected for their distinctive leaf shape and coloration and
for crown shape1-5 .
Distribution
Norway maple is the most widespread native maple in Europe.
Its natural distribution ranging from Greece, Balkans, North Italy
and Pyrenees to southern Fennoscandia, and toward the East it
arrives as far as Russia but not over the Ural Mountains. It grows
from sea level up to 1400 m in the Alps. In Europe it is not native
of western France, British Isles, Netherlands and Denmark. The
subspecies Acer platanoides turkestanicum occurs in mountain
forests of Turkey, Caucasus and northern Iran on the southern
coasts of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, reaching 2400 m
in elevation. Norway maple is commonly found throughout
mainland Europe, even in countries where it is non-native. It
was also introduced in the United States in the 18th century and
now it is naturalised in some areas of central-east United States
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Acer platanoides.
Frequency of Acer platanoides occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native and
introduced spatial range for A. platanoides is derived after several sources6, 28-31 .
and south-east Canada. It shares the ecological range of sugar
maple (Acer saccharum), which is taxonomically close. Norway
maple may be found all over the world in towns and villages as
an ornamental and shade tree6-8 .
Habitat and Ecology
The Norway maple is a fast-growing tree species, able to
grow well across a wide range of soil conditions, shade, drought
and pollution. However, it thrives best in deep, fertile, moist soils,
which are adequately drained and with a sub-acid pH. Exposure
and strong calcareous soils are well tolerated4, 5 . It is intolerant
of low soil nitrogen conditions, high evapo-transpiration or
prolonged drought and it is rare on acidic soils (pH near 4)8 .
It tends to be located at the base of hills where it receives a
surface runoff and subsurface soil water flow. It also thrives at
higher elevations with sufficient precipitation8 . It germinates and
grows quickly in shade, even under close canopy. When mature,
it becomes more light-demanding9, 10 . The height increment is
about 1 m/year in the first 10 years. With its wide crown it tends
to shade and suppress other slow-growing competitor species4 .
Under optimal conditions Norway maple may live for more than
250 years1 . Over Europe it occurs in fresh and humid sites both
in coniferous and deciduous forests. In natural stands Norway
maple occurs as a secondary species with low frequency, thus
not forming pure stands but generally found in small groups or as
individual trees. In temperate continental mixed forests it can co-
dominate with other broadleaves such as English oak (Quercus
robur) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)3, 8, 10-13 .
Importance and Usage
The Norway maple has been used extensively as an ornamental,
shade and street-side tree because of its attractiveness, colourful
foliage and large, spreading crown, in combination with its tolerance
of urban conditions. Its ability to resprout vigorously after trimming
makes it suitable to be used as a live fence4 .
The Norway maple distribution range overlaps with many areas

The large five-lobed leaves appear after the flowers. This species is frequently planted as an ornamental for its attractive
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) autumn colouration. (Copyright Nicholas A. Tonelli, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

54 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Acer platanoides

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Leaves are generally 10-20cm in length, varying widely in size

depending on the age and vigour of the tree.
(Copyright Donald Hobern, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

in Europe with high erosion rates such as the European mountain

systems14 . Its adventitious roots are suitable to be exploited for
soil bioengineering to increase the stability of slopes and mitigate
erosion15 . The species shows a high efficacy against rockfall16 .
The wood of Norway maple is similar to other maple species
in colour, grain and texture, bearing closest relation to field maple
(Acer campestre) with an intermediate hardness5 . Wavy-grained
maple is in great demand for its attractive flaming figures, used
principally for music instruments, such as guitars and violins4 .
The Italian violinmaker Stradivari in the 17th and early 18th
centuries used spruce wood (Picea abies) for the top plates of
their instruments and Norway maple wood for the rest17. The Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
wood of this species is also used for furniture, marquetry, turned
objects, and other small speciality wood items4 .

Threats and Diseases

In its natural habitats Norway maple is generally free of References
[1] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C. [16] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
serious diseases. However, in urban areas, along with other Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
maple trees it can suffer from different diseases caused by a and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
[2] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
combination of stresses due to pollution, site alteration, soil (Collins, 2006). Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
compaction, etc.4 . Sooty bark disease caused by Cryptostroma [3] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger, [17] B. C. Stoel, T. M. Borman, PLoS ONE 3,
Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995). e2554 (2008).
corticale is an important pathogen common in northern America [18] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
[4] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
and central Europe, affecting principally the sycamore maple (Acer forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). mri10a15+ (2016).
[5] G. Kerr, J. Niles, Forestry 71, 219 (1998). [19] EPPO, EPPO Global Database (2015).
pseudoplatanus), but also dangerous for the Norway maple, with https://gd.eppo.int
[6] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
serious damage after hot and dry summers. The Asian longhorn Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der [20] J. C. Goud, Verticillium wilt in trees:
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer Detection, prediction and disease
beetle Anoplophora glabripennis is a large wood-boring beetle Verlag Jena, 1978). management, Ph.D. thesis, Wageningen
native of Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea and China. Its Universiteit, The Netherlands (2003).
[7] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of [21] I. J. Grimmett, K. A. Smith, F. Bärlocher,
larvae tunnel and feed on the cambium layer of bark, attacking Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books, Freshwater Science 31, 1088 (2012).
healthy trees as well as trees under stress and eventually killing 1986). [22] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
[8] D. J. Nowak, R. A. Rowntree, Journal of (2015).
the host species. It is creating serious economic, ecological and Arboriculture 16, 291 (1990). [23] CABI, Cameraria ohridella (horsechestnut
aesthetic impacts on different hardwood tree species mainly [9] A. F. Rhoads, T. A. Block, Invasive species leafminer) (2015). Invasive Species
fact sheet (The Pennsylvania Flora Project, Compendium. http://www.cabi.org
in the United States and recently in Europe. Norway maple and 2011). [24] C. R. Webster, K. Nelson, S. R. Wangen,
other species of genus Acer are particularly vulnerable18 and one [10] H. Hytteborn, A. A. Maslov, D. I. Nazimova, Forest Ecology and Management 208,
L. P. Rysin, Ecosystems of the World, Vol. 85 (2005).
of the major hosts in urban areas19 . Fungi of the genus Rhytisma 6: Coniferous Forests, F. A. Andersson, ed. [25] K. O. Reinhart, F. Maestre, R. Callaway,
infect the leaves of maples and cause black spots on upper leaf (Elsevier, 2005), pp. 23–99. Biological Invasions 8, 231 (2006).
surfaces. The wilt fungi of genus Verticillium infect ornamental [11] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen [26] S. L. Webb, T. H. Pendergast, M. E. Dwyer,
Vegetation Europas; Map of the Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society
and nursery plants through the root system along water- Natural Vegetation of Europe 128, 141 (2001).
(Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000). [27] CABI, Acer platanoides (norway maple)
[12] R. L. Hendrick, Forest Types and (2014). Invasive Species Compendium.
Fruit is a double samara; this shape enables it to be dispersed far Classification (Blackwell Science Ltd, http://www.cabi.org
Oxford, UK, 2001), pp. 23–64. [28] A. N. Afonin, S. L. Greene, N. I. Dzyubenko,
from the parent tree by the wind.
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) [13] Food and Agriculture Organization of A. N. Frolov, eds., Interactive Agricultural
the United Nations, Global Ecological Ecological Atlas of Russia and Neighboring
Zoning for the Global Forest Resources Countries: Economic Plants and their
conducting tissues and resulting in blockage of water movement Assessment 2000 - Final Report (Food Diseases, Pests and Weeds [Online] (2008).
and Agriculture Organization of the United http://www.agroatlas.ru.
to the foliage4, 20, 21 . Although Cameraria ochridella (horse-chestnut Nations, Forestry Department, Rome, [29] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
Italy, 2001).
leafminer) is mainly known for its impressive impact on the http://www.tela-botanica.org
[14] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen, [30] R. Alìa Miranda, et al., Regiones de
European horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), it is also P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth procedencia de especies forestales en
System Science 15, 225 (2015). España (Organismo Autónomo Parques
harmful to Norway maple which partly coexists with the natural [15] F. Florineth, H. P. Rauch, H. Staffler, Nacionales, Madrid, 2009).
niche of the horse-chestnut leafminer22, 23 . During the middle of Proceedings of the International Congress [31] Bundesamtes für Naturschutz, ed.,
INTERPRAEVENT 2002 in the Pacific Rim FloraWeb (2015). http://www.floraweb.de.
the 20th century this species was widely planted in United States (2002), vol. 2, pp. 827–837.
to replace American elm (Ulmus americana) that were lost due
to Dutch elm disease. However, with its fast growth, dense shade,
and shallow roots, the species has since demonstrated itself to be This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
a proficiently invasive species, reducing abundance and diversity at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e019159. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
of native species and altering the natural forest community related main topics.
structures24 . It has invaded mixed-deciduous forests especially This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
on disturbed sites in parts of eastern North America, requiring Please, cite as:
in some cases mechanical or chemical control measures7, 9, 25-27. Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Acer platanoides in Europe:
Bark on a mature tree showing network of long narrow ridges. distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e019159+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 55

 Acer pseudoplatanus

Acer pseudoplatanus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

S. Pasta, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo

The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is a large fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, domed crown. Its
primary range includes central, eastern and southern Europe, Caucasus and northern Minor Asia, but since the seventeenth
century it started to be naturalised north of its native range both in Europe and in the other temperate regions of the
world. It is rarely found in pure stands but often dominates mixed softwood deciduous forests and typically occurs
on nutrient-rich soils that often accumulate in the shady micro-climates. Sycamore maple is tolerant to a variety of
stresses including pollution and salt winds, making it suitable for urban and coastal planting. Its timber is useful for a
variety of purposes including furniture, joinery, indoor flooring and musical instruments.
The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is a large
deciduous tree that can live for more than 350-400 years. It
Frequency
grows up to 30-35 m in height with a diameter of 60-80 cm < 25%
25% - 50%
and a very broad domed crown whose diameter can sometimes 50% - 75%
exceed the height of the tree1, 2 . However, it also has a strong root > 75%
Chorology
system making it quite wind-firm despite the large crown1 . It has Native
large palmate opposite leaves with five pointed lobes that vary
considerably in shape and size depending on the age and vigour
of the shoot, but which may reach 18 ×  26 cm in young vigorous
trees. The leaves are dark green above with a slightly glaucous
underside and a scarlet petiole2, 3 . The bark is smooth and grey
in young trees, later becoming rougher and cracked into scaly
squares that curl away at the edges2 . It is a monoecious species,
producing yellow-green flowers on hanging racemes 6-12 cm
long in mid-April when the tree is 10-20 years old. There is a
wide array of pollinating insects4 ; each inflorescence may result
in up to 30 fruits and a single tree may have more than 800
inflorescences5 . The seeds mature in the autumn and are double
The Sycamore Gap, iconic tree growing along Hadrian’s Wall
samaras set in a V shape, which catch the wind and spin as they near Northumberland (UK).
fall3, 6 . These wind-dispersed seeds give rise to occasional long- Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Acer pseudoplatanus. (Copyright Sarah Millar, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Frequency of Acer pseudoplatanus occurrences within the field observations
distance dispersal (distances of up to 4 km have been recorded4), as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
as well as to intense dispersal around the mother plant in a radius spatial range for A. pseudoplatanusis derived after EUFORGEN69 . tolerate very well forest clearing practices15 . It typically occurs
of about 200 m7. Its seeds do not accumulate in a persistent seed on nutrient-rich soils that often accumulate in the shady micro-
bank, but germinate in the early spring following dispersal5 . has become naturalised north of its native range in Europe: e.g. climates towards the bases of slopes and ravines. Therefore it
United Kingdom and Scandinavia10 , and even in other continents: is found on calcareous substrates associated with coarse scree,
Distribution i.e. North and South America, New Zealand, Australia and India11 . cliffs, steep rocky slopes and ravines, where inaccessibility has
The natural distribution range of sycamore includes Central reduced human impact, forming a series of scattered patches
and Eastern Europe and the mountain systems of Southern Habitat and Ecology grading into other types of woodland on level valley floors and
Europe (i.e. Apennines and Dinaric Alps), Caucasus and North of The sycamore maple is not able to thrive in drought-prone on slopes above, or as narrow strips along stream-sides. More
Minor Asia. Its northern limit is South Denmark at around the 55° regions12, 13 . Both germination and establishment take place under extensive stands occur on limestone and other base-rich rocks,
North parallel8 . Although it has not yet managed to fill all of its a wide pH range. It grows well in shaded conditions, particularly but it may be encountered also on acidic soils5 . Sycamore maple
potential range on its expansion from Ice-Age refugia in southern in its juvenile stage5 and this explains its ability to succeed rarely forms forests on its own, but generally dominates the
Europe9 , after its intensive plantation in the 18th century, it within established forests14 . Nonetheless, seedlings and saplings cooler and more humid environments (shade-tolerant forests),
where it supports a wide range of epiphytes, herbivores and a
rather varied ground flora16 . The literature concerning the forest
communities of Central Europe17-24 , the Alpine region25-28 and
the more recent papers focused on those of Southern European
peninsulas and Sicily29-38 points out that Acer pseudoplatanus
Uncertain, no-data is often a dominating species within mixed deciduous forests
Marginal/no presence < 5% corresponding to the maple-lime forest type, also designated
Low presence 5% - 10% as protected priority habitat 9180 “Tilio-Acerion forests of
slopes, screes and ravines”39 . This forest type is referred to
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% the phytosociological class Querco-Fagetea Br.-Bl. & Vlieger
Medium presence 30% - 50% in Vlieger 1937, and it hosts secondary species such as ash
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% (Fraxinus excelsior), wych elm (Ulmus glabra) and limes, mainly
small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), more rarely large-leaved lime
High presence 70% - 90% (Tilia platyphyllos)40 .
Very-high presence > 90%

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Maturing double samars set in a V shape.
(Copyright Wendy Cutler, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

56 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Acer pseudoplatanus

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Bark cracked into plates curling away.

(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Importance and Usage

The sycamore maple is tolerant to pollution, exposed sites
including salt winds and low summer temperatures. Together
with its striking and attractive appearance, this makes it a popular
choice as an ornamental tree in urban and coastal locations1 .
Its litter improves humus formation and nutrient cycling41, 42 and
thus contributes to landscape diversity43, 44 . Its seeds contain
large amounts of hypoglycin A, which may induce atypical
myopathy on horses grazing under their canopies45 . On the other
hand, some parts of sycamore maple can be consumed by men:
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
for instance, in Poland fresh tree sap was drunk as a beverage,
leaf buds were eaten raw by shepherds, and leaves were put
in the oven under baking bread both to prevent it from sticking
and to give it a special flavour46 . The leaves are still used to
wrap local cheese in Northern Spain29 . Moreover, some promising
chemical compounds which could be used against several types
of cancer have been recently isolated in several Acer species47.
The sycamore maple distribution range overlaps with many
areas in Europe with high erosion rates such as the European
mountain systems48 . Its adventitious roots are very suitable to
be exploited for soil bioengineering to increase the stability of
slopes and mitigate erosion49 . The species shows a high efficacy
against rockfall50 . Sycamore is also one of the fastest growing
broadleaved species when grown on suitable sites. Its timber is
soft but tough and light with an attractive colour, and is used
for turnery, furniture making, joinery, indoor flooring and musical
instruments1, 51 . Its rapid growth and potentially high timber
prices make it economically attractive52 , but despite its economic
interest, the ecological services provided and its adaptability to
a wide range of site conditions, sycamores only occupy a small
proportion of European forest areas53 .

Threats and Diseases

The sycamore maple and other species of genus Acer are Ovoid bud with greenish scales in winter.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
highly vulnerable54 to the Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora
glabripennis) which is a large wood-boring beetle native of Asian
countries, such as Japan, Korea and China. Bark stripping by grey
squirrels and damage by other browsing animals can reduce Group of sycamores in a forested area near Hockenheim
the amount of valuable timber52, 55 . The leaves may be severely (Baden-Württemberg, Germany).
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Reddish leaves on young seedling with five deep lobes and long stalks.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 57

 Acer pseudoplatanus

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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Influorescence of green flowers with yellow anthers and no petals.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Sycamores are appreciated ornamental trees for their attractive autumnal leaf colour.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01665a. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Pasta, S., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Acer pseudoplatanus in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e01665a+

58 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Strokkur Geyser (Selfoss, Iceland).
(Copyright Gian-Reto Tarnutzer, unsplash.com: CC0)

Lysefjord in the Ryfylke area (Forsand, southwestern Norway).

(Copyright Samuel Killworth, unsplash.com: CC0)

Native Scots pine forest in Cairngorms National Park (central Scotland).

(Copyright MemoryCatcher, pixabay.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 59

 Aesculus hippocastanum

Aesculus hippocastanum in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. Ravazzi, G. Caudullo
Aesculus hippocastanum L., the European horse-chestnut, is a mesophytic broad-leaved tree native to a few mountain
ranges in the Balkan Peninsula, but widespread in the urban landscape of moist, warm-temperate Europe. The morphology
and ecology of its large seeds are very distinctive, and they are also known for their medicinal properties. Natural populations
are reduced and declining after strong insect infections, pollution, wood extraction and forest fires. For this reason it
recently received the status of near-threatened species.

Description Frequency
European horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) is the < 25%
25% - 50%
only European native species belonging to the Aesculus genus, 50% - 75%
which counts 13 tree and shrub species living in temperate > 75%
Chorology
deciduous forests1 . It is a large and tall tree growing up to 39 m Native

and potentially very long-living2 . It develops an oval crown, bearing

large shade-giving leaves composed by 5-7 palmate leaflets.
Numerous white hermaphrodite flowers are born in a pyramidal
inflorescence. The petals are yellow at the base, as are their major
veins at pollination maturity, while later turning deep orange and
thus afterwards rejected by bumblebees and honeybees3 . Pollen is
very distinctive, with coarse spines4 . Only 2-5 (8) flowers from the
base of each inflorescence develop the subglobose fruit, provided
with sharp spines and containing one to three seeds. The ripe seed
recalls the chestnut fruit in its dark brown colour and is used for
horse feeding, justifying the origin of the common name5 . The
surface of the seed also bears a large whitish scar-like mark, which The large leaves are composed of 5-7 palmate leaflets.
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
is the hilum, attaching them to the ovary6 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Aesculus hippocastanum.
Distribution Frequency of Aesculus hippocastanum occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
The European horse-chestnut is endemic for two relict main spatial range for A. hippocastanum is derived after several sources8, 10, 26-28 .
ranges, each containing small isolated populations respectively in
mountains of Greece, Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic Importance and Usage
of Macedonia7, 8 and in the Preslavski Balkan, Bulgaria9, 10 . It Horse-chestnuts are favourite trees of gardens, parks and
is a relic species from the Early Pleistocene, about 1 million roadways under moist climates. Numerous horticultural varieties
years ago. At that time it was still widespread in Europe11, 12 . have been described. The seeds have traditionally been used as
Its subsequent decline may be related to the extinction of large a therapy for chronic venous inefficiency17 and are processed by
mammals acting as dispersers of its large seeds13 and to low the pharmaceutical industry. It has been shown that they contain
tolerant seed physiology to desiccation14 . In 1557 AD seeds of escin, preventing accumulation of white blood cells responsible for
uncertain provenance were imported from Turkey to Prague, poor blood flow in the legs, common with ageing18 . Unprocessed
beginning the tree cultivation in Europe5 . Claims of occurrence seeds are poisonous, but a decoction of the bark and leaves is
in the Bronze Age pile dwellings from North Italy15 turned to be also used in folk medicine of Albania, Kosovo and Central Italy to
modern contaminants. treat circulatory and rheumatic problems19, 20 .
Habitat and Ecology Threats and Diseases The large brown seeds are also known as conkers.
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
The European horse-chestnut is a mesophytic tree, Total population in the native habitat is reduced to less
growing in moist deciduous broad-leaved forests under a warm- than 2 500 mature individuals21 , with declining subpopulations References
temperate climate. It thrives especially at the bottom of shady due to strong infections by Cameraria ochridella (nocturnal [1] J. W. Hardin, Brittonia 12 (1960). [16] I. Horvat, V. Glavač, H. H. Ellenberg,
ravines on limestone bedrock and on alluvial soils in association moth, Lepidoptera), which feeds on the leaves, causing mid- [2] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide Vegetation Südosteuropas, vol. 4 of
(Collins, 2006). Geobotanica selecta (Gustav Fischer
with hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), but also in mountain mixed summer defoliation and exhaustion of the trees and may reduce Verlag, Jena, 1974).
[3] M. C. F. Proctor, P. Yeo, A. Lack, The natural
forests up to 1600 m altitude16 . It is very sensitive to forest fire; reproduction in natural populations22-24 . Horse-chestnuts are history of pollination (Timber Press, 1996). [17] E. Bombardelli, P. Morazzoni, A. Griffini,
Fitoterapia 67, 483 (1996).
moreover seed are both dormant and recalcitrant; i.e. they do not highly vulnerable25 to the Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora [4] A. E. Pozhidaev, Grana 34, 10 (1995).
[18] M. H. Pittler, E. Ernst, Cochrane Database
[5] H. W. Lack, Arnoldia 61, 15 (2002). of Systematic Reviews (John Wiley &
tolerate water desiccation even at maturity14 . This is why horse- glabripennis) which is a large wood-boring beetle native of Asian Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK, 2006).
[6] A. Cronquist, An Integrated System
chestnut seedlings do not establish on open and dry substrates, countries, such as Japan, Korea and China. Other threats are of Classification of Flowering Plants [19] A. Pieroni, et al., Journal of
(Columbia University Press, New York, Ethnopharmacology 91, 331 (2004).
limiting species ability to pioneering moist rocky and karstic active touring activities and pollution, wood extraction and forest 1981).
[20] B. Mustafa, et al., Journal of Ethnobiology
sites only and preventing migration after forest withdrawals and fires in the residual spots. European horse-chestnut is assessed [7] P. Fukarek, Problems of Balkan flora and Ethnomedicine 8, 6+ (2012).
and vegetation: proceedings of the first
climate worsening16 . as vulnerable in Greece and Bulgaria and near-threatened at International Symposium on Balkan Flora [21] S. Khela, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
and Vegetation, Varna, June 7-14, 1973, Species (2013), pp. 202914/0+.
European scale21 . D. Jordanov, ed. (Bulgarian Academy of [22] C. Thalmann, J. Freise, W. Heitland, S.
Sciences, Sofia, 1975), pp. 146–161. Bacher, Trees 17, 383 (2003)
[8] N. Avtzis, D. Avtzis, S. Vergos, S. Diamantis, [23] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
Phytologia Balcanica 13, 11 (2007). (2015).
[9] M. Anchev, et al., Phytologia Balcanica 15, [24] CABI, Cameraria ohridella (horsechestnut
63 (2009). leafminer) (2015). Invasive Species
[10] L. Evstatieva, Red Data Book of the Compendium. http://www.cabi.org
Republic of Bulgaria, Volume 1 - Plants [25] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
& Fungi, D. Peev, V. Vladimirov, eds. mri10a15+ (2016).
(Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and [26] J. Acevski, B. Simovski, Proceedings of
Ministry of Environment and Water, Sofia, the International conference Integrated
Bulgaria, 2011). management of environmental resources:
[11] C. Ravazzi, Giornale botanico italiano 128, Suceava, November 4-6th, 2011, S.-A.
751 (1994). Horodnic, M.-L. Duduman, C. Palaghianu,
[12] J. M. Postigo Mijarra, F. Gómez eds. (Editura Universităţii "Ştefan cel
Manzaneque, C. Morla, Vegetation History Mare", Suceava, Romania, 2012).
and Archaeobotany 17, 351 (2008). [27] R. D. Smith, K. A. Smith, eds., Country
[13] L. van der Pijl, Principles of Dispersal in Study for Biodiversity of the Republic
Higher Plants (Springer Berlin Heidelberg, of Macedonia - First National Report
Berlin, Heidelberg, 1982). (Ministry of Environment and Physical
Planning, Skopje, Macedonia, 2003).
[14] P. B. Tompsett, H. W. Pritchard, Annals of
Botany 71, 107 (1993). [28] D. H. Peçi, A. Mullaj, A. Dervishi, Journal of
Institute Alb-Shkenca 5, 153 (2012).
[15] R. Battaglia, La palafitta del lago
di Ledro nel Trentino : gli scavi e la
stratigrafia, il contenuto del deposito
antropozoico, la metallurgia e la
cronologiadell’abitato palafitticolo, vol.
7 of Memorie Museo Storia Naturale
Venezia Tridentina (Tipografia editrice
mutilati e invalidi, 1943).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Isolated large European horse chestnut in a garden park.
(Copyright Nacho, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
The distinctive flowers appear in spring and are pollinated by bees.
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e017fc3. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Ravazzi, C., Caudullo, G., 2016. Aesculus hippocastanum in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e017fc3+

60 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Ailanthus altissima

Ailanthus altissima in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, known as tree of heaven, is native to China, but it can be found in several countries
across Europe and North America. Tree-of-Heaven is known as an invasive species that can rapidly spread onto disturbed
sites or fragmented landscapes.

Description
Frequency
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) is a short- < 25%

lived, fast-growing tree, reaching a height of around 20 m and 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
70 cm in diameter. The bark is greyish and slightly rough1 . The > 75%

leaves are 0.4-0.7 m long; each leaf comprises 11-25 ovate-

lanceolate leaflets which are 5-10 cm long2 . The leaflets usually
have one or more coarse teeth at the base and each of these teeth
has a characteristic gland on the underside1 . The flowers appear
in late spring, the trees being usually dioecious, but in some cases Greysh smooth bark with longitudinal fessures becoming deeper in old trees.
(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
both sexes exist on the same individual1 . Male plants have a foul
odour while flowering1, 3-5 . The winged fruits are twisted at the Threats and Diseases
top, membranous, purplish yellow and up to 5 cm long4 . Tree-of-
Tree of heaven is affected by very few disease and insect
Heaven is readily propagated both by seed and vegetatively3 .
pests, although pathogens such as Verticillium spp. have the
potential to become important fungal diseases3 . Since it is an
invasive species, its presence should be carefully monitored
especially around nature reserves or fragile forest stands.

Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Ailanthus altissima.
Frequency of Ailanthus altissima occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories.

abundant across the Mediterranean region4 . Its expansion has

been facilitated by the worldwide transfer of seeds over the last
two centuries and by its ability to grow on poor sites8, 9 , urban
areas10 and fragmented landscapes11 .

Habitat and Ecology

Tree of heaven tolerates a wide variety of soil types and
climatic conditions. It demands a warm climate, but is resistant
to drought and air pollution2, 4 , although it is sensitive to ozone12 .
It is a shade intolerant species, preferring open spaces4 .

Reddish maturing samaras at the top of a branch

surrounded by the odd-pinnate long leaves.
(Copyright NatureServe, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Distribution
Tree of heaven is native of central Asia (China) and was first
introduced to Europe by the French missionary Pierre d’Incaville
more than 260 years ago, who sent seeds from Nanking to
Paris3, 6 . Since then, the species has spread over all continents
except Antarctica4 and is naturalised across large areas of
Europe7. It is limited by low temperatures in the north but is
Importance and Usage
Tree of heaven has been used for a variety of purposes such Greenish-white flowers in a female tree with 5 petals and short steril stamens.
(Copyright Wendy Cutler, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
as: ornamental species3 , in folk medicine6 or for establishment
of protective forest shelterbelts8, 13 . The species is known for its
ability to produce allelopathic compounds in its leaflets and
bark which are toxic to numerous species and which may have
potential for development as a natural herbicide14 . However, its
pollen is a known allergen3, 4, 15 and its invasive nature means
that it is currently in the top 20 environmental weeds identified
as targets of classical biological control in Europe5, 7.

Mature samaras persist in the tree during the winter.

(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

References
[1] B. Shah, Arnoldia pp. 21–27 (1997).
[2] F. Clinovschi, Dendrologie (Editura
Universitatii Suceava, 2005).
[3] P. P. Feret, Journal of Arboriculture 11,
361 (1985).
[4] I. Kowarik, I. Säumel, Perspectives in Plant
Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 8,
207 (2007).
[5] A. W. Sheppard, R. H. Shaw, R. Sforza,
Weed Research 46, 93 (2006).
[6] S. Y. Hu, Arnoldia 39, 29 (1979).
[7] P. Pyšek, et al., Handbook of Alien Species
in Europe (Springer Netherlands, 2009),
vol. 3 of Invading Nature - Springer Series
in Invasion Ecology, pp. 43–61.
[8] C. M. Enescu, Journal of Horticulture,
Forestry and Biotechnology 18, 66 (2014).
[9] P. L. Burch, S. M. Zedaker, Journal of
Arboriculture 29, 18 (2003).
[10] E. Pan, N. Bussak, Journal of
Environmental Horticulture 4, 1 (1986).
[11] R. E. Landenberger, N. L. Kota, J. B.
McGraw, Plant Ecology 192, 55 (2007).
[12] E. Gravano, M. Ferretti, F. Bussotti, P.
Grossoni, Forest Growth Responses
to the Pollution Climate of the 21st
Century, L. Sheppard, Cape, eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 1999), pp. 267–272.
[13] L. Udvardy, Acta Botanica Hungarica 41,
299 (1998).
[14] R. M. Heisey, American Journal of Botany
83, 192 (1996).
[15] M. Ballero, A. Ariu, P. Falagiani, Allergy 58,
532 (2003).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01ca33. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., 2016. Ailanthus
Female shade-tree with fruits along an urban road (male trees are rarely used as they have a foul odour during flowering). altissima in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats.
(Copyright Marina Torres, commons.wikimedia.org: PD) In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01ca33+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 61

 Alnus cordata
Alnus cordata in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
G. Caudullo, A Mauri
The Italian alder (Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby) is a medium-sized pioneer tree, native of the hill and mountain areas in
southern Italy. It is also present in Corsica and western Albania. This tree is a fast-growing species, able to colonise different
kinds of soils in borders and open areas, so that it has been used widely for soil protection and wind breaks. In coppices this
alder was traditionally used for firewood. Now it is more planted for biomass production or used as an ancillary species in
high-quality timber plantation. This species is able to stimulate the growth of associated species thanks to its nitrogen-fixing
root capacity, and to its nitrogen-rich and easily degradable leaves which improve the litter quality. As other alders, its wood
is particularly appreciated for its durability when immersed in water. In natural ranges the Italian alder is threatened by the
reduction of clear cuttings and by increasing temperatures, which can push this species into higher and more restricted areas.
The Italian alder (Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby) is a medium-
sized tree growing up to 25 m tall, rarely to 30 m in even-age
stands, and reaching 70-80 cm in diameter1 . The stem is straight;
the crown is pyramidal, compact and dense. The leaves are dark
bright green, lighter underneath. They are 5-12 cm long, heart-
shaped, with long stalks and persist from April to December.
This species is monoecious with male and female catkins in the
same shoot, appearing when 10-12 years old. The male catkins
are in groups of 3-5 and pendulous, cylindrical, 7-10 cm long,
pale purplish; they turn to gold from February to April when wind
pollination occurs. The female catkins are ovoid, above the male
ones, erect, on a 2-5 cm stalk, and with red stigmas when mature.
The catkins appear at the beginning of summer, are dormant
during winter until the end of February, when flowers are fully
mature and functional. The fruit is ovoid, 3 cm long, green then
woody and dark brown when ripe, similar to conifer cones and
called pseudo-strobili. The winged seed are small, leaving the
pseudo-strobili from September-October up to a year after. The
bark is brown-grey, smooth in young trees, and then blistered with
fissures. The wood is a light tan to reddish brown, homogeneous,
with a fine, even grain and with relatively wide annual rings
resulting from the fast growth1-5 .
Distribution
This species is endemic to the western side of the Apennines
in southern Italy and mountains in south-central of Corsica and
north-west of Albania, from 800 m to 1500 m of elevation,
frequently down to 300-400 m with higher rainfall regimes1, 4-10 .
It is considered a relict species of the Tertiary period for its
resemblance to eastern alders, in particular to the Caucasian
alder (Alnus subcordata)1 . In Italy it has been introduced in
Sardinia, in the northern Apennines and up to the Southern Alps.
Plantations were also established in different European countries
during the late 20th century (France, Spain, Portugal, England,
Netherlands, etc.) and it has been recently introduced in other
continents (Chile, New Zealand)1, 11, 12 .
Habitat and Ecology
Italian alder occurs in the Mediterranean sub-mountain
and mountain belt. Unlike other alders, it is less dependent on
riparian habitats and is more drought tolerant, although it still
tends to concentrate in water accumulation zones and needs
climates with an annual precipitation of at least 1 000 mm per
year13 . It is a heliophilous species, but can be shade-tolerant
under favourable rainfall regimes5, 11 . It grows in on most kinds
of soils, including degraded, but preferring calcareous. The root
system promotes a symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium
Actinomyces alni (Frankia alni) improving soil fertility1, 11 . In
optimal habitats this alder is fast-growing and behaves as a
pioneer species, forming pure stands beside Turkey oak (Quercus
cerris) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) woods5, 13 . It also tends to
colonise open woods such as black pine (Pinus nigra) plantations
in wetter conditions and abandoned chestnut (Castanea sativa)
orchards5, 10, 13 . It can be found as first-stage species in bare soils
after wildfires or landslides13 .
Old woody fruits (pseudo-cones) which persist on the
plant while new ones are maturing.
(Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
62 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Dark green heart-shaped leaf with toothed margins.
(Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
more frequent on plantations outside the natural area range,
even if in general pathogens affecting the Italian alder are of
limited importance11 . Root system damage is reported by fungi
Armillaria spp., Phytophtora alni and Cryphonectria parasitica11,
15-17
. In northern Europe a new species of genus Phytophthora
is affecting foliage and causing bark necrosis, recently also
spreading in the Mediterranean region11, 18 . Insect pests Cossus
cossus, Zeuzera pyrina and Saperda scalaris affect the cortical
zones of plants in precarious health conditions1, 11 . In natural
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Alnus cordata.
ranges actually the main threats endangering Italian alder are the
Frequency of Alnus cordata occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native reduction of clear cutting in mixed forests and in protected areas,
spatial range for A. cordata is derived after EUFORGEN19 .
heavy and unauthorised grazing in forests, and the isotherm
shift in the Mediterranean regions. The possibly increase in
Importance and Usage temperature due to climate change may force alder ecosystems
to shift to higher elevations in restricted areas5 .
In mountainous areas, Italian alder has been widely used
for soil protection and wind breaks, as an ancillary species
associated with walnut (Juglans regia), wild cherry (Prunus
avium), English oak (Quercus robur) and other noble hardwoods
for high-quality timber plantations. In fact it stimulates the
growth of associated species thanks to its nitrogen-fixing root
capacity, and to its nitrogen-rich and easily degradable leaves
which improve the litter1, 5, 10, 11 . In France it has also been used
for biomass production5 . Stands can be managed as coppice with
rotations of 15-20 years, but also as high forest with cuts every
70-80 years13 . Timber quality is similar to other alders and hybrid
poplars, used traditionally for firewood and also for turning and
carving as well as for carpentry, furniture, panelling, plywood and
paper pulp1, 5, 11, 14 . Like other alders, the wood is degraded rapidly Maturing catkins during mid summer: they appear in early summer, are
dormant in winter and are fully functional at the end of winter.
when exposed to air or soil, but is more durable when immersed (Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
in water1, 5 .
References
Threats and Diseases [1] V. M. Loewe, C. R. Delard, Monografía de [10] A. Bezzi, P. Brandini, G. Menguzzato, G.
Despite its limited natural range, Italian alder is not aliso italiano (Alnus cordata), vol. 204 Tabacchi, Annali dell’Istituto Sperimentale
(Instituto Forestal, Santiago, Chile, 1998). per l’Assestamento Forestale e per
considered an endangered species, because it grows over a wide [2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C. l’Alpicoltura 12, 3 (1989).
range of elevations and can spread very rapidly5 . Diseases are Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain [11] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide [12] V. M. Loewe, A. C. Álvarez, L. M. Barrales,
(Collins, 2006). Proceedings of 4th International Scientific
[4] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger, Conference on Hardwood Processing
Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995). 2013, S. Berti, et al., eds. (2013), vol. 1,
pp. 50–61.
[5] F. Ducci, A. Tani, EUFORGEN Technical
Guidelines for genetic conservation and [13] R. Del Favero, I boschi delle regioni
use for Italian alder (Alnus cordata) meridionali e insulari d’Italia (Cleup,
Padova, 2008).
(Bioversity International, 2009).
[6] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E. [14] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der British forestry (CABI, 2013).
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer [15] J. F. Webber, J. N. Gibbs, S. J. Hendry,
Verlag Jena, 1978). Phytophthora disease of Alder
[7] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae (Information note) (Forestry Commission,
Europaeae: distribution of vascular Edinburgh, 2004).
plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to [16] T. Jung, M. Blaschke, Plant Pathology 53,
Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping 197 (2004).
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica [17] E. Dallavalle, A. Zambonelli, Forest
Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976). Pathology 29, 97 (1999).
[8] P. W. Ball, Flora Europea. Volume 1. [18] A. Santini, G. P. Barzanti, P. Capretti, Plant
Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, T. G. Tutin, Disease 85, 560 (2001).
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press,
1993), pp. 69–70, second edn. [19] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of italian
alder (Alnus cordata) (2009).
[9] J. Briquet, R. de LitardieÌre, Prodrome de www.euforgen.org.
la flore corse, comprenant les résultats
botaniques de six voyages exécutés en
Corse sous les auspices de M. Émile
Burnat, Vol. 1 (Georg & Co., Genève, Bale,
Lyon, 1910).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e015443. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., Mauri, A., 2016. Alnus cordata in Europe:
Italian alder in the Soar valley, Leicestershire, UK. distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
(Copyright Peter Smith, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP) J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e015443+
 Frosty catkins of pussy willow (Salix caprea) in late winter.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Beech leaves.
(Copyright Jannik Selz, unsplash.com: CC0)

Foliose lichens on the bark of a Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica).

(Copyright Nuno Lavrador: AP)

Rich moss carpet under a boreal forest in Norway.

(Copyright ioa8320, pixabay.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 63

 Alnus glutinosa
Alnus glutinosa in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Common or black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a short-lived, rather small but fast growing broadleaved tree that
can be found over most of Europe. It needs a high availability of moisture to grow well, and can often be found along
river banks, lake shores and in marshy locations. It is able to fix nitrogen in symbiotic root nodules making it useful for
improving soil condition. The timber is durable under water and is often used for jetties and underwater supports, for
example in Venice. The most damaging pathogen of alder is the pathogen Phytophthora alni, which has been observed in
several countries since the 1990s and is likely to become more of a problem in the future.
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., known as common or black alder,
is a broadleaved tree native to most of Europe. It is a relatively
small, short-lived species: individuals normally live to around 60
years (with a maximum of up to 160 depending on the region)
and normally grow to between 10 and 25 m tall, exceptionally
35-40 m1-3 . The bark is brown and smooth at first, becoming
darker, rough and fissured with age4 . The dark green leaves are
simple, obovate and measure 4-10 cm5 . Flowering starts before
bud burst6 . The young buds are sticky, giving rise to the name
“glutinosa”. Alder is monoecious and the male and female catkins
develop in the autumn of the previous year, appearing early in the
following spring. The fruits are woody and resemble small pine
cones. After wind pollination the seeds, which float well owing to
their corky float chambers and oily water-resistant outer coat,
are mainly dispersed by water7.
Distribution
Alder can be found over most of Europe, from Scandinavia
to the Mediterranean countries and parts of North Africa4 . It
normally grows below 1 000 m in elevation, although in the
mountains of central Europe it can occasionally be found along
watercourses up to 1 800 m8 . Its current northern limit is around
65°, and its range is limited in the east by aridity3, 9 . A warmer
changing climate could result in its natural range extending
further north into Scandinavia and Russia in future decades,
although it is limited by the length and intensity of frosts, and in
other parts of Europe it is likely to be negatively affected in areas
where rainfall is predicted to fall10 . Outside its native range, alder
has been introduced into the Azores and is naturalised in north-
eastern United States and maritime Canada6, 11 .
Habitat and Ecology
Alder is adapted to a wide range of temperatures and is
relatively frost-tolerant4 . It can grow well in continental climates
64 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Alnus glutinosa.
Frequency of Alnus glutinosa occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for A. glutinosa is derived after EUFORGEN22 .
but requires a high availability of water to thrive. It can be found
on a wide range of soil types including poor soils and even coarse
sands and gravels if the moisture is adequate, although it does
not grow very well on calcareous soils11, 12 . Atmospheric humidity
must remain high during all phases of its reproductive cycle and
the roots are well-adapted to growing on very wet soils: it can
survive flooding better than most other forest tree species13 . It
tends to favour three main site types: marshy waterlogged sites;
riverside and lake shore sites, and plateaux with high soil-moisture
content14 . Unusually among European tree species, it is able to
fix nitrogen in symbiotic root nodules with the bacteria Frankia
alni12, 15 . It also retains relatively high levels of foliar nitrogen
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Alder trees on the banks of the river Wey, England.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
through the year until leaf-fall in autumn, resulting in a nitrogen-
rich litter layer11 . This makes it a valuable pioneer species; it can
colonise and grow quickly on disturbed sites, improving the soil
condition for other species to take over later and minimising
the need for nitrogen fertilisers3 . It can also be used as a nurse
species to improve the growth of neighbouring plants, although
in common with other pioneers it is light-demanding and tends to
be replaced by other species once the canopy closes, preventing
seedling growth4 . It is fast-growing when young, but growth
generally slows significantly after canopy closure because of its
inability to withstand competition from neighbours. As branches
become shaded they die off (natural pruning) and the live crown
size decreases relative to the size of the tree14 . Although it is
not particularly common (less than 1 % of forest cover in most
countries), it is an important component in open landscapes,
especially along river banks and in marshy areas. The oldest and
most productive stands are found in central Europe, where it can
reach 35 m tall and may form up to 5 % of the forest area14 . It is
often found together with ash (Fraxinus spp.), birch (Betula spp.),
willow (Salix spp.) or oak (Quercus spp.)11 .
Importance and Usage
The wood of alder is soft and porous, but durable if kept
under water. It is used for jetties and underwater supports, bridge
piles and small boats (parts of Venice were built on alder wood
piles16, 17). It is not generally strong enough for heavy construction
uses but good quality wood is sought after in joinery and wood
veneer. However, it becomes prone to heart rot after around 60
years of age, which reduces the timber quality and also means
that very large logs are rare14 .
Male inflorescence, Sierra Madrona, Spain.
(Copyright Javier Martin, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
 Alnus glutinosa

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Female catkins, Arnhem, the Netherlands.

(Copyright Bj.schoenmakers, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Alder yields high quality charcoal4 . It can also be coppiced and

provides material suitable for biomass production12 . Apart from
its timber, alder also has a useful role to play in land reclamation,
flood control, stabilisation of riverbanks and in the functioning of
river ecosystems, and its nitrogen-fixing capabilities can improve
soil fertility3, 18 . Alder stands are valuable for wildlife. The cones
open gradually, releasing the seed and providing a reliable source
of food throughout the winter11, 18 .

Threats and Diseases

In the 1990s a new disease caused by the oomycete
Phytophthora alni was observed19,20 . The symptoms include tar-
coloured spots at the base of the stem and small yellowing leaves
which fall early. Over a period of years, first fine branches and
then larger ones die, and in serious cases the whole tree is killed.
This disease has since been spreading throughout the population
of alders in Europe and has now been reported in ten countries.
Although the amount of reported damage varies by region, it poses
a serious threat to the species. Trees growing on riverbanks or
flood plains are particularly vulnerable since the presence of water
appears to facilitate the transport of the pathogen21 .
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Foliage and mature cones, Ispra, Italy. (Copyright Daniele de Rigo: CC-BY)

References
[1] P. Schütt, H. J. Schuck, B. Stimm, Lexikon
der Baum- und Straucharten: Das
Standardwerk der Forstbotanik (Nikol,
Hamburg, 2002).
[2] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of
Central Europe (Cambridge University
Press, 2009), fourth edn.
[3] A. Krstinic, J. Gracan, D. Kajba, Noble
Hardwoods Network: Report of the Fourth
Meeting, 4-6 September 1999, Gmunden,
Austria and the Fifth Meeting, 17-19
May 2001, Blessington, Ireland, J. Turok,
G. Eriksson, K. Russel, S. Borelli, eds.
(Bioversity International, 2002), pp. 44–49.
[4] D. N. McVean, Journal of Ecology 41
(1953).
[5] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
Alder forest in Spree, Germany. (Copyright Paul Schulze, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) [6] D. Kajba, J. Gračan, EUFORGEN Technical
guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)
(2003).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised [7] D. N. McVean, Journal of Ecology 43, 61
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. (1955).
[8] U. Pietzarka, A. Roloff, Enzyklopädie der
Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der
Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M.
Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[11] D. T. Funk, Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.
European Alder, Agriculture Handbook
654 (U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Washington, DC., 1990),
pp. 239–256.
[12] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[13] D. N. McVean, Journal of Ecology 44 (1956).
[14] H. Claessens, A. Oosterbaan, P. Savill, J.
Rondeux, Forestry 83, 163 (2010).
[15] A. Akkermans, et al., Nitrogen-fixing
actinorhizal symbioses (Springer, 2008).
[16] R. K. W. M. Klaassen, J. G. M. Creemers,
Journal of Cultural Heritage 13, S123
(2012). Wood Science for Conservation.
[17] R. A. Housley, A. J. Ammerman, C.
E. McClennen, Journal of Wetland
Archaeology 4, 139 (2004).
[18] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[19] J. F. Webber, J. N. Gibbs, S. J. Hendry,
Phytophthora disease of Alder
(Information note) (Forestry Commission,
Edinburgh, 2004).
[20] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[21] J. N. Gibbs, M. A. Lipscombe, A. J. Peace,

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

European Journal of Forest Pathology 29,

Verlag, Weinheim, 2000). 39 (1999).
[9] K. Shaw, S. Roy, B. Wilson, The IUCN Red [22] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of black
List of Threatened Species (2014), pp. alder (Alnus glutinosa) (2008).
Annual precipitation (mm)

63517/0+. www.euforgen.org.
[10] G. E. Hemery, et al., Forestry 83, 65 (2010).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01f3c0. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Alnus glutinosa
in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01f3c0+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 65

 Alnus incana
Alnus incana in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
The grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) is a relatively small short-lived deciduous tree that can be found across the
Northern Hemisphere. Normally associated with riparian areas, it is extremely frost tolerant and can be found up to the
tree line in parts of northern Europe. Like the common alder (Alnus glutinosa), it is a fast-growing pioneer and it is also
able to fix nitrogen in symbiotic root nodules, making it useful for improving soil condition and for reclaiming derelict or
polluted land.
Alnus incana (L.) Moench, or grey alder, is a short lived,
small to medium sized deciduous tree. It lives for around 60
years1 and can reach a height of around 24 m2 but often also
occurs as a multi-stemmed shrub3 . It is generally smaller than
the common alder (Alnus glutinosa)1 . The bark is smooth and
deep grey, developing fissures with age2, 4 . The leaves are oval to
oval-lanceolate and deeply toothed with pointed tips, matt green
above and grey and downy underneath2 . It is a monoecious and
wind pollinated species5 . It flowers from late February to May
before the leaves open. The yellow male catkins are 5-10 cm long
and occur in clusters of three or four, while the female catkins
are woody and resemble small cones 1-2 cm long, growing in
clusters of 2 to 6. Both male and female catkins are formed
during the previous growing season. The seeds are small flat
obovate samaras which ripen and disperse between September
and November, usually by wind or water5-7.
Distribution
Grey alder is native to most of central Europe, extending
westwards towards France and east into Russia, the Caucasus
and western Siberia3, 6 . It is widespread in Scandinavia and has
been introduced in Britain6 . Two subspecies (subsp. rugosa and
tenuifolia) are native to northern parts of the United States and
Canada and a third subspecies (subsp. hirsuta) is found in central
and northeast Asia3, 8 . Its European range overlaps with that of
the common alder (Alnus glutinosa) but it extends further north.
Conversely, its southern extent is less than that of the common
alder and it is absent from the UK8 except as an introduced species.
Habitat and Ecology
Grey alder can be found on stream banks, lake shores
and damp meadows and also in bogs and nutrient-rich swamp
communities3 . It prefers mesic and moist conditions and it is
tolerant of acid soils, able to stand pH levels of 3.5-4.0 without
problems, but it is able to grow on a wide range of soil types,
66 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Green cones grouped in 3-4 in each stem.
(Copyright Vassil, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Alnus incana.
Frequency of Alnus incana occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for A. incana is derived after Meusel and Jäger21 .
moisture and texture classes9, 10 . In the Caucasus it can be
found at elevations of up to 1 800 m11 . It replaces the common
alder (Alnus glutinosa) at higher elevations in central Europe12 ,
and it is frost tolerant so it can grow up to the northern forest
border in Scandinavia and European Russia, limited only in
areas of permafrost1 . Able to withstand direct sunlight, it is a
pioneer species, quickly colonising open disturbed areas and
able to regenerate rapidly from root suckers1; at its northern and
elevational limits this is its main method of reproduction13 . Where Old dry cones with new spring leaves.
it overlaps with the common alder, they may occasionally form (Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
hybrids, although this is not common as the two species flower at
slightly different times: the grey alder around a week earlier than
Importance and Usage
The timber of the grey alder has little commercial value except
the common alder14, 15 .
as fuel wood, although it is suitable for carpentry and turning and
is reported to make good charcoal for drawing11 . It has several
advantages as a short-rotation crop. It is relatively untroubled by
grazing animals and has few pests and diseases, it has modest
site requirements, coppices easily and combines fast growth with
Uncertain, no-data the ability to improve soil fertility5, 10, 13, 16, 17. It is now increasingly
Marginal/no presence < 5% being considered for biomass production in several countries18, 19,
Low presence 5% - 10%
as well as a potential suitable alternative species for reforestation
of former noble hardwood areas18 . It is also useful for restoration
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% of disturbed sites including old mines, for consolidating the ground
Medium presence 30% - 50% in wet woods, river-banks and on unstable slopes3, 9, and it is
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
suitable for planting on polluted sites10. It has been historically
used for medicinal purposes for a range of ailments from sprains
High presence 70% - 90% and bruises to urinary problems and anaemia3, 20 .
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Ovate leaves with toothed margins.
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
 Alnus incana

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Male catkins maturing before leaf development.

(Copyright Magnus Manske, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

Threats and Diseases

Grey alder has relatively few major threats in the way of
pests and diseases, although older stems are prone to decay by
a number of fungus species18 . It is more resistant than other
European alders to the oomycete Phytophthora alni 3, 6 .
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Juvenile smooth grey bark: it develops fissures with age.

(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

References
[1] H. Hytteborn, A. A. Maslov, D. I. Nazimova,
L. P. Rysin, Ecosystems of the World, Vol.
6: Coniferous Forests, F. A. Andersson, ed.
(Elsevier, 2005), pp. 23–99.
[2] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[3] K. Shaw, B. Wilson, S. Roy, The IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species (2014), pp.
194472/0+.
[4] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[5] J. L. Fryer, Alnus incana. Fire Effects
Information System (2011).
http://www.feis-crs.org/feis
[6] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
Isolated grey alders in swamp areas in Rheinhessen-Pfalz (Germany). [7] V. Bojnanskỳ, A. Fargašová, Atlas of Seeds
and Fruits of Central and East-European
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Flora: The Carpathian Mountains Region
(Springer Netherlands, 2007).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised [8] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. vascular plants (North of the Tropic of Cancer),
Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books, 1986).
[9] K. Huss-Danell, J. E. Lundmark, Studia
forestalia Suecica 181, 20 (1988).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[11] V. L. Komarov, et al., Flora of the USSR -
Volume V (Keter Press, Jerusalem, 1970).
[12] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[13] L. Kullman, New Phytologist 120, 445
(1992).
[14] E. V. Banaev, V. Bazant, Journal of Forest
Science 53, 66 (2007).
[15] P. A. Tallantire, New Phytologist 73, 529
(1974).
[16] J. Aosaar, M. Varik, V. Uri, Biomass and
Bioenergy 45, 11 (2012).
[17] V. Uri, et al., Ecological Engineering 37,
920 (2011).
[18] N. Arhipova, T. Gaitnieks, J. Donis, J.
Stenlid, R. Vasaitis, Forestry 84, 337
(2011).
[19] T. Kärki, M. Maltamo, K. Eerikäinen, New
Forests 20, 65 (2000).
[20] U. Quattrocchi, CRC World Dictionary of
Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common
Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms,
Synonyms, and Etymology (5 Volume Set)
(Taylor & Francis, 2012).
[21] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[10] L. Rytter, Short Rotation Willow Coppice - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
for Renewable Energy and Improved Jena, 1998).
Environment: Proceedings of a joint
Swedish - Estonian seminar on Energy
Annual precipitation (mm)

Forestry and Vegetation Filters held in

Tartu 24-26 September 1995, K. Perttu, A.
Koppel, eds. (1995), pp. 89–94.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01ff87. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Alnus incana in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01ff87+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 67

 Alnus viridis
Alnus viridis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
A. Mauri, G. Caudullo
Alnus viridis (Chaix.) D.C., known as green alder, is a native deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 m, occasionally
taller, distributed widely across the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere, from north-west America to Japan through
Central Europe. It is a light-demanding, fast-growing shrub that grows well on poorer soils. The species is well known
for soil enrichment through atmospheric nitrogen fixation, soil stabilisation by forming a highly fibrous system, and for
producing abundant leaf litter. The species went through a considerable expansion during the last decades as a result of
land abandonment. More recently a deterioration of Alnus viridis is occurring in the Alps as a consequence of pest damage
and fungal disease.
The green alder (Alnus viridis (Chaix.) D.C.) is a deciduous
shrub or small tree. It forms many prostrate to ascending stems,
and normally reaches a height of between 0.5 to 3 m. In ideal
conditions it can live more than 50 years. The bark is thin and
from grey to blue-grey colour. The leaves are alternate, sticky
when young, from 7 to 14 cm long and from 3 to 10 cm wide. The
flowers are monoecious with separate male and female catkins
on the same plant. Flowering occurs in early or later spring
depending on the elevation and latitude, while seeds mature
between mid-September and December. Pollination occurs
mainly by wind. The seeds are small, 1-2 mm long, light brown
with a narrow encircling wing. The roots form a highly fibrous
root system, which make this plant very suitable for preventing
soil erosion1 . The roots also host a symbiosis with fungi enabling
fixation of atmospheric nitrogen2 .
Distribution
Green alder is distributed widely across the cooler parts of
the Northern Hemisphere in form of different subspecies. The
subsp. viridis is found in Europe mainly in the Alps, Balkans
and Carpathians, but also in the Pyrenees, Apennines, Dinaric
mountains and Norwegian mountains3-5 . The subsp. suaveolens
is endemic in Corsica6 . The subsp. fruticosa occurs in Northeast
Europe, northern Asia and northwestern North America7. The
subsp. crispa is present in Northeastern North America and
Greenland. The subsp. sinuata is found in Western North America
and far northeastern Siberia8 , and the subsp. maximowiczii
is constrained in Japan9 . In Europe its altitudinal range varies
between 1600 m and 2300 m, although scattered individuals can
be observed up to 2500 m10 .
Habitat and Ecology
Green alder requires moist soil and is a colonist of screes
and shallow stony slopes. It prefers moist and open areas,
including avalanche tracks, edges of wet meadows, stream-
banks and/or other disturbed sites. It is usually found at medium
to subalpine elevations. The abundant leaf litter is an important
source of organic matter for soil building and nutrient cycling8 .
This species plays an important role in primary successions,
successfully colonising areas after strong disturbances such
as glacial retreat or avalanches11 . This is because it recovers
quickly from avalanches by being able to regrow from roots and
broken stumps, while larger trees are killed. However, in European
mountain areas, secondary succession is also important. The land
abandonment occurring during the last decades at the upper tree
line12 was the main trigger for the colonisation of green alder at
Green alder scrub vegetation on the flanks of the Pizzo Nero (Monte Rosa Group, North Italy).
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)
68 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Isolated young alder in an alpine field at Col Vesco (Arabba, North-East Italy).
(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
This phenomenon usually takes place after winters with low
snow amounts, which reduce the alder vitality and makes it more
sensitive to parasite attacks. This could develop into a widespread
problem as a consequence of climatic changes16, 20 . Green alder
is considered an invasive species in New Zealand, especially in
South Island where it has been widely planted21 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Alnus viridis.
Frequency of Alnus viridis occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for A. viridis is derived after Jalas and Suominen22 .
the expense of subalpine grassland13 . This success is due to its
strong ability to spread under a high disturbance regime14 .
Importance and Usage
Green alder can be used for soil enrichment, for slope and
stream bank stabilisation and more generally to prevent erosion
on disturbed, nutrient poor soils15, 16 , although one recent study
considers this species neither to protect against avalanches nor
to secure slopes from erosion17.
In the western Alps the rapid expansion of green alder on
subalpine grasslands causes considerable environmental changes
which have a mostly negative effect on the conservation of
vascular plant diversity (particularly concerning conifer species)
when it reaches more than 50 % cover. Below this level, it appears
to contribute to the increasing floristic diversity of the subalpine
belt18, 19 . The economic importance of this species is very low.
Only in the past was it partly used as fuel wood16 .
Threats and Diseases Clusters of maturing green fruits which look like small coniferous cones.
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)
During the last decades, the populations of green alder in the
Alps went through a considerable deterioration, mainly as a result References
of pest damage and fungal disease, where Cryptodiaporthe [1] T. S. Elias, The Complete Trees of North [12] A. Hofgaard, Global Ecology and
oxystoma was considered to be the primary fungus involved. America: Field Guide and Natural History Biogeography Letters 6, 419+ (1997).
(Chapman & Hall, 1980). [13] F. Anthelme, L. Cornillon, J.-J. Brun, Annals
[2] E. Wiedmer, B. Senn-Irlet, Botanica of Forest Science 59, 419 (2002).
Helvetica 116, 55 (2006). [14] A. U. Mallik, F. W. Bell, Y. Gong, Forest
[3] D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D. M. Moser, Ecology and Management 95, 1 (1997).
J. P. Theurillat, Flora alpina: Ein Atlas [15] D. C. Carris, Identification, Ecology, Use
sämtlicher 4500 Gefässpflanzen der Alpen and Culture of Sitka Alder. Technical Notes
(Haupt, 2004). (2005).
[4] P. W. Ball, Flora Europaea, Volume 1: [16] M. Pisetta, et al., Forest Ecology and
Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, T. G. Tutin, Management 281, 75 (2012).
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press,
1993), pp. 69–70, second edn. [17] T. Bühlmann, E. Hiltbrunner, C. Körner,
Alpine Botany 124, 187 (2014).
[5] L. Richard, L’aire de repartition de l’aune
vert. Documents pour la carte de la [18] F. Anthelme, J.-L. Grossi, J.-J. Brun, L.
vegetation des Alpes (1967). Didier, Forest Ecology and Management
145, 57 (2001).
[6] J. Gamisans, Phytocoenologia 4, 35
(1977). [19] F. Anthelme, R. Michalet, L. Barbaro, J.-J.
Brun, Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
[7] T. C. Lantz, S. E. Gergel, G. H. R. Henry, 35, 48 (2003).
Journal of Biogeography 37, 1597 (2010).
[20] I. Dakskobler1, A. Rozman, A. Seliškar,
[8] R. J. Uchytil, Alnus viridis subsp. sinuate. Hacquetia 12, 95 (2013).
Fire Effects Information System (1989).
http://www.feis-crs.org/feis [21] C. Howell, Consolidated list of
environmental weeds in New Zealand.,
[9] K. Iwatsuki, T. Yamazaki, D. E. Boufford, 292 (New Zealand Department of
Flora of Japan, vol. 3a,3b (Kodansha, Conservation Research and Development,
1993). 2008).
[10] R. Gellini, P. Grossoni, Botanica Forestale, [22] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
vol. 2 (1997). Europaeae: distribution of vascular
[11] White, Pickett, Natural Disturbance and plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
Patch Dynamics: An Introduction (Elsevier, Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping
1985), pp. 3–13. the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01f0e4. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Mauri, A., Caudullo, G., 2016. Alnus viridis in Europe: distribution,
habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D.,
Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of
Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01f0e4+
 Open area vegetation in the New Forest National Park (Hampshire, England).
(Copyright davidgsteadman, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Lush mossy forest in Killarney National Park (Kerry, Ireland).

(Copyright Nicolas Raymond, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Mixed oak forest in Peneda-Gerês National Park (Norte, Portugal).

(Copyright Pedro Dias, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Pine forest canopy near Cabezón de la Sal (Cantabria, Spain).

(Copyright Angela Benito, unsplash.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 69

 Betula pendula, Betula pubescens and other birches

Betula pendula, Betula pubescens and other birches in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
P. Beck, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo, W. Tinner
Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) are short-lived, relatively small broadleaved
trees that occur throughout most of Europe, particularly in northern regions. In southern Europe, birch trees are confined
to mountainous areas, as they do not tolerate prolonged summer drought. Birch has a light canopy of small serrated
leaves, and characteristic smooth, white to grey bark. In northern regions, birch trees can dominate the landscape up
to the tree-line, whereas in the centre of their range they often occur early in secondary succession because of their
abundant seed production, low demands on soil quality, and intolerance of shade. Birch trees provide the predominant
hard wood source in northern Europe, and some varieties of Betula pendula produce highly priced veneers, while Betula
pubescens is mostly used for pulp and fire wood. Other rarer species of birch are endemic to Europe contributing to the
continental biodiversity even at high elevations and latitudes.
Betula pendula Roth is a medium-sized tree, growing up to
30 m, while Betula pubescens Ehrh. is relatively shorter, rarely
growing beyond 20 m and also less towards its northern range
limits, up to dwarf trees in extreme habitats in the northern
tundra and on mountains1, 2 . The bark of young trees is brown
in colour; when mature it turn to silvery-white, with horizontal
dark grey lenticels, that with age darkens and develops fissures.
The bark of the Betula pendula is a brighter white and shinier
than that of Betula pubescens, and its branches characteristically
droop, whereas those of Betula pubescens grow upwards or
horizontally. In addition, Betula pubescens shoots are covered
with a smooth fine down, as opposed to the hairless shoots of
Betula pendula. Betula pendula leaves are coarsely and unequally
double-serrated, larger than those of Betula pubescens (3-7 cm
vs. 2-5 cm), and end in a fine point. Betula pubescens leaves are
egg shaped, with a finely serrated margin and end in a shorter
point3 . Both species are monoecious with male and female
Silvery-white bark on a young tree with dark scars from dropped shoots and
small horizontal dark grey lenticels.
(Copyright Tracy Houston Durrant: CC-BY)

inflorescences developing as unisexual catkins, wind pollinated.

Male catkins develop in summer, shedding pollen the following
spring, a few days after female flowers have emerged. Female
catkins are smaller, shorter and more erect than the longer,
hanging, and clustered, male ones. Female catkins develop into
fruits that are 1 to 4 cm long and 6 mm wide cylinder-shaped
aggregates that eventually each disperse hundreds of small,
winged fruits around August, with the amount varying with tree
age and site conditions4 . In denser stands, birch trees do not
flower until they are 20-25 years old but free-standing trees can
Isolated silver birches (Betula pendula) at the forest edge in Brkini Hills Female catkin of silver birch (Betula pendula) in spring. already flower at the age of ten. While it flowers every year, the
(South-West Slovenia). (Copyright Marinella Zepigi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) production of viable seeds usually peaks every 2-3 years.

Distribution
Betula pendula and Betula pubescens occur naturally
throughout most of Europe up to central Siberia. Betula pubescens
Uncertain, no-data
has a more northerly and easterly distribution, growing further north
Marginal/no presence < 5% in Europe than any other tree species, whereas Betula pendula
Low presence 5% - 10% can reach southern regions such as Iberian Peninsula, South Italy
and Greece5 . Given their wide distribution, these two birches show
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
a high morphological variability and different subspecies and
Medium presence 30% - 50% varietals have been described6 . Moreover, in most parts of Europe
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% they are sympatric and can naturally hybridise, generating plants
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Mixed broadleaved forest dominated by birch near Vallado

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence for the whole genus Betula. (Asturia, North-West Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

70 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Betula pendula, Betula pubescens and other birches
Annual precipitation (mm)
Summer foliage and maturing green hanging fruits.
(Copyright Alan Semper, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)
with intermediate morphological traits6 . Birches can also generate
polyploid forms, and this aptitude, associated with the variability,
the hybridisation and the more recent introduction of artificially
propagated cultivars outside the natural distribution, complicate
remarkably not only their identification but also the taxonomical
classification of the whole genus Betula2, 7-9 .
Habitat and Ecology
Birch trees commonly live for 90-100 years, and, more rarely,
up to 150 years. They are light-demanding, can grow rapidly also
on poor soils, their winged fruits are very efficiently distributed by
wind and its roots are easily associated with a large number of
ectomycorrhizal fungi10 . These characteristics combine to make
birch trees thrive as pioneers during early stages of secondary
vegetation succession. They are valuable in the natural or
anthropogenic regeneration of woodlands, particularly in the
centre of their distribution range10-12 . Betula pendula grows best
on fairly fertile, light, well-drained soils, particularly when soil
conditions are acidic, while Betula pubescens tolerates damper
soils and poorly drained heaths13 . Betula pendula shows a
moderate soil-acidifying ability14 . Birches are most abundant in
the boreal zone of northern Europe, where they can co-dominate
or dominate in late-successional vegetation15 . Owing to its cold-
hardiness, Betula pubescens also has a higher elevational limit
Cylinder-shape mature fruits of birches, which are formed by
hundreds of winged seeds.
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Map 1-A: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Betula pendula.
Frequency of Betula pendula occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for B. pendula is derived after EUFORGEN42 .
than Betula pendula, often forming the alpine tree-line in Nordic
countries. Both the northern and elevational distribution limits
of Betula pubescens appear to be determined by exposure to
cold, dry north-easterly winds in winter, since the species is not
particularly wind resistant. Southern distribution limits appear to
be set by summer drought, which both species, and particularly
Betula pendula, do not tolerate10 .
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field
Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Betula pendula.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)
Importance and Usage
Frequency Birch provides the commercially most important source of
< 25%
25% - 50%
hardwood in northern Europe, and is often an important component
50% - 75% in conifer plantations, such as those of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
> 75%
Chorology and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Birch plantations can also
Native provide a protective habitat for seedlings of other tree species,
including those that are more frost-sensitive, such as beech
(Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce4 . Because it can tolerate a
broad range of site conditions, and poor soils in particular, birch
is often used for land reclamation and revegetation, improving
the soil so other broad-leaved or coniferous tree species can
be planted later4 . Birches are widely planted in urban areas,
roadsides and parkland1, 16 . Some silver birch varieties, such as
Betula pendula var. carelica (curly birch), are particularly sought
after for veneers and ornamental wood products because they
can produce curly grains12 . Betula pubescens is mainly grown
for pulp wood and low-cost fuel wood, as its stems may be too
small or poor for use as saw logs or veneers12 even if veneer
compression may be exploited17. In spruce plantations in
Scandinavia, naturally generating birch trees increase biodiversity
of birds18 and lichens19, 20 . Root pressure builds in the lead up
to bud burst and causes sap flow early in spring21 . This birch
xylem sap was until recently commonly tapped and consumed in
Eastern Europe, either fresh as a tonic, fermented (birch beer or
wine), or concentrated into a syrup22, 23 . Betula pubescens is used
as a medicinal and aromatic plant in Croatia1 . The leaves and
bark of Betula pendula are used for their diuretic properties16 .
Ointments for eczema and psoriasis may use birch tar as an
astringent ingredient23 . Birches grow at high altitudes and in
European boreal areas. Since mountainous areas in Europe show
Birch trunks with yellow leaves in autumn.
(Copyright Superior National Forest, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 71
 Betula pendula, Betula pubescens and other birches

Male catkins of silver birch (Betula pendula) pollinating in spring.

(Copyright Graham Calow, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)

sawfly species. In some cases, such as that of geometrid moth

a soil erosion rate higher than the average - especially in the
boreal mountain system24 , birches provide a particularly valuable
service in watershed protection and soil stabilisation23, 25 . Both
birches are effective in erosion control; furthermore, Betula
pendula plays a role in soil strength enhancement and is used for
vegetated crib walls25 . The observed colonisation of boreal areas
above the treeline by Betula pubescens may indicate its further
protection potential under climate change26 .
Downy birch (Betula pubescens) in Vaglaskógur Forest (Fnjóskadalur, Iceland).
(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Threats and Diseases
The bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) constitutes an
increasing threat to birch trees. It is a wood-boring beetle native to
North America, known to attack all species of birch (with varying
susceptibility). Although healthy trees are generally able to produce
callus tissue around the Agrilus’ galleries, the European birches
have little resistance and if the bronze birch borer were introduced
in Europe no natural predators would mitigate its spread23 . Birch
leaves are forage for the larvae of several butterflies, moths and
species that feed on the leaves from the outside (e.g. Epirrita
autumnata and Operophtera fagata) in northern Fennoscandia,
this can cause pest outbreak conditions with cycles of mass
defoliation, followed by collapse of the moth population27. Larvae
of other insects consume birch tissue from the inside either by
burrowing through the leaf tissue, so-called leaf miners, or
creating outgrowths, i.e. galls, in leaves, fruits, or fruit scales.
Birch trees weakened by leaf miners become more susceptible
to secondary invasion by the aforementioned organisms4 . Fungal
diseases can affect all parts of birch trees during all their life
stages: birch rust (Melampsoridium botulinum) affects birch
leaves, and stunts growth, and reduces life expectancy. Taphrina
betulina and Taphrina nana cause abnormal shot growth (so-
called witch’s broom) and leaf deformations. Yet other fungi,
such as birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) causes wood rot,
eventually killing infected trees. A range of fungal species are

Other birches in Europe

Shoots of the artic dwarf birch (Betula nana) with small

rounded leaves of 2 cm in diameter.
(Copyright Frank Vassen, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

In Europe other two main species of genus Betula are described: Betula
nana (artic dwarf birch) and Betula humilis (dwarf birch). Some authors
identify other birch species, often rare, endemic and at the limits of
the geographical ranges, which have not explicitly a defined systematic
status and are treated in some case as hybrids, varieties or subspecies7.
Betula nana is a shrubby birch occurring in a broad geographic range
of Northern Europe, which spans from Iceland, Scotland and northern
England up to Scandinavia and the Baltic area. In Central Europe it
occurs at high elevations (northern Alps from Austria west to France;
Carpathian mountains)34 . This birch lives in Arctic of high-mountain
exposed environments. It is found in immature or peaty soils within
alpine tundra, rocky barrens and moorlands, subalpine damp moorlands
and open raised bogs34 . Betula humilis is another shrubby birch which
has a very wide but scattered distribution, ranging from Western Europe Triangular smooth leaves of silver birch (Betula pendula) with toothed margins.
(Copyright Tracy Houston Durrant: CC-BY)
with few locations in Germany, Austria, Poland, Romania and Switzerland,
through Siberia up to Korea35, 36 . It is a relict birch distributed from the
hill to the montane zone, preferring wet soils in forests and the edges
of lakes. It may grow in shrubby pastures and alder thickets, transitional
mires, on open raised or acid valley bogs and in natural/drained fens35, 37.
Both these dwarf birches are diploid. They can naturally and frequently
hybridise with Betula pubescens and Betula pendula in the overlapping
living ranges, showing intermediate morphologies36, 38-41 .

Foliage of dwarf birch (Betula humilis) with ovate and

glabrous leaves.
(Copyright Molekuel, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) stripping birch bark.

(Copyright Peter Trimming: CC-BY)

72 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Betula pendula, Betula pubescens and other birches

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Winter silver birch (Betula pendula) with covering of hoar frost in

Babno Polje (Loška Dolina, South Slovenia).
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

References
[1] K. Shaw, S. Roy, B. Wilson, The IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species (2014), pp.
194521/0+.
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability for the whole genus Betula. [2] M. Walters, Flora Europaea, Volume 1:
Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, T. G. Tutin,
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press,
1993), pp. 69–70, second edn.
associated with more general die-back with affects crown health Europe, it is also harmful for Betula pendula which partly coexists [3] J. Lid, Norsk flora (Norske samlaget,
(i.e. Anisogramma virgultorum and Discula betulina)28, 29 . Although with the natural niche of the large pine weevil30-32 . Herbivory 1994), 6th edn.
the large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is mostly known as one by short-snouted weevils (Strophosoma melanogrammum and [4] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
of the most serious pests affecting young coniferous forests in Otiorhynchus scaber) is another threat to birch33 . [5] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).
[6] Æ. T. Thórsson, E. Salmela,
Frequency K. Anamthawat-Jónsson, Journal of
< 25% Heredity 92, 404 (2001).
25% - 50% [7] K. Jadwiszczak, Silva Fennica 46 (2012).
50% - 75% [8] M. F. Schenk, C.-N. Thienpont, W. J. M.
> 75% Koopman, L. J. W. J. Gilissen, M. J. M.
Chorology Smulders, Tree Genetics & Genomes 4,
Native 911 (2008).
[9] M. D. Atkinson, A. P. Jervis, R. S. Sangha,
Canadian Journal of Forest Research 27,
1896 (1997).
[10] M. D. Atkinson, Journal of Ecology 80,
837 (1992).
[11] J. Webber, H. Evans, Annual Report and
Accounts 2001-2002 (Forest Research,
Edinburgh, 2003), pp. 16–27.
[12] J. Hynynen, et al., Forestry 83, 103
(2010).
[13] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins,
1974).
[14] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe,
Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002).
[15] A. Moen, National atlas of Norway:
vegetation (Norwegian Mapping Authority,
Honefoss, 1999).
Map 1-B: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Betula pubescens. [16] L. Stritch, K. Shaw, S. Roy, B. Wilson, The
Frequency of Betula pubescens occurrences within the field observations IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Young foliage of downy birch (Betula pubescens), which is covered by a as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native (2014), pp. 62535/0+.
smooth down, unlike the silver birch (Betula pendula). spatial range for B. pubescens is derived after Meusel and Jäger5 . [17] P. Bekhta, S. Hiziroglu, O. Shepelyuk,
(Copyright S. Rae, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Materials & Design 30, 947 (2009).
[18] A. Felton, E. Andersson, D. Ventorp,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field M. Lindbladh, Silva Fennica 45, 1143
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Betula pubescens. (2011).
[19] K. Wannebo-Nilsen, J. W. Bjerke, P. S. A.
Beck, H. Tømmervik, Boreal Environment
Research 15, 43 (2010).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[22] I. Svanberg, et al., Acta Societatis
Botanicorum Poloniae 81, 343 (2012).
[23] K. Shaw, et al., The Red List of Betulaceae
(Botanic Gardens Conservation
International, Richmond, United Kingdom,
2014).
[24] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[25] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[26] C. Truong, A. E. Palmé, F. Felber, Journal of
Evolutionary Biology 20, 369 (2007).
[27] J. U. Jepsen, S. B. Hagen, R. A. Ims, N. G.
Yoccoz, Journal of Animal Ecology 77,
257 (2008).
[28] S. Green, G. A. MacAskill, Plant Pathology
56, 242 (2007).
[29] S.-O. Holm, Ecography 17, 60 (1994).
[30] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
(2015).
[31] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[32] R. Toivonen, H. Viiri, Agricultural and Forest
Entomology 8, 121 (2006).
[33] M. Löf, G. Isacsson, D. Rydberg,
T. N. Welander, Forest Ecology and
Management 190, 281 (2004).
[34] L. Stritch, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2014), pp. 194495/0+.
[35] K. Shaw, S. Roy, B. Wilson, The IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species (2014), pp.
194645/0+.
[36] K. A. Jadwiszczak, E. Jabłonska,,
S. Kłosowski, A. Banaszek, Acta Societatis
Botanicorum Poloniae 80, 233 (2011).
[37] H. McAllister, K. Ashburner, Curtis’s
Botanical Magazine 24, 174 (2007).
[38] K. Anamthawat-Jónsson, A. Thór Thórsson,
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 75,
99 (2003).
[39] A. E. Palme, Q. Su, S. Palsson, M. Lascoux,
Molecular Ecology 13, 167 (2004).
[40] N. Wang, et al., Molecular Ecology 22,
3098 (2013).
[41] O. Maliouchenko, A. E. Palmé,
A. Buonamici, G. G. Vendramin, M. Lascoux,
Journal of Biogeography 34, 1601 (2007).
[42] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of silver

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[20] P. Vakkari, EUFORGEN Technical Guidelines birch (Betula pendula) (2009).

for genetic conservation and use of www.euforgen.org.
silver birch (Betula pendula) (Bioversity
International, 2009).
Annual precipitation (mm)

[21] H. Kallio, S. Ahtonen, Food Chemistry 25,

293 (1987).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e010226. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Beck, P., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., Tinner, W., 2016. Betula pendula,
Betula pubescens and other birches in Europe: distribution,
habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of
Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e010226+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 73

 Carpinus betulus
Carpinus betulus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
R. Sikkema, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) is a small-medium deciduous tree which usually grows 20-25 m in height,
rarely exceeding 30 m. In winter it is recognisable for its brown leaves which stay attached, dropping only in spring when
the new green leaves are starting to come out. Its natural range extends from the Pyrenees to southern Sweden and
eastwards to Iran. It is a typical temperate climate species along with deciduous oaks, requiring fairly abundant moisture
and tolerant of a range of soil types. It can grow in full to partial sun, but it is also one of the few strongly shade tolerant
native trees. Its wood is considered difficult to work due to its density and toughness, so this species has low silvicultural
interest, except as a secondary species in mixed stands. In coppice forests it can provide firewood, very appreciated for
its high calorific value.
The common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) is a small-
medium sized deciduous tree normally reaching heights of 20-
25 metres1-3 , although in old growth forests heights can exceed
30 metres4, 5 . The crown is irregular, ovoid or conic, becoming
domed in old trees. The bark is smooth and steel grey, having a
muscled character to its appearance6 . The leaves are alternate,
simple, obovate, with serrated margins, 8-10 cm long, opaque
to dull green, with prominent parallel veins2 . They are quite
similar to those of the beech (Fagus sylvatica), but less shiny6 .
Leaves do not drop in winter, but only in spring when the new
green leaves are starting to come out (marcescence). The
autumn colour ranges from yellowish-green to golden yellow2, 6 .
The hornbeam is monoecious: flowers are unisexual, borne in
pendulous catkins3 . The male catkins are loose, up to 6 cm long,
expanding in spring as yellow curtains2 . The female catkins are
up to 15 cm long and to 6 cm broad. Flowers blossom from March
to April and are wind-pollinated. The fruits are clustered in about
8 pairs of nutlets (achene), 6-8 mm, each pair at the base of a
green leathery tri-lobate bract, 3.5 cm long1, 6, 7. The hornbeam
is an abundant seeding tree and is marked by vigorous natural
regeneration. Seeds often do not germinate until the spring of the
second year after sowing7.
Distribution
The hornbeam has a wide range which covers southern Europe
(excluding the Iberian Peninsula), Central Europe, up to southern
England and the south of Sweden. Eastwards it occurs across the
Black Sea reaching the Caucasus and northern Iran8 . Its altitudinal
distribution ranges from sea level to 700 m in Central Europe,
1 000 m in the Western Alps and 1800 m in Iran8, 9 .
74 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Mature male catkins in the spring.
(Copyright Maja Dumat, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
native trees in Europe, though slightly less than beech7. For this
reason this species can play roles both as a secondary species
and as an understorey tree and also as a coloniser on bare and
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Carpinus betulus.
Frequency of Carpinus betulus occurrences within the field observations disturbed soils whose fertility is improved by its growth3 . In mixed
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
forests it can be a dangerous invader, regenerating better and
spatial range for C. betulus is derived after several sources8, 23-25 .
faster than valuable timber species, such as oaks, ash (Fraxinus
excelsior) or Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)3, 10 .
Habitat and Ecology The common hornbeam grows mostly in mixed stands
dominated by deciduous oaks (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea),
The hornbeam is a typical mesophilous species of temperate
forming oak-hornbeam forest communities. This vegetation
climates, occurring on lowlands, hills and the low mountain belt.
represents the classic European temperate forest on fertile
High summer temperatures limit its distribution in the south,
soils, typically with ash (Fraxinus excelsior), small-leaved lime
while it is a very hardy species and even found in frost hollows.
(Tilia cordata), wild cherry (Prunus avium), field maple (Acer
It favours deep moist and well-drained soils from sub-acid to
campestre), common hazel (Corylus avellana) and spindle
calcareous, although it can tolerate wet heavy clay to light dry
(Euonymus europaeus). The hornbeam can also be found in beech
sandy soils, but never acid3 . It grows in full to partial sunny
forests (Fagus sylvatica), while pure stands are more rare11-14 .
conditions and it is also one of the few strongly shade-tolerant
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Mature tree in Schwetzinger Hardt forest (Upper Rhine Valley, Germany).
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Importance and Usage
The wood of the hornbeam is white, dense, very hard and
strong3, 15 . In fact the name hornbeam means ‘horn tree’ in
allusion to its hardness. However, trees tend to have irregular
form. The wood has cross-grains and is therefore difficult to work.
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
 Carpinus betulus

It is not flexible and shrinks greatly during the drying process. For
these reasons hornbeam has low commercial interest and has
never been industrially cultivated16 .
In the past when metals were scarce and costly it was used Uncertain, no-data
more, for making small items which require resistance to wear, Tundra, cold desert
such as tool handles, mill wheels, agricultural tools, wooden rivets,
Negligible survivability
etc.1 . More recently it is used for flooring, billiard cues, drumsticks
and piano mechanisms, and sometimes as an alternative to Low survivability
maple3, 7. The wood has a high calorific value as it burns slowly, Mid-low survivability
making it excellent fuel wood and charcoal3, 7.
Medium survivability
Because of its ability to regenerate from root suckers, it can
be cultivated in mixed coppices alongside oaks, limiting them in Mid-high survivability
producing epicormic branches. It responds well even when pollarded, High survivability
making it a good hedgerow and fodder tree. The hornbeam is also
planted with oak in afforestation plantations on bare sloping areas
for soil protection from erosion and landslides and maintained as a
bush when needed3. Different varieties are available for ornamental
purposes; one of the more frequently used is the ‘Fastigicata’
with a regular balloon-shape crown, more rare is the ‘Columnaris’
with densely teardrop shape, or the ‘Incisa’ with small and deeply
lobed leaves. They can be found in urban parks, gardens and along
roadsides, locally abundant on richer soils2, 6 .

Threats and Diseases

Because of its minor importance as a species and the
absence of recorded outbreaks, specific diseases and pests on
hornbeam have not been exhaustively studied3 . Infections of
generalist fungi of the genus Nectria, causing cankers, or of the
genus Armillaria, causing root rot, are reported, as hornbeam
can be a susceptible host alongside more valuable trees nearby.
Hornbeam can be also a minor host of non-specialised invasive
insects: e.g. polyphagous defoliators, such as the brown-tail
moth Euproctis chrysorrhoea, the winter moth Operophtera
brumata, or wood miners, such as the long-horned beetle
Anoplophora chinensis3, 17-19 . As other species in the genus
Carpinus, the common hornbeam may be attacked by the gypsy
moth (Lymantria dispar)20, 21 . It is also a susceptible host for the
processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea)20, 22 . Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

References
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[20] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
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(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
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processionary moth) (2015). Invasive
Species Compendium. http://www.cabi.org
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[25] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
http://www.tela-botanica.org

Old neglected hornbeam coppice near Charlwood (West Sussex, England).

(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Obovate leaves with serrated margins: they are quite similar to those
of the beech, but less shiny.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01d8cf. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Sikkema, R., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Carpinus betulus in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01d8cf+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 75

 Carpinus orientalis

Carpinus orientalis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

R. Sikkema, G. Caudullo
Carpinus orientalis Mill., commonly known as oriental hornbeam, is a small tree or shrub commonly found on dry and
rocky slopes of low elevation mountains in South-East Europe. Its wide distribution range reaches through the Black Sea
to the Caucasus region. It is a frugal and drought-resistant species, which prefers calcareous soils and is frequently found
in disturbed sites. Thanks to its strong suckering capacity and hard wood, it is often managed in coppiced stands for the
production of quality firewood and charcoal. No significant pests or diseases are recorded for this tree.
The oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis Mill.), is a large
shrub or small tree, 1-5 metres tall, rarely up to 15 m, with a grey
irregularly ribbed stem. The leaves are ovate-elliptic with evident Frequency
< 25%
veins, tomentose, with serrate margins and short petioles 5-8 mm 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
long. This tree is monoecious with unisexual flowers blossoming > 75%
in April. The male flowers are dense in short catkins 2-3 cm long, Chorology
Native
whereas the female catkins are 3-8 cm long with leaf-like un-lobed
and coarsely toothed bracts that reach 12-18 mm size at maturity,
The elliptical leaves have toothed margins and show evident veins.
and which cover the flowers and later the nuts1-4 . (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Distribution regions coppiced stands are also used as a food resource for
The oriental hornbeam is a tree species native to south- livestock in drought summers, when grasslands are completely
east Europe, the Pontic region and western Asia. It is found in dry11, 18 . This frugal hornbeam is also suitable for the reforestation
southern parts of Italy, Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, Syria, Caucasus and restoration of degraded dry lands5 and is highly resistant to
and northern Iran, usually occurring at lower altitudes or on wildfire19 . It may be used as an ornamental plant, appreciated for
southern slopes up to 1 300 m in Europe, but growing at over its dense foliage and pollution resistance, and also as a hedge
2 500 m in the Caucasus mountains5-8 . because of its re-sprouting capability20 .

Threats and Diseases

Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Carpinus orientalis.
Frequency of Carpinus orientalis occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for C. orientalis is derived after Meusel and Jäger24 .
As other hornbeams, the oriental hornbeam may be
attacked by the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)21, 22 . It is also
a susceptible host for the processionary moth (Thaumetopoea
processionea)21, 23 .

Fruits are small nuts covered by a leaf-like bract.

(Copyright MPF, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

References
[1] V. L. Komarov, et al. , Flora of the USSR - [13] A. Čarni, et al., Plant Biosystems 143, 1
Volume V (Keter Press, Jerusalem, 1970). (2009).
[2] H. J. Elwes, A. Henry, The Trees of Great [14] R. Popović, M. Kojić, B. Karadžić, Bocconea
The oriental hornbeam is a shrub or small tree and rarely reaches 15 m. Britain and Ireland Vol. 6 (Privately 5, 431 (1997).
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) printed, Edinburgh, 1912). [15] V. Matevski, et al., Forest vegetation of
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide the Galičica mountain range in Macedonia
(Collins, 2006). (Založba ZRC, Ljubljana, 2011).
Habitat and Ecology [4] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
[16] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
Vegetation Europas; Map of the
This hornbeam is a thermophilous and xerophilous species, Britain and northern Europe (Collins, Natural Vegetation of Europe
1974). (Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
drought-resistant, thriving principally on slopes in shallow The bark is smooth and grey. [5] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger, [17] P. M. Pijut, The Woody Plant Seed Manual,
humus-poor or even rocky soils, and preferring calcareous (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995). F. T. Bonner, R. P. Karrfalt, eds., Agriculture
[6] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende Handbook 727 (U.S. Department of
substrates (rendzina)9 . Over its wide distribution range, this Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora Agriculture, Forest Service, 2008), pp.
wood. It was used more in the past for making tool handles and - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag, 328–332.
species exhibits different ecological habits. In eastwards regions Jena, 1998). [18] V. P. Papanastasis, P. D. Platis, O. Dini-
it occurs at higher elevations tolerating lower temperatures in other small household items1, 17. Thanks to its high aptitude for Papanastasi 37, 187 (1997).
[7] S. Gücel, K. Özkan, S. Celik, E. Yücel,
more temperate climates10 . In south-east Europe it is a typical regeneration from root suckers, it can be managed in coppice M. Öztürk, Pakistan Journal of Botany 40, [19] S. S. Radanova, Ecologia Balkanica 5, 55
1497 (2008). (2014).
element of the sub-Mediterranean vegetation, and it can also stands for fuel production as firewood or charcoal5, 17. In southern
[8] F. Assadolahi, M. Barbero, P. Quezel, [20] T. Tsitsoni, M. Tsakaldimi, C. Tsouri, African
Ecologia Mediterranea 8, 365 (1982). Journal of Agricultural Research 8, 4501
be found in the inner regions with some continental influences (2013).
[9] A. Chiarucci, D. Dominicis, V. A. Gabellini,
(colder winters)11-13 . It is very frugal, easily able to colonise open Atti della Società Toscana di Scienze [21] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
Naturali - Memorie serie B 103, 107 mri10a15+ (2016).
and degraded areas and to regenerate vigorously, promoting its (1996). [22] CABI, Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth)
presence in disturbed habitats, such as after the exploitation of [10] H. Akhani, H. Ziegler, Phytocoenologia 32, (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
455 (2002). http://www.cabi.org
primary oak forests11, 14 . This species is found both as a dominating
[11] C. Blasi, R. Di Pietro, L. Filesi, P. Fortini, [23] CABI, Thaumetopoea processionea (oak
and secondary species in wood and shrub lands11 . The principal Phytocoenologia 31, 33 (2001). processionary moth) (2015). Invasive
Species Compendium. http://www.cabi.org
tree communities in which it is found are the mixed deciduous [12] A. Kavgaci, A. Čarni, B. Tecimeni, G. Özalp,
Archives of Biological Sciences 62, 705 [24] H. Meusel, E. J. Jäger, Plant Systematics
forests with oaks, such as downy oak (Quercus pubescens), (2010). and Evolution 162, 315 (1989).
Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto),
and with hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia) and South European
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
ash (Fraxinus ornus)11, 15, 16 . this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01bf18. The purpose of this
Importance and Usage summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
Like other hornbeams (sometimes called ironwoods), the updated content may be freely accessed.
wood of the oriental hornbeam is very hard17. Because of its Please, cite as:
Sikkema, R., Caudullo, G., 2016. Carpinus orientalis in Europe:
small size and bushy habit, this tree does not produce high value distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
Male catkins are 2-3 cm long.
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01bf18+

76 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Broadleaved forest near Biały Ług (Zwoleń, east-central Poland).
(Copyright Lukasz Szmigiel, unsplash.com: CC0)

Mixed forests on a flank of the western Tatra Mountains (Czech Republic).

(Copyright Dezidor, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Broadleaved and coniferous mixed forest over the coast cliffs of the
Forggensee lake (Schwangau, Germany).
(Copyright Thomas Richter, unsplash.com: CC0)

Winter fog over a coniferous forest in Germany.

(Copyright cafepampas, pixabay.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 77

 Castanea sativa

Castanea sativa in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

M. Conedera, W. Tinner, P. Krebs, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is the only native species of the genus in Europe. The broad diffusion and
active management by man resulted in the establishment of the species at the limits of its potential ecological range,
which makes it difficult to trace its original natural area. The present distribution ranges from North-Western Africa (e.g.
Morocco) to North-Western Europe (southern England, Belgium) and from south-western Asia (e.g. Turkey) to Eastern
Europe (e.g. Romania), the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia) and the Caspian Sea. In Europe the main chestnut forests are
concentrated in a few countries such as Italy, France and the Iberian Peninsula. The sweet chestnut has a remarkable
multipurpose character, and may be managed for timber production (coppice and high forest) as well as for fruit
production (traditional orchards), including a broad range of secondary products and ecosystem services.
The sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a medium-
large deciduous tree that may reach 30-35 m. When cultivated,
the tree is long-living (up to 1 000 years) and may also reach Frequency
< 25%
a significant girth (up to 12 m at breast height). The bark is 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
brown-greyish and often has net-shaped venations with deep > 75%
furrows or fissures. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate (8-25 cm long, Chorology
Native
5-9 cm broad) with a dentate-crenate margin and a brighter Introduced
green upper leaf surface. This species tree is monoecious and
flowers develop in late June to July and may be pollinated by
wind (more usual in case of dry weather during flowering) or
insects (dominating in wet weather conditions). Male flowers are
gathered in catkins (5 to 15 cm in length) whereas female flowers
are usually positioned at the base of the male ones in the upper
part of the current year’s shoots. By autumn the female flowers
develop into spiny cupules (commonly called bur) containing 3-7
brownish nuts that are shed during (September)-October. Some
cultivars, especially the varieties of the Marron-group, develop
only one large nut per cupule (rarely up to three). The nut is an
achene composed of two skins; the external part is shiny brown
(pericarp) and the internal is a pellicle adhering to the fruit Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Castanea sativa.
(episperm), and edible creamy-white cotyledons1 . Frequency of Castanea sativa occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native and
Chestnut plantation for fruit production in Bregaglia Valley
introduced spatial range for C. sativa is derived after several sources4, 7, 21-23 .
Distribution (Canton of Grisons, Switzerland).
(Copyright Patrik Krebs: CC-BY)
The distribution area ranges from Southern Europe (Iberian cultivation4 . European settlers introduced the species in other
Peninsula, Italy, Balkans, Mediterranean Islands) and North Africa continents, so that chestnut trees or plantations are nowadays the Cantabrian coast on the Iberian peninsula, and probably
(Morocco), to North-Western Europe (England, Belgium) and present in different parts of South and North America as well as also the Greek peninsula (Peloponnese and Thessaly) and north-
eastward to Western Asia (North East Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Australia2 . The broad diffusion and active management by man eastern Italy (Colli Euganei, Monti Berici, Emilia-Romagna)7, 8 . First
Azerbaijan, Syria), with an altitudinal range between 200 and have resulted in the establishment of the species at the limits of unambiguous evidences of chestnut cultivation are reported in
1 800 m, depending on the latitude and site aspect2, 3 . In Europe the its fundamental niche, which makes it nowadays difficult to trace palynological data of several regions in the Anatolian Peninsula,
sweet chestnut covers an area of more than 2.5 million hectares its original range5 and its ecology6 . The most probable natural North-eastern Greece and South-eastern Bulgaria and date back
(about the dimension of Sardinia Island). Most of the area (89 %) range is delimited by several macro-regions: the Transcaucasian to around 2 100-2 050 B.C., while Neolithic evidence (4 000 B.C.)
is concentrated in just a few countries (France, Italy, followed by region, north-western Anatolia, the hinterland of the Tyrrhenian of cultivation together with walnut and cereals comes from Italy8 .
Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland) with a long tradition of chestnut coast from Liguria to southern Italy along the Apennine range, Nevertheless, chestnut cultivation only took a subsidiary place in
the ancient Greek civilization and in the pre-Christian Latin world.
The role of chestnut in the Italian territory may have changed at
the beginning of the Christian era when people realized that the
wood produced from chestnut coppices was so useful and versatile.
Uncertain, no-data The Romans may thus have introduced the idea of cultivating the
Marginal/no presence < 5%
chestnut and in certain cases the tree itself, but no evidence of
systematic tree planting exists9 .
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Edible nuts of the sweet chestnut: they are traditionally roasted but can
also be candied, boiled, dried, or used as flour.
(Copyright Patrik Krebs: CC-BY)

Habitat and Ecology

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
The sweet chestnut is a warm-temperate deciduous species,
that likes a mean yearly temperature ranging between 8 ° and
15 °C and monthly mean temperatures over 10 °C during 6 months.
The species needs a minimum rainfall that ranges between
600 and 800 mm according to its distribution and interaction
with temperatures. The lowest elevations are recommended
for the highest latitudes and vice versa1 . The chestnut tree
displays a high sensitivity to summer droughts issuing from the
combination of high temperatures and lack of precipitation10, 11 .
It does not thrive on limestone, preferring well-drained, from

78 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


very acidic to neutral soils and nutritionally poor sites12 . This
tree can rejuvenate in half-shadow conditions, but needs light
for growing from the early pole stage1 . It is sensitive to late frost
and very adapted to fire-disturbance (vigorous re-sprouter)5 . Due
to the strong cultivation pressure, it is very difficult to define
natural chestnut stands with consociated tree communities. In
fact in about 90 % of chestnut forests, this tree is pure or the
dominant species. A good example of a natural community might
be the Georgian chestnut forests where the species grows with
other thermophilous broadleaved deciduous species such as
oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus
syn. Carpinus caucasica), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), field elm
(Ulmus minor), Cappadocian maple (Acer cappadocicum syn. Acer
laetum), Quercus spp., Caucasian zelkova (Zelkova carpinifolia),
red lime (Tilia rubra subsp. caucasica syn. Tilia caucasica) and
yew (Taxus baccata)13 .
Unisexual male and female inflorescences: long yellow catkins of male
flowers clustered in bundles and composed of numerous stamens and a
solitary female inflorescence comprising an ovoid cupule with styles on top.
(Copyright Patrik Krebs: CC-BY)
Importance and Usage
Due to its multipurpose character, the chestnut tree has
always been cultivated in different management systems
according to the targeted products and services. Chestnut wood
is particularly suitable for external use, thanks to its natural high
tannin content that acts as a protection against decay. In former
times tannin extraction was also a very common use of the
timber1 . Due to its high re-sprouting capacity, coppice represents
the main type of forest management with about 80 % in cover
of the chestnut forests, supplying principally fire wood, charcoal,
poles (fence, pit-props, etc.), and wood for small products (barrels,
shingles, sleepers, etc.). Pure chestnut high forests are rare with
a cover of about 10 %, producing timber wood for construction,
furniture or long poles14 . However, high quality uses of chestnut
timber are in some cases limited due to the susceptibility of the
chestnut to ring-shake1 . Traditional orchards for fruit production
(or groves, as some authors call them), which cover about 20 %
of chestnut forests, consist of open stands, usually composed
of grafted trees because of the self-sterility of the species.
The orchards for staple food consisted of a mix of varieties with
different ripening periods. The edible fruits can be consumed in
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
different ways: roasted, candied, boiled, dried, or transformed to
flour. Orchards also provided several secondary products such as
pasture, hay, mushrooms, berries, etc. In some cases, orchards
were also intercropped with cereals14 . Flowers are rich in pollen
and nectar and therefore really appreciated for honey production
by bee keepers1 .
Threats and Diseases
Traditional chestnut management approaches (i.e. coppices,
high forests, orchards) requires continuous cultural inputs. In the
absence of management, chestnut stands tend to be invaded by
other species and to evolve towards mixed deciduous forests15, 16 .
With time over-aged and oversized chestnut orchard trees and
coppice stools become unstable and tend to uproot17, disrupting the
original chestnut structures within the post-cultural ecosystems.
This has caused a severe decrease of biodiversity in the affected
regions18, 19 and reduced ecosystem service provision20 . Further
threats for chestnut trees include the ink disease (Phythophtora
spp.), the spread of the newly introduced chestnut blight
(Cryphonectria parasitica), and the impact of the Chinese gall
wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus). The latter is a pest introduced in
2002 in Piedmont and now spreading to other regions, although
successfully limited by the specific antagonist Torymus sinensis
where this biological control has been applied. Further source of
economic loss for the chestnut growers are fruit damaging insects
such as the chestnut weevil (Curculio elephas) and tortrices (Cydia
splendana; Cydia fagglandana; Pammene fasciana)1 .
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Castanea sativa
Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
References
[1] G. Bounous, ed., Il castagno (Edagricole, [13] G. Nakhutsrishvili, The Vegetation of
Bologna, 2014). Georgia (South Caucasus) (Springer Berlin
[2] D. Avanzato, ed., Following Chestnut Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2013).
Footprints (Castanea spp.) - Cultivation [14] M. Conedera, P. Krebs, Acta Horticulturae
and Culture, Folklore and History, Tradition 784, 23 (2008).
and Uses, vol. 9 of Scripta Horticulturae [15] M. Conedera, P. Stanga, B. Oester,
(International Society for Horticultural P. Bachmann, Forest, Snow and Landscape
Science, 2009). Research 76, 487 (2001).
[3] P. Schütt, et al., Enzyklopädie der
Laubbäume: Die große Enzyklopädie
[16] M. Pividori, F. Armando, M. Conedera, Acta
Horticulturae 693, 219 (2005).
(Nikol, Hamburg, 2006).
[17] J. Vogt, P. Fonti, M. Conedera, B. Schröder, Forest
[4] M. Conedera, M. C. Manetti, F. Giudici, Ecology and Management 235, 88 (2006).
E. Amorini, Ecologia Mediterranea 30,
179 (2004). [18] H. Gondard, F. Romane, I. Regina, S. Leonardi,
Forest Diversity and Management,
[5] W. Tinner, et al., The Holocene 10, 565 D. Hawksworth, A. Bull, eds. (Springer
(2000). Netherlands, 2006), vol. 2 of Topics in
[6] A. Rubio, et al., InvestigacioÌn agraria: Sistemas Biodiversity and Conservation, pp. 69–82.
y recursos forestales 11, 373 (2002). [19] M. K. Obrist, et al., Forest Ecology and
[7] P. Krebs, et al., Vegetation History and Management 261, 789 (2011).
Archaeobotany 13, 145 (2004). [20] A. San Roman Sanz, et al., Ecology and
[8] P. Kaltenrieder, G. Procacci, B. Vannière, Society 18, n. 38 (2013).
W. Tinner, The Holocene 20, 679 (2010). [21] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
[9] M. Conedera, P. Krebs, W. Tinner, Europaeae: distribution of vascular
M. Pradella, D. Torriani, Vegetation History plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
and Archaeobotany 13, 161 (2004). Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping
[10] M. Conedera, F. Barthold, D. Torriani, G. B. the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Pezzatti, Acta Horticulturae 866, 297 (2003). Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
[22] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of chestnut
[11] J. Lemaire, Forêt-entreprise 179, 18 (2008).
(Castanea sativa) (2008). www.euforgen.org.
[12] S. Pereira-Lorenzo, et al., Fruit Breeding,
[23] Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, BSBI
M. L. Badenes, D. H. Byrne, eds. (Springer
Big Database (2015). http://bsbidb.org.uk.
US, 2012), vol. 8 of Handbook of Plant
Breeding, pp. 729–769.
Oblong-lanceolate leaves, bright green in colour with toothed margins.
(Copyright Tracy Houston Durrant: CC-BY)
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0125e0. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Conedera, M., Tinner, W., Krebs, P., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016.
Castanea sativa in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e0125e0+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 79
 Celtis australis
Celtis australis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
D. Magni, G. Caudullo
Celtis australis L., commonly known as southern nettle tree or European hackberry, is native in South Europe from the
Mediterranean Basin to Asia Minor. It prefers sunny exposures in thermophile mixed deciduous forests, well adapted to
rocky soils lacking in humus, where it is able to crush rocks entering their fissures with its strong roots. Thanks to its
frugality, this tree is used for afforestation in difficult terrains against erosion. It is also an ornamental tree because
of its dome-shaped crown. During the last 50 years nettle tree has been showing decline symptoms especially in urban
areas due to a combination of climate change effects and the action of different pathogens.
The nettle tree, or European hackberry, (Celtis australis
L.) is a deciduous tree which usually grows 15-20 m in height,
only exceptionally reaching 25-30 m1 . Its shape appears as
a low dome, with a wide, regular, dense, light green crown2 .
The trunk is vertical, robust and enlarging at the bottom with
age, with girth of 3 m, exceptionally up to 6 m3 . The bark is
thin, grey or pale brown, and smooth, with horizontal wrinkles
similar to beech; sometimes becoming more rugged with
warty excrescences in old age2-4 . The leaves are simple, from
5 to 15 cm long, usually wavy, alternate, lanceolate or oval-
lanceolate, serrate with regular jagged teeth (except near the
base), acuminate or twisted apex, and cuneate or rounded
slightly asymmetric base3, 4 . They are dark green and scabrous
above, green-greyish and tomentose beneath3-5 . This species
is andromonoecious, the flowers are small, greenish, solitary
or grouped in 3-5 elements, forming in the branches developed
in the current year6 . The fruits are drupes, ovoid or spherical,
10-12 mm in diameter, with a scant sweetish fleshy part6 . The
fruit colour changes from whitish to brown-reddish and then
to blackish when the fruits ripe in late summer or autumn1, 2, 6 .
Distribution
The nettle tree is native to the Mediterranean basin and
Western Asia. It occurs from Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula
to Syria comprising the Mediterranean islands, up to the Black
Sea and the Caucasus. It grows in lowlands and low hills from
sea level to 1 200-1 300 m in Spain and Northwest Africa1-3, 6-8 . In
the Middle East its distribution area overlaps with the Caucasian
hackberry (Celtis caucasica Willd.)3, 7, 9 . They are very similar and
difficult to identify; some authors consider them as subspecies10 .
Outside its natural range it is present as an ornamental plant in
Central Europe with a northern limit set by severe winter frosts5 .
Outside Eurasia, this species is naturalised in Australia and in
south-western United States11, 12 .
Habitat and Ecology
The nettle tree grows in woods, meadows, riverbanks, cliffs,
in dry and poor areas especially on rocky soils. Its strong and
widely developed roots can crack rocks13 . It is a heliophilous
species, preferring sunny exposures, and suffers during intense
cold and late frosts2 . The fruits are very appetizing for birds (and
also for foxes, badgers and martens), which are responsible for
seed dissemination1 . It can also reproduce vegetatively by root
suckers3 . This species can be often found in thermophile mixed
deciduous forests together with downy oak (Quercus pubescens),
hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia), manna ash (Fraxinus ornus),
common hazel (Corylus avellana), and maples (Acer spp.), or in
riparian vegetation with willows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.)
and elms (Ulmus spp.), very rarely as the dominant species14 .
This tree has a high growth rate and in its native range can live
up to 1 000 years and attain significant size2, 3 .
Importance and Usage
The grey-whitish wood is heavy, elastic, water resistant
and lasting. It has been used in the past in carriage-building,
in boat-building, for door or window lintels, and to make tools
and tool-handles needing good resistance1, 3 . The wood was also
appreciated for cabinet-making and lathe works and to produce
musical instruments (e.g. flutes, small drums) and toys for
children in the last century. Due to mechanization in agriculture
and the availability of new more resistant materials, the wood
industry of nettle tree is in clear decline and its use is now limited
to local handmade manufacture1 . This tree also produces good
coppice shoots when cut3 and yields high quality fuel wood and
charcoal13 . Nettle tree is principally used for afforestation in
rocky and difficult terrains against erosion thanks to its frugality,
for plantations in urban areas and along roads because of its
pollution tolerance, and as ornamental plant for its domed crown,
with long arching branches13 . The fruits are edible and contain
seeds from which sweet oil can be extracted. They are also used
to produce specialist liqueurs or, in the past, to substitute sugar
during famine periods1 . This tree has applications for natural
medical remedies (e.g. in India and Spain) for amenorrhoea,
diarrhoea and colic (fruits), to reduce blood pressure (leaves), as
a diuretic agent or to reduce cholesterol (fruits and leaves), and
80 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Canopy of a large plant in the botanical garden of Villa Carlotta
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map. (Como Lake, North Italy).
Frequency of Celtis australis occurrences within the field observations as
(Copyright Davide Fumagalli: CC-BY)
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for C. australis is derived after several sources23-27.
Oval-lanceolate leaves with serrated margins.
(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
References
[1] E. Barroso, et al., Inventario Español de los [13] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
la Biodiversidad, M. Pardo de Santayana, [14] European Environment Agency, EUNIS,
R. Morales, L. Aceituno, M. Molina, eds. the European Nature Information System
(Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación (2015). http://eunis.eea.europa.eu.
y Medio Ambiente, Madrid, 2014), pp.
264–269. [15] A. Bertaccini, L. Mittempergher, M. Vibio,
Spherical drupe fruits in different stages of maturity. Annals of Applied Biology 128, 245
(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP) [2] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide (1996).
(Collins, 2006).
[16] N. Anselmi, A. Saric, G. P. Cellerino,
[3] H. J. Elwes, A. Henry, The Trees of Great Informatore fitopatologico 30, 11 (1980).
to treat liver problems (the internal part of the bark)1 . The bark is Britain and Ireland Vol. 4 (Privately
printed, Edinburgh, 1909). [17] L. Mittempergher, A. Sfalanga, M. Vibio,
also used to make a dye, yielding a yellow pigment. The foliage A. Bertaccini, Acta Horticulturae 496, 87
[4] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, (1999).
(and in some regions also the bark and thin branches) can be C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins, [18] T. Annesi, R. Coppola, E. Motta, Forest
used as fodder for cattle1, 3, 9 . 1974). Pathology 33, 405 (2003).
[5] W. J. Bean, Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the [19] T. Annesi, L. D’Amico, D. Bressanin,
E. Motta, G. Mazza, Phytopathologia
Threats and Diseases British Isles Volume 1: A-C (John Murray,
1970), 8th edn. Mediterranea 49 (2011).
Decline of nettle tree has been registered in its Mediterranean [6] C. Navarro, S. Castroviejo, Flora Iberica: [20] A. P. Ramos, M. F. Caetano, I. Melo, Revista
plantas vasculares de la Peninsula de Ciências Agrárias 31, 159 (2008).
distribution area for more than fifty years, especially in towns, IbeÌrica e Islas Baleares, Volume 3: [21] L. Luongo, et al., Plant Disease 99, 155
where more than 50 % of trees were already affected by the Plumbaginaceae (partim)-Capparaceae, (2015).
S. Castroviejo, et al., eds. (Real Jardìn
1980s15, 16 . Symptoms of tree weakness are evident in drought Botánico, CSIC, Madrid, 1993), pp. [22] EPPO, EPPO Bulletin 35, 456 (2005).
248–250. [23] H. Meusel, E. J. Jäger, Plant Systematics
years and cold winters. One of the causes seems to be the and Evolution 162, 315 (1989).
[7] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert,
presence of phytoplasmas belonging to the aster yellows and E. Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der [24] Anthos, Information System of the plants
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -
elm yellows groups, affecting sprouting buds, fruit-set and Verlag Jena, 1978). Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
[8] EPPO, EPPO Reporting Service 6 (2013). http://www.anthos.es.
adventitious buds15, 17. In Italy the decline of nettle tree is also Art. 134. [25] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
increased by the eriophide mite Aceria bezzii, responsible for http://www.tela-botanica.org
[9] P. Hanelt, ed., Mansfeld’s Encyclopedia
the delayed sprouting of buds and loss of fruit production17. of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops [26] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
(Springer, 2001). On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2014).
In southern European towns the fungus Inonotus rickii was http://www.flora-on.pt.
[10] C. C. Townsend, Flora of Iraq, vol 4, C. C.
discovered to contribute to the decline of the species, causing Townsend, E. Guest, eds. (Ministry of [27] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Agriculture & Agrarian Reform, Baghdad, Europaeae: distribution of vascular
decay and cankers. This fungus is able to infect several ornamental 1980), pp. 65–75. plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
[11] USDA NRCS, The PLANTS database (2015). Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping
species making it particularly invasive and widespread in National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
urban areas18-20. The oomycete Phytophthora megasperma can USA, http://plants.usda.gov. Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
seriously damage nettle trees, with wilting, dieback and death. [12] H. J. Hewson, Flora of Australia Volume
3: Hamamelidales to Casuarinales (ABRS/
The long-term survival of spores in the soil makes this threat CSIRO, Australia, 1989).
rather dangerous21 . In its easternmost Asian Minor distribution,
with a possible future extension into the Mediterranean basin This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
because of the hot dry climatic conditions, nettle tree is affected https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0145f9. The purpose of this
by Xylotrechus namanganensis (namangan longhorn beetle or summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
willow longhorn beetle). Symptoms of the presence of this pest This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
are wilting and drying leaves, holes made by larvae in the trunks, Please, cite as:
large branches and at the bases of infested trees, and beetles on Magni, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Celtis australis in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
the flowers and trunks22 . J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e0145f9+
 Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo
The conifer Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murray) Parl.) is native to a small area in North America.
Variable in form, there are over 200 cultivars selected for horticultural purposes. It has been planted in many countries in
Europe, usually as an ornamental, although the timber is also of good quality. It has been severely affected in its native
range by root rot disease, and this has now spread to the European population.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murray) Parl., known as
Lawson cypress, or Port Orford cedar in the United States, is a
Frequency
large conifer native to North America. It belongs to the family < 25%
25% - 50%
Cupressaceae, and is sometimes referred to as a “false-cypress” 50% - 75%
to distinguish it from other cypresses in the family. It is long- > 75%

lived (more than 600 years) and can reach heights of up to 50 m
(exceptionally up to 70 m in its native range) and a diameter
exceeding 2 m1, 2 . The tree is narrowly columnar with slender,
down-curving branches; frequently with forked stems. The bark is
silvery-brown, becoming furrowed and very thick with age giving
mature trees good fire resistance2, 3 . The wood is highly aromatic
with a distinctive ginger-like odour, as is the foliage which has
a parsley-like scent when crushed3, 4 . The evergreen scale-like
leaves are around 2-3 mm long5 . Abundant, round pea-sized
cones ripen in autumn with seed dispersal occurring immediately
after and continuing until the following spring6 .

Distribution
The native range of Lawson cypress is a narrow strip
between Oregon and north-west California, mainly near the Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Chamaecyparis lawsoniana.
Frequency of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana occurrences within the field observations as
coast. It was introduced into Europe in 1854 and named after reported by the National Forest Inventories.
the Scottish nursery (Lawson & Son) where it was first sent7. It
is now established, though not common, in Germany, France, the
Netherlands, Denmark and United Kingdom, and also outside
Importance and Usage Ornamental specimen in a park in Varese (North Italy).

Europe in Australia, South Africa, Kenya, New Zealand and Sri The main use for Lawson cypress outside its natural range (Copyright Achille Mauri: CC-BY)

Lanka1 . Other species of Chamaecyparis are present in Europe.
In particular, Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and Sawara
cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) are the most frequent ones
after Lawson cypress8-10 .
Habitat and Ecology
Lawson cypress prefers medium-textured soils with
consistent summer moisture, but it can also grow in drier
conditions. It is relatively shade-tolerant and can cope with a
wide range of conditions and soil types. It is able to grow either
under a forest canopy or as a pioneer in the open. Growth rate is
relatively slow for young trees, but older trees retain their ability
to respond to more light and space and can become dominant
in old-growth forests. It is usually found in mixed coniferous
forests (fir, spruce, pine), or with broadleaved species such as
oak11 . It is an interesting species ecologically as its natural range
is extremely small, yet it is able to survive in a wide variety of
conditions4, 12 .
is as an ornamental tree, and there are over 200 cultivars with
different coloured foliage and forms1, 12 . The timber is also
valuable as it has many good qualities: fine texture, straight
grain, easy to work and resistant to decay, it is suitable for a
wide range of applications including general construction, railway
sleepers, doors, toys, and in the past, arrow shafts and venetian
bind slats12 . Only lack of availability has prevented it being used
more widely commercially12 . Chamaecyparis mature stands may
offer a good protection from soil erosion and their root systems
may mitigate shallow-landslide susceptibility13-15 .
Threats and Diseases
Lawson cypress is highly susceptible to the oomycete
Phytophthora lateralis that has spread throughout much of its
range, causing heavy losses since first being described in 19231 .
The pathogen causes root rot and can quickly kill trees of all
ages. This has resulted in Lawson cypress now being classed
as “near threatened” in the United States. The pathogen has
more recently been observed in Europe where it now poses an
increasing threat16, 17.

Lawson’s Cypress killed by Phytophthora lateralis (Roseburg, Oregon).

(Copyright US Forest Service, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

References
[1] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[2] R. J. Uchytil, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana.
Fire Effects Information System (1990).
http://www.feis-crs.org/feis
[3] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins,
1974).
[4] D. B. Zobel, L. F. Roth, G. M. Hawk, Ecology,
pathology, and management of Port-
Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana),
Tech. rep., United States Department of
Agriculture, Pacific Northwest Forest and
Range Experiment Station (1985).
[5] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[6] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[7] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[8] GBIF Secretariat, GBIF Backbone
Taxonomy (Global Biodiversity Information
Facility (GBIF), 2014), chap. GBIF-
ID:2683849.
[9] GBIF Secretariat, GBIF Backbone
Taxonomy (Global Biodiversity Information
Facility (GBIF), 2014), chap. GBIF-
ID:2683880.
[10] GBIF Secretariat, GBIF Backbone
Taxonomy (Global Biodiversity Information
Facility (GBIF), 2014), chap. GBIF-
ID:2683866.
[11] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, 2010).
[12] J. A. Ohmann, Port-Orford-Cedar
(Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murr.)
Parl.) An American Wood, Tech. rep., Forest
Service (1984).
[13] H. Kitahara, Y. Okura, T. Sammori,
A. Kawanami, Journal of Forest Research
5, 231 (2000).
[14] M. Mmann, A. Böll, C. Rickli, T. Speck,
O. Holdenrieder, Forest Snow and
Landscape Research 82, 79 (2009).
[15] A. C. Johnson, P. Wilcock, Geomorphology
46, 129 (2002).
[16] S. Green, et al., Forest Pathology 43, 19
(2013).
[17] C. Robin, et al., Forest Pathology 41, 417
(2011).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Immature cones developing at the ends of the shoots.
(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e018deb. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., 2016. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-
Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e018deb+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 81

 Cornus mas
Cornus mas in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
G. Caudullo, T. Houston Durrant. D. de Rigo
Cornus mas L., commonly named as cornelian cherry, is a bushy shrub or small tree producing olive-shaped red fruits
which are fleshy and edible. It is native of temperate zones, from central to southern Europe and eastwards to Asia
Minor. It is light-demanding and occurs in warm and dry sites at forest edges and open areas as an element of sub-
Mediterranean shrub vegetation communities. Its wood is very hardy and durable, prized for centuries for construction
of weapons. It has been also cultivated, even outside its natural range, for its fruits, which have culinary and medical
uses, and for ornamental purposes with a selection of several cultivars. This plant is apparently free of serious diseases,
except in orchards. There is more attention focussed on the potential genetic erosion of natural populations, principally
in those countries where cornelian cherry covers an important economic role.
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a deciduous shrub or
small tree growing 2-6 m tall, exceptionally reaching 8-9 m. The
crown is regular, bushy, hemispherical, and may expand more
horizontally up to 5 m. The trunk is straight, sometimes with
sinuous or multiple stems, the branches ends often drooping. The
bark is grey-brownish, peeling off in scaly flakes like crocodile
skin. The young shoots are hairy grey-greenish, becoming
hairless later. The leaves are opposite with a short stalk, oval,
3-5 cm wide and 6-8 cm long, with an entire margin that is
shortly acuminate and supplied with visible parallel veins. They
turn to mahogany red in autumn. The flowers are small, 5-10 mm
in diameter, hermaphrodite, with four yellow petals and on long
peduncles, clustered in groups of 10-25 together in umbels. They
bloom in late winter before the leaves sprout. The fruit is a fleshy,
bright red cherry-like drupe, which ripens in mid-late summer. It
is olive-shaped, 12-15 mm long, with a smooth and shiny rind,
and containing two seeds. The fruit is edible when it falls and is
dispersed by animals1-5 .
Distribution
Cornelian cherry is native of the temperate zones of
Eurasia, with a Pontic and Mediterranean distribution. It occurs
from central and southern Europe (Pyrenees, France, Italy and
Balkan Peninsula) to Asia Minor (Turkey, Caucasus)6 . However, it
can also be commonly found all over Europe outside its natural
range, as it has been exported for centuries first as a fruit and
pharmaceutical plant, then as an ornamental shrub, and is now
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
82 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Cornus mas.
Frequency of Cornus mas occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for C. mas is derived after Meusel and Jäger6 .
naturalised in some countries4 . Although its natural northern
limits are Belgium and Germany, it has been planted in colder
regions: e.g. in Oslo, Cornelian cherry trees in parks and gardens
ripen every year7. It has also been exported to North America as
Bright red cherry-like fruits are produced in summer.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)
a landscape ornamental8, 9 , and to China as an ornamental tree
and for medical uses10 .
Habitat and Ecology
Generally, cornelian cherry occurs in warm and dry sites,
from sea level up to 1500 m in the Alps (Switzerland) and in the
Caucasus1, 5, 6 . It is a light-demanding and slow-growing species,
which thrives in open areas or in semi-shade vegetation, such
as forest hedges, steppe shrubs, and light woodlands. It prefers
moist, alkaline soils rich in nutrients, although it is principally
found in warm and dry conditions. The cornelian cherry has a high
plasticity, growing in all kinds of soils, from light sandy to heavy
clay, with a pH ranging from slightly acid to very alkaline. Wind
and frost are also well tolerated, and it can survive up to -30 °C,
while it is sensitive to salt and marine exposures. It also a long-
living tree, surviving up to 300 years3, 11 . Cornelian cherry is found
in the thermophilous mixed deciduous broadleaved forests,
dominated by oaks (Quercus pubescens, Q. cerris, Q. frainetto,
Q. ilex), hornbeams (Carpinus betulus, Carpinus orientalis) and
manna ash (Fraxinus ornus). It can also be found in combinations
with other sub-Mediterranean shrubs; e.g. wayfarer (Viburnum
lantana), wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare), common dogwood
(Cornus sanguinea), common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna),
European barberry (Berberis vulgaris), etc.12 .
Importance and Usage
The wood of cornelian cherry has been valued over the
centuries for its hardiness, durability and flexibility. In ancient
Greece, the wood of cornel was considered one of the most
valuable precious woods, mentioned also in the writings by
Homer. In the Virgil’s Aeneid the cornelian is cited as wood used
for the Trojan horse3 . Ptolemy attested the use of this wood for
the Macedonian cavalry spears. During the Roman period it was
favoured to make the shafts of javelins. Pliny wrote that cornelian
cherry wood was used for making “spokes of wheels, or else for
making wedges for splitting wood, and pins or bolts, which have
all the hardness of those of iron”. Records of its use continued for
centuries, prized for weapon construction, such as bows, darts,
pikes, etc., and other tools. More recently this wood has been
used for the manufacture of wheel spokes, ladder rungs, and
tool handles2, 4, 13, 14 . The wood has reddish sapwood and dark
brown heartwood, of a fine texture and difficult to split. Together
with common box (Buxus sempervirens) and strawberry tree
(Arbutus unedo), this species is among the toughest and most
durable European woods with the highest specific gravity5, 15 .
The fruits are edible and have a similar taste to sour cherries3 .
The cornelian cherry is a species of economic interest for fruit
production16 . Plants are cultivated in orchards in many countries
of eastern Europe, Caucasus and central Asia, as its sweet-acid
fruits are very valuable for fresh consumption and for processing
to produce syrups, juices, jams and other traditional products17-21 .
Olive-shaped green drupes maturing in spring.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
The fleshy fruits of Cornelian cherry are edible and used for a
variey of culinary purposes.
(Copyright Marion Schneider & Christoph Aistleitner, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
 Cornus mas

the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum observed in Iran27, or rots on

young seedlings caused by the oomycete Phytophthora citricola
in Bulgaria 28 . The widespread use of cultivars vegetatively
propagated and the deforestation of natural populations are
increasing the attention on threats of genetic erosion. Mainly
in the countries where the cornelian cherry covers an important
economic role, new genetic protection programmes have been
created for germplasm conservation 3, 17, 20, 29 .

Oval leaves with entire margins and evident veins.

(Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Cluster of hermaphrodite flowers composed of 4 yellow stamens and petals and 4 greenish sepals.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

For this purpose several cultivars have been selected, bearing
fruits with different sizes, taste (acidity and sweet) and colours
(from creamy white, yellow, orange, red, violet to black); e.g.
the ‘Macrocarpa’ variety bears large and pear-shaped fruits,
‘Alba’ white fruits and ‘Flava’ yellow and sweeter fruits4 . In Asia,
Cornelian cherries are also made into an alcoholic beverage,
similar to the ‘Drenja’ beverage produced in Serbia22 . Fruits
are rich in tannins and sugars as well as phenols, ascorbic acid,
flavonoids and anthocyanins23, 24 . Traditionally the fruits were
used as a diuretic, analgesic and tonic. In Middle Age cornelian
cherry shrubs were commonly planted in monastery gardens4 .
Recently its therapeutic properties have been well documented,
finding high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with
beneficial effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal
and immune systems22, 24, 25 . The abundance of flowers
blossoming in late winter, its plasticity in growing in different
kinds of soils and its trimming tolerance, make this species
well adapted for use in gardens and parks as an ornamental,
nectariferous, hedge and shade plant4, 5, 16 . As for fruits, many
cultivars are available in trade all over the world with several
habits, colours of leaves and flowering abundance; e.g. ‘Nana’
plump and growing in dwarf stature, ‘Elegantissima’ with leaves
with yellow or pink margins, ‘Variegata’ with white margins26 .
Threats and Diseases References
[1] S. Pignatti, Flora d’Italia (Edagricole,
The cornelian cherry has been apparently free of disease and Bologna., 1982).
pest problems, a highly appreciated characteristic which gained [2] M. J. Saint-Hilare, Treatise on Trees
and Shrubs Grown in France and in the
its use as an ornamental and orchard species. However, recently Countryside - Version translated by J
B Fleishman (Firmin Didot Press, Paris,
the first diseases have been reported, principally in nurseries and 1825).
plantations, such as the leaf spot and fruit rot disease caused by [3] V. Dörken, Jahrbuch des Bochumer
Botanischen Vereins 1, 213 (2010).
[4] L. Reich, Arnoldia 56, 2 (1996).
[5] B. K. Shishkin, et al., Flora of the USSR -
Volume XVII: Umbelliflorae (continued),
vol. 17 of Flora of the USSR (Keter Press,
Jerusalem, 1970).
[6] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).
[7] F. C. Schübeler, Die Pflanzenwelt
Norwegens. Ein Beitrag zur Natur-
und Culturgeschichte Nord-Europas
(Christiania, A.W. Brögger, 1975).
[8] C. S. Sargent, Manual of the Trees of
North America (exclusive of Mexico), vol. 2
(Dover Publications, New York, 1961),
second edn.
[9] M. T. Mmbaga, E. C. Nnodu, HortScience
41, 721 (2006).
[10] J. Q. Xiang, D. E. Boufford, Flora of China,
Text Volume 14, Apiaceae through
Ericaceae, F. of China Editorial Committee,
ed. (Missouri Botanical Garden Press,
2005), pp. 206–221.
[11] P. Brindza, J. Brindza, D. Toth, S. V.
Klimenko, O. Grigorieva, Acta Horticulturae
760, 433 (2007).
[12] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
Vegetation Europas; Map of the
Natural Vegetation of Europe
(Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
[13] R. E. Weaver, Arnoldia 36, 50 (1976).
Floral bud blossoming in early spring.
(Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
[14] M. M. Markle, American Journal of
Archaeology 81, 323 (1977).
[15] I. Brémaud, et al., Annals of Forest Science
69, 373 (2012).
[16] J. H. Wiersema, B. León, World Economic
Plants: A Standard Reference (CRC Press,
2013).
[17] S. Ercýslý, Journal of Fruit and Ornamental
Plant Research 12, 87 (2004).
[18] N. Mamedov, L. E. Craker, Acta
Horticulturae 629, 83 (2004).
[19] P. Brindza, J. Brindza, D. Tóth, S. V.
Klimenko, O. Grigorieva, Acta Horticulturae
818, 85 (2009).
[20] O. Rop, J. Mlcek, D. Kramarova, T. Jurikova,
African Journal of Biotechnology 9, 1205
(2010).
[21] H. Hassanpour, Y. Hamidoghli,
H. Samizadeh, Biochemical Systematics
and Ecology 48, 257 (2013).
[22] B. J. West, S. Deng, C. J. Jensen, A. K. Palu,
L. F. Berrio, International Journal of Food
Science & Technology 47, 1392 (2012).
[23] E. Mratinić, M. F. Akšić, V. Rakonjac,
R. Miletić, M. Žikić, Plant Systematics and
Evolution 301, 365 (2015).
[24] P. Mikaili, et al., Journal of pharmaceutical
and biomedical sciences 35, 1732 (2013).
[25] N. Ersoy, Y. Bagci, V. Gok, Scientific
Research and Essays 6, 98 (2011).
[26] A. McIndoe, The Horticulture Gardener’s
Guides - Shrubs (David & Charles, Devon,
UK, 2005).
[27] M. Arzanlou, M. Torbati, Archives Of
Phytopathology And Plant Protection 46,
518 (2013).
[28] S. G. Bobev, K. Van Poucke, M. Maes, Plant
Disease 93, 551 (2009).
[29] S. Klimenko, Journal of Fruit and
Ornamental Plant Research 12, 93 (2004).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Shrub form of Cornelian cherry with yellow flowers blossoming before foliage develops in spring.
(Copyright Marinella Zepigi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01ddab. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., 2016. Cornus mas in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01ddab+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 83

 Cornus sanguinea

Cornus sanguinea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

I. Popescu, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The common, or red, dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L.) is a deciduous shrub of cool temperate climates. It is commonly
present in most of Europe and West Asia in broadleaved forests as an understorey shrub or in fringes and glades. It grows
in different types of soils and conditions, reproducing by seed and also propagating by adventitious roots. Thanks to its
abundance of white inflorescences, its purplish red autumn leaves and the winter bright red twigs, it is cultivated as an
ornamental plant. Its purplish-black fruits contain seeds rich in fat and are used to make soap and oil for illumination.

Description
Cornus sanguinea L., known as common or red dogwood, is Frequency
a deciduous shrub, which usually grows 3-4 m in height, but it < 25%
25% - 50%
can develop into a small tree reaching 6 m especially in southern 50% - 75%
> 75%
ranges1 . Young slender twigs, especially those exposed to sun, Chorology
are dark red and when crushed the bark has a characteristic Native

smell2, 3 . The leaves are opposite, entire, 4-10 cm long and

3-4 cm wide, broadly elliptical or ovate, hairy, and with short
stalks. Their colour is pale green, turning to reddish in autumn.
Leaves are 4-10 cm pale green, turning reddish in autumn.
Leaf veins are in 3-5 pairs, arching and convergent. This species (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
is monoecious with numerous fragrant, hermaphrodite flowers,
which are dull-white or creamy-white, in 4-5 cm wide, terminal, has an important ecological significance in forest habitats,
flat-topped inflorescence on long peduncles, without involucre of offering flowers to insect pollinators8 , fruits to birds and creating
bracts. There are five petals which are 4-7 mm long, lanceolate understorey habitat for a variety of organisms6, 7, 26, 27.
and spreading. The nectar disk is yellowish. The fruit is a globose
berry-like drupe, 5-8 mm wide, initially reddish, turning purplish-
Threats and Diseases
black at maturity. Sometimes it presents white dots towards the There are no serious pest or disease problems recorded for
tip. Flowering occurs in May-June after the leaves appear, and the common dogwood. Ornamental plants can be prone to attack
fruits mature in September-October2-5 . Besides open pollinated by anthracnoses or fungi, which reduce their vigour, but do not
sexual reproduction, it can also propagate vegetatively through
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Cornus sanguinea. cause significant damage6, 7.
Frequency of Cornus sanguinea occurrences within the field observations
adventitious roots5-8 . as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for C. sanguinea is derived after Liesebach and Götz8 .
References
Distribution [1] P. Schütt, U. M. Lang, Enzyklopädie der [15] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
This species is present in most of Europe and the Caucasian Its characteristic dark red twigs in full sun might be explained Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der Vegetation Europas; Map of the
Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Natural Vegetation of Europe
region, including the northern part of Iran. It is absent from by an atypical layer of the outer bark formed at the end of each Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch (Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
Verlag, Weinheim, 1994), vol. 3.
Scandinavia (except in the southernmost part), from the north- growing season, a layer which may increase the protective value [16] E. Gossler, M. Gossler, R. Gossler, The
[2] P. W. Ball, Flora Europaea, Volume 2: Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs
eastern part of the British Islands, southern half of the Iberian of the bark against sun exposure13 . This species can adapt its Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin, (Timber Press, 2009).
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press,
Peninsula, and southern Greece2-5, 8 . It grows from sea level to reproductive behaviour to habitat conditions, reproducing by 1968), pp. 77–80.
[17] J. Gardiner, The Timber Press Encyclopedia
of Flowering Shrubs (Timber Press, UK,
over 1500 m in the Alps (Switzerland) and Caucasus Mountains9 . seeds, dispersed principally by birds, or limiting the flower [3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide 2014).
(Collins, 2006).
blossom and promoting a vigorous clonal growth14 . This species [18] P. Hanelt, ed., Mansfeld’s Encyclopedia
[4] O. Polunin, Flowers of Europe: A Field of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops
is found in different mixed temperate broadleaved forests Guide (Oxford University Press, 1969). (Springer, 2001).
dominated by oaks (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea), limes (Tilia [5] T. Săvulescu, ed., Flora Republicii Populare [19] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
Române, vol 6 (Editura Academiei Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
spp.), maples (Acer spp.), ashes (Fraxinus spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.) Române, Bucureşti, 1958). [20] M. Oskay, D. Oskay, F. Kalyoncu, Iranian
and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), along with other mesophile [6] S. Morgan, Horticulture Week pp. 18–19 Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 8,
(2007). 293 (2009).
shrub species, such as spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus), [7] M. Kimberley, Horticulture Week pp. 22–23 [21] W. J. Bean, Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the
common hazel (Corylus avellana), black elder (Sambucus nigra), (2012). British Isles Volume 1: A-C (John Murray,
[8] H. Liesebach, B. Götz, Silvae Genetica 57, 1970), 8th edn.
barberry (Berberis vulgaris)15 . 291 (2008). [22] G. Nieto Feliner, Flora Iberica: plantas
[9] H. Meusel, E. Jager, eds., Vergleichende vasculares de la Peninsula Ibérica e
Importance and Usage Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Islas Baleares, Volume 8 Haloragaceae-
Euphorbiaceae, S. Castroviejo, et al., eds.
(Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC, Madrid, 2007),
This shrub is principally cultivated as an ornamental species Jena, 1998).
pp. 135–138.
for its small white flowers arranged in dense clusters blossoming [10] M. Aránzazu Prada, D. Arizpe, Riparian
Tree and Shrub Propagation Handbook: [23] W. A. Out, Environmental Archaeology 13,
1 (2008).
in spring, its purplish red autumn leaves, and its bright-red An Aid to Riverine Restoration in the
Mediterranean Region (Generalitat [24] M. S. Stanković, M. D. Topuzović, Acta
winter twigs3, 6-8 . Different cultivars have been selected, such Valenciana, Valencia, 2008). Botanica Gallica 159, 79 (2012).
as ‘Midwinter Fire’ and ‘Winter Flame’, with winter stems yellow [11] J. Kollmann, S. A. Reiner, Flora 161, 191 [25] M. M. Özcan, et al., Grasas y Aceites 60,
(1996). 147 (2009).
Ornamental plant with bright coloured winter stems.
at the ground level changing to orange and red at the top, or [12] B. Jelìnek, L. Úradnìček, European [26] J. Kollmann, P. J. Grubb, Ecological
(Copyright je_wyer, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) ‘Compressa’ developing as dwarf form16, 17. It can be used in Countryside 6 (2014). Research 14, 9 (1999).
[13] E. Myśkow, International Journal of Plant [27] A. Hernandez, Bird Conservation
shelter-belts against wind and is frequently planted in the Sciences 175, 328 (2014). International 19, 224 (2009).
understorey18 . Like other dogwood species, the wood is tough, [14] B. O. Krüsi, M. Debussche, Oecologia 74,
592 (1988).
Habitat and Ecology hard and elastic. It is difficult to work and needs to be dried
slowly to avoid cracks19 . It is used only by craftsmen for making
The common dogwood requires cool temperate
small objects, such as tool handles. The flexible twigs can be
environments, growing predominantly in sub-Mediterranean and
used as wickers for basket making or for fishing nets4, 5, 20-23 .
sub-oceanic climates, but penetrating also in more continental
The fruits are not toxic and have high concentration of vitamin C;
and Mediterranean areas1 . It occurs in deciduous forests in the
however they have an unpleasant taste. They can be used for
understorey and in the fringes and glades. In the Mediterranean
producing jams and juices1 . Its seeds contain 30 % fats and can
zones it finds refuge in shady areas, river banks and humid thorny
be used to make soap, or for oil in gas lamps3-5 . Recent research
thickets3, 4, 10 . It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils, but
on the antioxidant activity of leaf and fruit extracts have found
it grows in a wide range of soils, from dry to humid with different
an important use in areas of medical botany and pharmacology
pH levels6, 7, 10 . It thrives in full sun, tolerating also shade11, 12 .
against multi-drug resistant human pathogens24, 25 . This species
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Flowers have 4 creamy white petals and 4 stamens and are arranged in
Annual precipitation (mm)

flat-topped inflorescences.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e019631. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Popescu, I., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Cornus sanguinea in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e019631+

84 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Open Scots pine forest in Finland.
(Copyright Anssi Koskinen, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Aurora borealis in coniferous boreal forest (Finnmark, Norway).

(Copyright Dan Nordal, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Bog in mire pine forest of the Ķemeri National Park (Jūrmala, Latvia).
(Copyright Jevgenij Voronov, unsplash.com: CC0)

Flowering grassland in summer (central Estonia).

(Copyright Caroline Sada, unsplash.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 85

 Corylus avellana

Corylus avellana in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Corylus avellana L. (European hazel or common hazel) is a monoecious and wind-pollinated broadleaf species. It is
usually an understory shrub, very common in naturally regenerated mixed-hardwood stands. It can be found throughout
Europe, from Norway to the Iberian Peninsula and east as far as the Urals. This species is very appreciated for its nuts,
for which it is cultivated worldwide, especially in European countries such as Turkey, Italy and Spain, and further afield
in the United States and Canada.
The common hazel (Corylus avellana L.) is typically a shrub
reaching 4-8 m tall, occasionally more than 10 m, and the stem
Frequency
is usually branched. The bark is grey with white and large spots. < 25%

The leaves are deciduous, rounded, 6-12 cm long, with a double 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
serrate margin and hairy on both sides. The flowers appear in early > 75%
Chorology
spring, before the leaves, and are monoecious with single-sex Native
wind-pollinated catkins. Male catkins are usually grouped together
(2-4 flowers) and are yellowish-brown and up to 10 cm long, while
female catkins are very small. During flowering, the inflorescence
becomes slender and doubles in length. The fruit is a nut, grouped
in clusters of one to four together. Each nut is held in a short leafy
involucre (husk) which encloses about half of the nut. The nut is
roughly spherical, up to 2 cm long, yellow-brown with a pale scar
at the base. Hairy leaves with double-serrated margins.
The average life span of this species is about 80-90 years1 . (Copyright Daniele de Rigo: CC-BY)

Hazelnut can be propagated both in generative (by seeds) and

vegetative ways. It is commonly vegetative propagated by shoot
and root suckers1 and cuttings2 . In particular, it is able to sprout
well and spread quickly after fires3 . Thanks to its larger nuts and
thinner shells compared with other hazelnut species, the hazel
has been used extensively in breeding programs4 , and there are
now more than 400 described cultivars5 . Unfortunately, hazelnut
has a well-known drawback: its pollen and nuts represent an
important cause of allergic reactions to sensitive people6, 7.
Distribution
Hazelnut is widely distributed in Europe, in natural stands
ranging from Scandinavia to the south of the continent8 . In the
north it can be found in Norway up to 67° N, although its northern
limit decreases further to the east9 . It is absent only in Iceland,
some of the Mediterranean islands (Cyprus, Malta, the Balearics)
and in the northernmost and southeasternmost extremes of the
continent. It is also present in North Africa and in Asia Minor10 .
It was introduced into North America in the mid-1850s11 , where
nowadays the hybrid between Corylus avellana and Corylus
americana represents the main option for new crops12 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Corylus avellana.
Frequency of Corylus avellana occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for C. avellana is derived after several sources33-36 .
Habitat and Ecology
Hazel generally grows as an understorey species in mixed
deciduous forests13 . Due to several adaptations at leaf level, it
has the capability to grow both in sun (in full light) and shade
conditions14 . It grows best on fertile and nutrient-rich, only
slightly acid or neutral soils, or it can also thrive on dry calcareous
soils1, 15 . Hazelnut prefers moderate climates with enough high
temperatures during the growing season, but it can resist cold
temperatures or even frosts15 . In Turkey an average temperature
of 13-16 °C and rainfall of over 700 mm is considered to provide
optimal conditions for hazelnut cultivation16 .
Importance and Usage
Traditionally the wood of hazel was used for fencing, barrel
hoops, and the wattle in “wattle and daub” plasterwork, and the
leaves were used for cattle fodder15 . However, the most valued
part of this species is the fruit. From ancient times, hazelnuts
have been among the main food components of our ancestors17.
In present times it is cultivated for its nuts, and is one of the
most economically important tree nut crops worldwide18 .
The nuts are rich in protein and contain significant amounts
of vitamin E, thiamine, and magnesium. The first five hazel
producer and exporter countries in 2012 were Turkey, Italy, USA,
Azerbaijan and Georgia19 . Turkish hazelnut production in 2012
was 660 000 tonnes which accounted for more than 75 % of
worldwide production19 . The nuts also represent an important
food supply during the cold season for several deer species, the
edible dormouse, squirrels and birds20, 21 . During the growing
season, the leaves provide food for several animals, including
invertebrates such as Lepidoptera spp. Recently, it was found
that hazel could be a good option for producing taxol, one of the
most expensive anti-cancer drugs worldwide22, 23 . Last but not
least, hazelnut is appreciated as an ornamental shrub, especially
the form with an unusual leaf morphology, namely the cutleaf
hazelnut [C. avellana L. f. heterophylla (Loud.) Rehder]24 .

Uncertain, no-data
Threats and Diseases
In Europe, the pathogens Pseudomonas avellana and P.
Marginal/no presence < 5%
syringae pv. coryli are responsible for the bacterial canker
Low presence 5% - 10% and decline of hazelnut25, 26 . The disease is characterised by a
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% sudden wilting of the twigs and branches, especially at the end
of spring and during the summer27. Moreover, in some European
Medium presence 30% - 50%
countries such as Spain or Poland, hazelnut is affected by the
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% Apple mosaic virus28, 29 . In North America, it was reported that
High presence 70% - 90% the main diseases are caused by Anisogramma anomala30, 31 .
The nuts could be affected by Fusarium lateritium, which is the
Very-high presence > 90%
causal agent of nut grey necrosis32 .

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Maturing nuts can be up to 2 cm long when ripe.
(Copyright Ettore Balocchi, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

86 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Corylus avellana

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Yellowish male catkins pollinating before leaf growth.

(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Ancient hazelnut coppice in Galloway, UK. Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)

References
[1] F. Clinovschi, Dendrologie (Editura
Universitatii Suceava, 2005).
[2] C. Contesa, N. Valentini, M. Caviglione, R.
Botta, European Journal of Horticultural
Science 76, 170 (2011).
[3] W. Tinner, P. Hubschmid, M. Wehrli, B.
Ammann, M. Conedera, Journal of Ecology
87, 273 (1999).
[4] V. Erdogan, S. A. Mehlenbacher, Journal
of the American Society for Horticultural
Science 125, 489 (2000).
[5] S. Mehlenbacher, Acta Horticulturae 290,
791 (1991).
[6] K. Foetisch, et al., Biochemical Journal
383, 327+ (2004).
[7] N. Nikolaieva, J. Brindza, K. Garkava, R.
Ostrovsky, Modern Phytomorphology 6,
53 (2014).
[8] A. E. Palmé, G. G. Vendramin, Molecular
Ecology 11, 1769 (2002).
[9] J. Deacon, New Phytologist 73, 1055
(1974).
[10] P. Boccacci, et al., Tree Genetics &
Genomes 9, 1465 (2013).
[11] K. E. Hummer, Acta Horticulturae 556,
25 (2001).
[12] L. Braun, J. Gillman, E. Hoover, M. Russelle,
Canadian Journal of Plant Science 91,
773 (2011).
[13] O. Kull, U. Niinemets, Tree Physiology 12,
311 (1993).
[14] R. Catoni, M. U. Granata, F. Sartori, L.
Varone, L. Gratani, Photosynthetica 53,
Typical shrub-form plant in a garden park (Lake Maggiore, North Italy). 35 (2015).
(Copyright Daniele de Rigo: CC-BY) [15] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[16] B. Ustaoglu, M. Karaca, Applied Ecology
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. and Environmental Research 12, 309
(2014).
[17] L. Kubiak-Martens, Vegetation History and
Archaeobotany 8, 117 (1999).
[18] A. İlhami Köksal, N. Artik, A. Şimşek, N.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[20] S. B. Vander Wall, The Botanical Review
67, 74 (2001).
[21] G. Rodolfi, Acta Theriologica 39, 215
(1994).
[22] Y. Wang, et al., Journal of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology 40, 861 (2007).
[23] F. Bestoso, et al., BMC Biotechnology 6,
45+ (2006).
[24] S. A. Mehlenbacher, D. C. Smith,
HortScience 41, 482 (2006).
[25] M. Scortichini, et al., Phytopathology 95,
1316 (2005).
[26] M. Scortichini, Plant Disease 86, 704
(2002).
[27] M. Scortichini, U. Marchesi, M. P. Rossi, P.
Di Prospero, Applied and Environmental
Microbiology 68, 476 (2002).
[28] J. Aramburu, M. Rovira, Plant Pathology
49, 423 (2000).
[29] T. Kobylko, B. Nowak, A. Urban, Folia
Horticulturae 17, 153 (2005).
[30] K. B. Johnson, S. A. Mehlenbacher, J. K.
Stone, J. W. Pscheidt, J. N. Pinkerton, Plant
Disease 80, 1308 (1996).
[31] S. A. Mehlenbacher, J. N. Pinkerton, K. B.
Johnson, J. W. Pscheidt, Acta Horticulturae
351, 551 (1994).
[32] S. Vitale, et al., Phytopathology 101, 679
(2011).
[33] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).
[34] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Europaeae: distribution of vascular
plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
[35] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2014).
http://www.flora-on.pt.

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Güneş, Food Chemistry 99, 509 (2006).
[19] Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, FAOSTAT (Food and
Annual precipitation (mm)
[36] O. de Bolòs, J. Vigo, Flora dels països
catalans, vol I-IV (Barcino, Barcelona,
1984-2001).

Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations, Statistics Division, 2015).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e015486. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016.
Corylus avellana in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e015486+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 87

 Cupressus sempervirens

Cupressus sempervirens in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo a light demanding, drought and heat tolerant species, growing
with a rain rate of just 200 mm per year7, 12 . Its vegetative growth
Cupressus sempervirens L., known as Mediterranean or common cypress, is a medium-sized evergreen coniferous tree period coincides with spring and autumn: during the winter period
characterised by a very variable crown shape, from columnar to spread, dark green foliage and small ovoid brown cones. it is quiescent, while it is dormant during the hot summer, from
Its natural habitats are the semi-arid mountains around the eastern Mediterranean basin and Middle East. However, as which the cypress can quickly resume after rain thanks to its
it has had a long tradition of cultivation since the time of ancient civilizations, its natural range is still not clear. It is a large shallow root system13 . Young plants do not tolerate low
pioneer species, growing quickly when young on most types of soils, including rocky and compact ones, adapted to the temperatures, while adults can survive temperatures down to
Mediterranean climate with dry and hot summers and rainy winters. It can form pure forests or be the dominant tree -20 °C7. It is a pioneer species, growing quickly when young on
in pine forests or maquis vegetation. This cypress is widely planted as an ornamental tree, especially the columnar most substrates but not sandy or waterlogged ones. It thrives
and conical forms, making a characteristic feature of the Mediterranean landscape. Its wood is also appreciated for its better than other species on rocky, dry and compact soils, even if
durability and scent. Main pests of this cypress are fungal cankers, caused by Seiridium cardinal and Diplodia pinea, and it prefers rich, deep, moist and well aerated soil with neutral pH,
the sap-sucking aphid Cinara cupressi. where however it less competitive12, 14 . This cypress can live for
The Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) is a over a hundred years: in natural stands 200-500 year old plants
medium-sized evergreen coniferous tree, which grows up to 35-40 m are not rare7. One of the oldest living cypresses is located in Italy
Frequency
with trunks of 1 m in diameter, rarely over 2 m1, 2 . The crown is very < 25% and is dated as more than 800 years old15 . Mediterranean cypress
variable, from about as broad as it is tall with spreading branches, 25% - 50% forms open woodlands, as its litter prevents the development
50% - 75%
to the conical or columnar fastigiated form (known also as Italian > 75% of understory vegetation due to allelopathic effects12 . Over its
Chorology
cypress). Although the two forms have often been described as Native
natural range it develops pure stands or is mixed with Aleppo
two different taxa, the columnar is considered to be a cultivated Introduced pine (Pinus halepensis), Turkish pine (Pinus brutia), black pine
form selected for planting long ago and rare in natural habitats1, (Pinus nigra) or species of maquis scrubland often associated
3
. The scale-like dark-green leaves are dense and closely pressed with junipers (Juniperus ssp.)1, 6, 16 .
against the twigs, 2-5 mm long. Flowers appear in early spring and
may occur on 3-6 year old plants. The cypresses are monoecious
wind-pollinated plants. The male flower is cylindrical, 3-5 mm long,
yellow when ripe. Pollination occurs from mid-winter to early spring.
The female flowers are brownish-green and globose, ripening after
one year into brown-grey woody cones, ovoid-shaped, 2-4 cm long,
composed of 8-14 opposite scales. Seeds are 8-20 per each scale,
brown and narrowly winged, 3-5 mm long, releasing in autumn-
winter. Bark is grey-brown with stringy ridges2, 4-7.

Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Cupressus sempervirens.
Frequency of Cupressus sempervirens occurrences within the field
observations as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology
of the native and introduced spatial range for C. sempervirens is derived
after Faini and Della Rocca16 .

Tall ornamental cipress with columnar habit in an urban garden
(Udine, North-East Italy).
(Copyright Graziano Propetto, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Distribution
The natural distribution of this cypress is unclear, due to its
long horticultural history in the Mediterranean region2, 8 . Natural
stands occur in the south-western Mediterranean basin over
several geographically non-adjacent areas reaching eastwards
the Caucasus and south-western Iran, from sea level (Crete)
up to 2 000 m (Turkey)7. Various authorities attribute its native One-year old ovoid-shaped seed cones: they take two years to reach maturity.
distribution to the Aegean islands (Crete, Samos, Rhodes, Kos (Copyright Alan Gregg, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
and Symi), Cyprus, Turkey, Middle East (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon
and Iran), and in North-East Africa (Libya, Tunisia)3, 7, 9 , although Importance and Usage
recent studies on genetic and paleobotanic records presume The Mediterranean cypress has a long history of exploitation
the presence of central Mediterranean natural populations10 . of its natural forests, leading to their strong decline. On the
Today the distribution of this species, principally the columnar other hand it has been widespread planted throughout the
form, comprises most of the Mediterranean basin and Middle Mediterranean area, and other regions, for ornamental and
East, favoured by human cultivations since the time of ancient religious purposes7, 9 . Since ancient times its wood has been
civilisations, and more recently all over the world as an particularly appreciated for its resistance to fungi and insects,
ornamental tree3, 7. Some populations are recognised as separate especially if immersed in water7. The wood is suitable for small
varietals and for some authors are treated as different species: carpentry, exterior woodworks (doors, windows, garden furniture,
Cupressus sempervirens var. numidica in Tunisia and Cupressus etc.) and ship building. The insect repellent odour makes the wood
sempervirens var. indica in northern Iran10 . The endemic suitable for chests and wardrobes to store linens and foods. It is
Moroccan cypresses in the High Atlas Mountains are considered also used for coffins6 . The columnar or conical forms have been
as a separate species (Cupressuss altantica)8, 11 , but some used since Greek and Roman times as an ornamental tree for
authors classify it as varietal of the common cypress (Cupressus shading gardens, cemeteries, as a windbreak along roads, and it
sempervirens var. atlantica)2 or of the Tassili cypress (Cupressuss has become a characteristic feature of the Mediterranean coastal
dupreziana var. atlantica)1, 10 . and urban landscapes7, 9, 10 . More recently, thanks to its ecological
qualities, this cypress has been used in forest protection and soil
Habitat and Ecology
conservation in hot areas, where the soil is shallow and degraded
In natural habitats this cypress occurs in Mediterranean
and no other forest tree species could grow16, 17. Its deep and
climates with dry and hot summers and rainy winters, or in semi-
dense litter and the crown are difficult to ignite, so it can be used
arid climates in the eastern and interior areas of its range1 . It is
as firebreak18 , even if regeneration is scarce after wildfires12 .
Mediterranean cypress also tolerates salty winds, so it is used
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
as coastal windbreak. It has a good resistance to frequent frost
damage, trimming and grazing, as it is able to re-sprout quickly,
thus is also suitable as evergreen hedge6, 7, 12, 17.

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Threats and Diseases

The most dangerous and widespread disease of cypress is
Annual precipitation (mm)

the bark canker caused by the fungus Seiridium cardinale. It was

probably introduced from the USA during World War II with wood
military materials sent to European combat zones (Italy, France).
This parasite has seen numerous successive severe outbreaks in
Mediterranean countries since the 70s, also affecting other species
of the genus Cupressus. The fungus disperses with water, wind and
also with animals, such as birds and insects. It occurs in artificial
stands and on ornamental trees. Its management requires the
removal of infested trees and the use of genetically resistant forms.
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)

88 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Cupressus sempervirens

Yellow-orange male flowers at the end of the twigs and a seed

cone of the previous year.
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

The fungus Diplodia pinea f. spp. cupressi causes cankers on the

Vegetation of a dry riverbed (wadi) with flowering oleander shrubs (Nerium oleander)
and cypress trees behind in West Susa (Jabal al Akhdar, North-East Libya).
(Copyright Maher27777, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
stem and branches of water stressed cypresses. Outbreaks have
been reported principally in eastern countries of the Mediterranean
basin, starting from Israel. The aphid Cinara cupressi is an important
pest of several cypress species, causing death in affected trees
with intensive sap-sucking activity during outbreaks. This aphid is
presumed to have originated from the Mediterranean area; now it
is reported in all countries where cypresses are planted. The mite
Trisetacus juniperus colonises the foliage of several species of the
genera Cupressus and Juniperus and causes also destruction of the
apical bud, giving to affected plants a typical bushy appearance6,
13, 19
. Natural stands of Mediterranean cypress are relict of more
widespread forests and nowadays are reduced and degraded by
centuries of exploitation, deforestation, fires and cattle grazing. They
cover an important environmental and naturalistic role, in addition
to their genetic biodiversity value. Only recently these stands have
been included in protected areas. However, Mediterranean cypress is
sufficiently abundant, even in the truly wild forms, to be considered
as not in danger of extinction6, 16 .

Interior of the wooden seed cone containing up to 20 small winged seeds.

(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

References
[1] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, Leiden, 2010).
[2] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[3] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution,
Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation
Status (Brill, 2013).
[4] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[5] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[6] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[7] M. Intini, G. Della Rocca, Il cipresso
comune (Cupressus sempervirens L.):
caratteristiche botaniche, distribuzione,
ecologia (Centro Promozione Pubblicità,
Firenze, 2004), pp. 13–22.
[8] C. J. Earle, The gymnosperm database
(2015). http://www.conifers.org
[9] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2013), pp. 32518/0+.
[10] F. Bagnoli, et al., Molecular Ecology 18,
2276 (2009).
[11] K. Rushforth, R. P. Adams, M. Zhong, Ma, R.
N. Pandey, Biochemical Systematics and
Ecology 31, 17 (2003).
[12] R. Del Favero, I boschi delle regioni
dell’Italia centrale (Cleup, Padova, 2010).
[13] A. Santini, V. Donardo, Forest Pathology
30, 87 (2000).
[14] M. C. Vermigli, Genetic variability in italian
populations of Cupressus sempervirens L.
assessed by SSR and RAPD markers, Ph.D.
thesis (2005).
[15] MonumentalTrees.com, Monumental trees
(2015).
[16] A. Faini, G. Della Rocca, Gestione
selvicolturale dei boschi di cipresso in
aree naturali e naturalizzate (Centro
Promozione Pubblicità, Firenze, 2004),
pp. 23–28.
[17] G. Della Rocca, Il valore economico del
cipresso: paesaggio e ambiente (Centro
Promozione Pubblicità, Firenze, 2004),
pp. 88–90.
[18] G. Della Rocca, et al., Journal of
Environmental Management 159, 68
(2015).
[19] Z. Solel, Z. Madar, M. Kimchi, Y. Golan,
Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology 9,
115 (1987).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Cypress in the coastal cliffs near Paleokastritsa (Corfu Island, Greece).
(Copyright Jennifer Slot, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01afb4. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Cupressus sempervirens in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01afb4+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 89

 Eucalyptus globulus and other eucalypts

Eucalyptus globulus and other eucalypts in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
S. Cerasoli, M. C. Caldeira, J. S. Pereira, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The Eucalyptus globulus Labill., commonly named as Tasmanian blue gum, is an evergreen broadleaf tree native to
south-eastern Australia. In Europe it is mainly cultivated in the Iberian Peninsula for paper pulp production, managed
as short rotation coppice stands. It is appreciated for its adaptation and fast-growing aptitude. Rapid environmental
changes in the Mediterranean region menace Tasmanian blue gum trees increasing the risk of fire, drought and the
outbreaks of pests and diseases.
The Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) is a
medium to large evergreen broadleaf tree, growing up to 70 m, and Frequency
is the tallest tree species recorded in Europe1 . The bark is smooth < 25%
25% - 50%
and shed yearly in long ribbons when a new layer of the outermost 50% - 75%
tissue is formed. Juvenile leaves are ovate, thin, sub-horizontal and > 75%

covered with a blue grey wax bloom that gives rise to the common
name of the species. The adult leaves are lanceolate and shift to
vertical hanging. The leaves have roughly circular glands containing
aromatic oils. Flowers are solitary and are formed in the axils of
leaves. The sepals and petals are united to form a cap (operculum)
that covers stamens and that drops off at anthesis2 . The name
Eucalyptus originates from this trait common to the entire genus,
the words eu and kalyptos, meaning well and covered respectively2 .
The fruit is a woody capsule 0.6 to 2.5 cm in diameter3.

Distribution
The Tasmanian blue gum, a native tree of south-eastern
Australia (Tasmania and southern Victoria4), belongs to the
angiosperm family of Myrtaceae, which includes more than 800
Map 1: Plot distribution for Eucalyptus spp.
species2 . It was introduced in south-western Europe (Portugal,
Frequency of Eucalyptus spp. occurrences within the field observations as Bark sheds in long ribbons.
Spain) and Northern Africa in the mid 19th century and was planted reported by the National Forest Inventories. (Copyright J.R. Pinho: CC-BY)
for industrial purposes, mainly timber and paper pulp3 . Nowadays
it is the major pulpwood species planted in temperate regions of
the world5 . In Europe, it covers 1.3 million hectares of forested
area, mainly in the Iberian Peninsula (more than 80 %), France and
Italy6 . In Portugal, the Tasmanian blue gum plantations are at their
best in the northern half of the littoral, where winters are mild
and precipitation higher (700-2000 mm) than in the Southern and
inland regions of the country7. In Spain, eucalypt plantations are
mainly in the North Western region (Galicia)8 .

Habitat and Ecology

Among eucalypts, Eucalyptus globulus is the species most
used for industrial purposes in Europe. The tree is well adapted to
the climate conditions of the Mediterranean region. Limited water
supply, together with nutrient supply, are main limiting factors to
the growth of the species9 . Also, low temperatures are a major
constraint to growth, with air temperatures below -5 °C causing
up to 50 % of foliar tissue mortality10 . The Tasmanian blue gum
is a fast-growing tree usually managed as short rotation coppice
stands (around 12 years) thanks to the ability of the species to
regenerate from dormant buds on the stem (epicormics) after
felling11 . The fast growth rates result largely from indeterminate
shoot growth and the ability to increase leaf area whenever

Eucalypt plantation for industrial purposes.

(Copyright J.R. Pinho: CC-BY)

the conditions of soil nutrients, moisture and temperature are

good12 . Another feature favouring high growth rate during the
early growth stage is the large partitioning of assimilated carbon
to leaves at the expense of roots, enhancing leaf area and carbon
assimilation rates7.

Importance and Usage

This eucalypt species was introduced as an ornamental tree,
but its rapid growth and adaptability to a variety of ecological
conditions turned it into a widely planted species for industrial
uses, mainly paper pulp, firewood and timber3 . Plantations are
managed as short-term coppice crops with rotations from 8 to
12 years. Replanting usually takes place after 2-3 rotations5, 13 .
The wood is light yellowish-brown, moderately durable, and has
also a high incidence of spiral grains, so that it is difficult to
nail. It needs care when sawing and drying to minimize defects.
Generally the sawn timber is not of high quality13 . Tasmanian
blue gum is also utilized for non-wood products, such as the
extraction of essential oils for medical and cosmetic applications
from leaves3 . Although this species has modest concentrations
of crude oil compared with other eucalypts, the large amount of
leaf biomass helps to increase the production per unit land area.
Its flowers produce abundant pollen and nectar, which are used
for honey production13 . It has also been planted for windbreak
and shelter belts along orchards, pastures and roads, and also
for environmental purposes, such as erosion and salinity control,
or even mining site rehabilitation and for drying marshy areas13 .
Juvenile leaves are ovate with a blue grey wax bloom. Flower caps, which protect them before blossoming.
(Copyright J.R. Pinho: CC-BY) (Copyright John Tann, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

90 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Eucalyptus globulus and other eucalypts

Adult leaves are lanceolate and contain glands with aromatic oils.
(Copyright Forest & Kim Starr, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Threats and Diseases

The Tasmanian blue gum is facing major rapid environmental
changes in the Mediterranean region14, with increased risks of
drought, fire, pests and diseases. As an exotic species in Europe, the
Tasmanian blue gum was free of natural enemies for more than
100 years. However, a number of pests and diseases with biological
and economic impact have been detected in the last decades15.
Examples are the bark borer (Phoracantha semipunctata), defoliating
insects from the genus Gonipterus spp. or fungal leaf pathogens
(Mycosphaerella spp.). Although the risk of fire in the Mediterranean
region is high, the Tasmanian blue gum is a fire-resilient species
that has a high probability of surviving fires due to its capability
of re-sprouting from epicormics and/or basal buds16 . Eucalypts are Flowers have numerous white stamens which give a feathery appearence.
also vulnerable to the soil borne Phytophthora pathogens such (Copyright J.R. Pinho: CC-BY)
as Phytophthora cinnamomi, that causes severe widespread tree
dieback particularly in south-western Australia17-19 . References
[1] G. Iglesias-Trabado, Eucalyptus: The giants
of spain & portugal (2007). GIT Forestry
Consulting’s Ecualyptologics Blog. Availabe at:
Other eucalypts in Europe http://git-forestry-blog.blogspot.com/2007/07/
eucalyptus-giants-of-spain-portugal.html.
Other eucalypts have been selected for plantation in Europe for their [2] I. Brooker, Eucalyptus: the genus Eucalyptus,
J. J. W. Coppen, ed. (Francis & Taylor, London,
better adaptation to different environmental conditions and purposes. New York, 2002), pp. 14–46.
The red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) is the dominant species [3] M. R. Jacobs, Eucalypts for planting,
vol. 11 of FAO Forestry Series (Food &
in plantations around the Mediterranean basin, appreciated for its Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, Rome, 1981).
ability to thrive and produce acceptable yields on relatively poor soils [4] G. W. Dutkowski, B. M. Potts, Australian
with a prolonged dry season3 . In Europe it is planted principally in Spain Journal of Botany 47, 237 (1999).
and Portugal22, 23 , but it is also present in past and recent plantations [5] W. N. Tibbits, D. B. Boomsma, S. Jarvis,
Proceedings of the 24th Biennial Southern
or afforestation programmes in Italy (Sardinia, Sicily, mainland Tree Improvement Conference, June 9 to
12 1997, Orlando, Florida, T. White, D.
coasts)24, 25 , France (French Riviera and Corsica)26, 27, Greece (Aegean Huber, G. Powell, eds. (U.S. Department of
Commerce, 1997), pp. 81–95.
Islands)28 , Malta 29 , Cyprus30, 31 and Turkey32 . This species is better adapted
[6] G. Iglesias-Trabado, D. Wilstermann,
for timber than pulp production, and is also employed for shelterbelts Eucalyptus universalis,Global cultivated
eucalypt forests map 2008, Version 1.0.1
and as an ornamental3 . The shining gum tree (Eucalyptus nitens (Deane (GIT Forestry Consulting’s Eucalyptologics,
& Maiden) Maiden) is adapted to cold temperate climates, as it is less 2008). www.git-forestry.com.
[7] A. M. Alves, A. V. Correia, J. a. S. Pereira,
susceptible to low temperatures and frost. In Europe it is planted in Silvicultura: a Gestão dos Ecossistemas
northern Portugal and Spain, France, United Kingdom and Ireland for Florestais (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian,
Lisboa, 2012).
pulpwood, appreciated for its high yields and good quality wood33, 34 . [8] F. González-Rio, A. Merino Barrios, J. Brañas
The cider gum (Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. f.) has greater frost resistence Lasala, Investigación Agraria: Sistemas y
Recursos Forestales 9, 317 (2000).
and is cultivated in France, United Kingdom and Ireland. This species, [9] C. Araújo, et al., Annales des Sciences
usually used for ornamental purposes and windbreaks, has encountered Forestières 46, 526s (1989).
[10] M. H. Almeida, M. M. Chaves, J. C. Silva,
recent interest as a source of wood fuel, even if it shows slower growth Tree Physiology 14, 921 (1994).
rates and poorer pulping quality in comparison with E. globulus and E. [11] R. D. Geoffry, Eucalyptus: the genus
Eucalyptus, J. J. W. Coppen, ed. (Francis &
nitens3, 33, 35, 36 . In France and United Kingdom the Eucalyptus viminalis Taylor, London, New York, 2002), pp. 193–211.
Labill. is planted for shelterbelts or as an ornamental3 . Beside the [12] J. W. Turnbull, New Forests 17, 37 (1999).
[13] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
selection of well adapted species, genetic improvement of the eucalypts
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
has been carried out targeting productivity, genetic diversity and wood [14] P. Miranda, et al., Climate change in
quality, and improved clonal or seminal plants are nowadays used in Portugal: Scenarios, Impacts and Adaptation
Measures, F. D. Santos, K. Forbes, R. Moita,
European plantations mainly in Portugal and Spain37. eds. (Gradiva, Lisbon, 2002), pp. 23–83.
[15] M. Branco, O Eucaliptal em Portugal,
Understorey of a eucalypt plantation with dense covering of shed bark Impactes ambientais e investigação cientifica,
making it difficult for other vegetation to grow. A. M. Alves, J. S. Pereira, J. M. N. Silva, eds.
(ISAPress, Lisboa, 2007), pp. 255–282.
(Copyright Forest & Kim Starr, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
[16] F. X. Catry, F. Moreira, R. Tujeira, J. S. Silva,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised Forest Ecology and Management 310,
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. 194 (2013).
[17] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[18] T. Burgess, M. J. Wingfield, Microorganisms
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[20] C. M. Brasier, F. Robredo, J. F. P. Ferraz,
Plant Pathology 42, 140 (1993).
[21] C. M. Brasier, Annales des Sciences
Forestières 53, 347 (1996).
[22] M. Menezes de Sequeira, D. Espìrito-Santo,
C. Aguiar, J. Capelo, J. Honrado, eds.,
Checklist da Flora de Portugal (Continental,
Açores e Madeira) (Associação Lusitana de
Fitossociologia, Lisboa, 2011).
[23] Anthos, Information System of the plants
of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -
Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
http://www.anthos.es.
[24] L. Celesti-Grapow, F. Pretto, E. Carli, C.
Blasi, eds., Flora vascolare alloctona e
invasiva delle regioni d’Italia (Casa Editrice
Università La Sapienza, Roma, 2010).
[25] E. Campisi, F. Mancianti, G. Pini, E. Faggi, G.
Gargani, European Journal of Epidemiology
18, 357 (2003).
[26] J.-C. Rameau, D. Mansion, G. Dumé, C.
Gauberville, Flore forestière française:
Région méditerranéenne, vol. 3 (Institut pour
le Développement Forestier, Paris, 2008).
[27] D. Jeanmonod, Candollea 70, 109 (2015).
[28] E. Harvala, O. Kretsi, I. B. Chinou, Natural
Products in the New Millennium: Prospects
and Industrial Application, A. Rauter, F.
Palma, J. Justino, M. Araújo, S. dos Santos,
eds. (Springer Netherlands, 2002), vol. 47 of
Proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of
Europe, pp. 235–239.
[29] P. J. Schembri, E. Lanfranco, Proceedings
of seminar "Introduction of alien species of
flora and fauna", Qawra, Malta, 5 March
1996, A. E. Baldacchino, A. Pizzuto, eds.
(Environment Protection Department,
Floriana, Malta, 1996), pp. 29–54.
[30] G. W. Chapman, Unasylva 6, 160 (1952).
[31] M. Akin, A. Aktumsek, A. Nostro, African
Journal of Biotechnology 9, 531 (2010).
[32] O. Unsal, N. Ayrilmis, Journal of Wood
Science 51, 405 (2005).
[33] A. D. Leslie, M. Mencuccini, M. Perks,
Quarterly Journal of Forestry 105, 43
(2011).
[34] S. Pérez, C. J. Renedo, A. Ortiz, M. Mañana, D.
Silió, Thermochimica Acta 451, 57 (2006).
[35] A. D. Leslie, M. Mencuccini, M. Perks,
Applied Energy 89, 176 (2012).
[36] B. M. Potts, W. C. Potts, B. Cauvin, Silvae
Genetica 36, 194 (1987).
[37] M. Borralho, M. Almeida, B. Potts, O
Eucaliptal em Portugal, Impactes ambientais
e investigação cientifica, A. M. Alves, J.
S. Pereira, J. M. N. Silva, eds. (ISAPress,

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

in Plant Conservation and Biodiversity, K. Lisboa, 2007), pp. 61–110.

Sivasithamparama, K. W. Dixon, R. L. Barrett,
eds. (Springer Netherlands, 2002), pp. 285–306.
[19] D. Cahill, B. Grant’, G. Weste, Australasian
Annual precipitation (mm)

Plant Pathology 14, 59 (1985).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01b5bb. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Cerasoli, S., Caldeira, M. C., Pereira, J. S., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D.,
2016. Eucalyptus globulus and other eucalypts in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European
Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01b5bb+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 91

 Euonymus europaeus
Euonymus europaeus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
I. Popescu, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Euonymus europaeus L., known as spindle, is a shrub or small tree, appreciated for its numerous, capsular pink and red
fruits and the attractive autumn colouring foliage. It has a wide distribution in temperate regions, generally at low to middle
elevations. It is present in Central and Eastern Europe up to the Caucasus as an understorey shrub principally in the mixed
broadleaved oak-hornbeam forests. It is used as an ornamental plant and more recently for extracting compounds of medicinal
and veterinary value. This species is free from serious threats, but it can be a host of several diseases of agricultural interest.
The spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus L.) is a much-branched,
non-spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree, growing 2-6 m tall, rarely
reaching up to 8 m. The bark is grey in colour and smooth1 . The
young twigs are green, 4-angled, without brown protuberances.
New shoots grow vigorously, also 4-angled and winged. The
buds are 2-4 mm long, ovoid, sharply pointed. The leaves are
simple, opposite, lanceolate or ovate-elliptical, 3-10  cm long
and 2-3.5 cm wide, narrowing at tip and base. The leaf margins
are crenate and finely saw-toothed and the leaves have a rough
surface and are bluish-green beneath. The petioles are 0.5-1 cm
long1-5 . This species is gynodioecious, having female flowers on
some individual plants and hermaphrodite flowers on others1 .
The flowers are small, delicate and about 1 cm in diameter. They
are arranged in inflorescences of 3-10 flowers in leaf axils, on
1-3.5 cm long pedicels, having 4 elements of each of the floral
whorls (sepals, petals, stamens and carpels). They blossom in April-
July4, 6 . The fruits are capsules, 1-1.5 cm wide, with 4 angled lobes,
green then dark pink or red when mature. Ripe fruits open through
4 valves, containing 4 whitish seeds covered by a fleshy red-orange
layer (pseudo-aril). Fruits ripen in September-October2-5 .
Distribution
The spindle tree is present in temperate climates, from
Central to Eastern Europe (except the extreme north and most of
the Mediterranean area), and reaches eastwards the Urals and
Caucasus2-5, 7. It grows generally at low to middle elevations, from
sea level to 1 300 m of altitude in Sicily6, 8 . It has been planted
outside its natural range, now naturalised in some areas (e.g.
Scandinavia). Exported also to other continents, in northeast United
States and in New Zealand it is considered an invasive species1 .
Habitat and Ecology
It inhabits mainly forest margins, clearings and open
woodlands, preferring medium moisture levels, and well-drained,
preferably alkaline soils in full to partial shade1 . It is frequently
found as an understory shrub, principally in mixed mesophilous
forests dominated by deciduous oaks (Quercus robur, Quercus
petraea) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), forming oak-
hornbeam forest communities, along with ash (Fraxinus excelsior),
field maple (Acer campestre), etc.9 . The pseudo-aril is eaten by
a range of animals and its seeds are widely dispersed mainly by
birds (robins, blackbirds, blackcap, and song thrush) and rodents,
but the seeds are poisonous1, 10, 11 .
Importance and Usage
The spindle tree is used mainly as an ornamental shrub for
its impressive autumn display of orange, red and purple leaves,
accented by magenta pink to red fruits with orange to red pseudo-
arils. For example, the cultivar ‘Red Cascade’ in autumn has red
leaves and abundant red fruits with rose pseudo-arils12 . The wood
of the spindle is homogenous, white or yellowish, and easy to work.
It is used, more in the past, for plywood and toothpicks4, knitting
needles, combs, and for making spindles, from which the common
name derives13; the wood is also heat resistant and it was used in
making tobacco-pipes13. Charcoal from its wood is used for drawing,
and to make charcoal powder. The red pseudo-aril was also used
in the past to make dyes4 . The bark, the leaves and the seeds were
used as a purgative, but they are toxic, with similar cardio-stimulant
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
92 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Fleshy orange fruit ripening inside the four-valved red capsule.
(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
the current populations appear stable1, 17-19 . This species can be a
host of other diseases, such as a strain of cucumber mosaic virus,
strawberry latent ringspot and in some countries, a strain of cherry
leaf roll virus1 . Despite its toxicity, scales and aphids can adapt to
survive its otherwise ‘insecticidal’ chemistry1, 10, 17-19 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Euonymus europaeus.
Frequency of Euonymus europaeus occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for E. europaeus is derived after several sources7, 20-25 .
effects to foxglove (Digitalis spp.). Dried, powdered fruits and seeds
mixed in butter were used to deter lice4 . Antifungal chitin-binding
proteins have been isolated from bark and leaves14-16 . The whole
plant contains compounds of medicinal and veterinary value1, 10, 11 .
Threats and Diseases
There are no serious threats for this species1 . The spindle tree
is the primary overwintering host of the black bean aphid (Aphis
fabae) which feeds on field beans (Vicia faba) and sugar beet (Beta
vulgaris) and the peach potato aphid/green peach aphid (Myzus
persicae), a widespread pest of a large number of crops1, 17-19 . As
a measure against black bean aphid, in the past spindle trees have
been removed from hedges and woodlands (e.g. England), although
Blossoming hermaphrodite flower with 4 green petals,
sepals and 4 yellow stamens.
(Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
References
[1] P. A. Thomas, M. El-Barghathi, A. Polwart, [14] K. P. Bergh, et al., Planta 219, 221 (2004).
Journal of Ecology 99, 345 (2011). [15] N. van der Weerden, M. Bleackley, M.
[2] T. G. Tutin, Flora Europea. Volume 2. Anderson 70, 3545 (2013).
Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin, [16] A. J. De Lucca, T. E. Cleveland, D. E. Wedge,
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press, Canadian Journal of Microbiology 51,
1968), p. 242. 1001 (2005).
[3] O. Polunin, Flowers of Europe: A Field [17] M. J. Way, M. E. Cammell, Journal of
Guide (Oxford University Press, 1969). Applied Ecology 19, 929 (1982).
[4] T. Săvulescu, ed., Flora Republicii [18] M. E. Cammell, G. M. Tatchell, I. P. Woiwod,
Populare Române, vol 6 (Editura Journal of Applied Ecology 26, 463
Academiei Române, Bucureşti, 1958).
(1989).
[5] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide [19] G. Powell, C. R. Tosh, J. Hardie, Annual
(Collins, 2006). Review of Entomology 51, 309 (2006).
[6] S. Pignatti, Flora d’Italia (Edagricole, [20] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
Bologna., 1982). http://www.tela-botanica.org
[7] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North [21] Anthos, Information System of the plants
European vascular plants (North of of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -
the Tropic of Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
scientific books, 1986). http://www.anthos.es.
Shrub form of spindle in late autumn in a rural area along the Upper Rhine [8] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende [22] S. I. Sokolov, O. A. Svjaseva, V. A. Kubli,
valley (Hockenheim, South-West Germany). Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora Distribution ranges of trees and shrubs
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag, in the USSR, vol 1-3 (Nauka, Leningrad,
Jena, 1998). 1977-1986). (In Russian).
[9] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of [23] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised Central Europe (Cambridge University On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2015).
Observed presences in Europe Press, 2009), fourth edn. http://www.flora-on.pt
field observations from forest plots.
[10] R. Nishida, Annual Review of Entomology [24] Bundesamtes für Naturschutz, ed.,
47, 57 (2002). FloraWeb (2015). http://www.floraweb.de.
[11] P. Vichova, L. Jahodar, Human & [25] P. H. Davis, Flora of Turkey and the
Experimental Toxicology 22, 467 (2003).
East Aegean Islands, vol. 2 (Edinburgh
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
[12] A. McIndoe, The Horticulture Gardener’s University Press, 1967).
Guides - Shrubs (David & Charles, Devon,
UK, 2005).
[13] A. Nedelcheva, Y. Dogan, D. Obratov-
Petkovic, I. Padure, Human Ecology 39,
813 (2011).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01c0ac. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Popescu, I., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Euonymus europaeus in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01c0ac+
 Spruce forests over the Grüner See (Green Lake) near Tragöß village
(Styria, Austria).
(Copyright scenerynut, pixabay.com: CC0)

Meadows and spruce stands in winter in the Dolomites (North-East Italy).

(Copyright Umberto Salvagnin, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

East and north faces of the Matterhorn from the Domhütte (Valais, Switzerland).
(Copyright Sven Scheuermeier, unsplash.com: CC0)

Meadows and spruce stands in summer in Badia Valley (Bolzano, North-East Italy).
(Copyright Giuseppe Milo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 93

 Fagus sylvatica
Fagus sylvatica in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Fagus sylvatica L., or European beech, is one of the most important and widespread broadleaved trees in Europe. It is a
large deciduous tree that can maintain its high growth rate until late maturity. Its natural range extends from southern
Scandinavia to Sicily, from Spain in the west to northwest Turkey in the east. Though not demanding of soil type,
beech requires a humid atmosphere with precipitation well distributed throughout the year and a well-drained soil. It
tolerates rigorous winter cold, but is sensitive to spring frost. Owing to the capacity of its root system for assisting in
the circulation of air throughout the soil, and the amount of potash in its leaves, Beech trees conserve the productive
capacity of the soil better than many other species. Its wood is strong and wears well making it ideal for a wide range
of uses, from furniture to musical instruments, as well as for pulp and firewood.
The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a large deciduous
tree that commonly reaches 30-40 m and is capable of attaining
heights up to 50 m in some locations1 . In contrast to many other
tree species, it is able to maintain a high rate of growth until a
relatively mature age. The tree is usually single-stemmed with
silver-grey bark. The leaves are typically 10 × 7 cm, dark and shiny
green. They have an oval to elliptic shape, with wavy margins and
short teeth at the end of the parallel veins on each side2, 3 . Beech is
monoecious: the male and female flowers are borne on the same
branches. It has a typical life span of around 150-300 years, and
reproduces very late (40-50 years old). Fruiting normally occurs
every 5 to 8 years. Its seed production is characterised by irregular
mast years (when a very heavy crop is produced), usually following
hot summers of the previous year. The bitter edible nuts are sharply
tri-angled and are borne singly or in pairs in soft-spined husks. The
beech nuts are an important source of food for several animals
and birds including squirrels, woodpigeons, woodpeckers and jays;
they also play a major part in seed dispersal by hiding the seeds
and failing to retrieve all of them1 .
Distribution
Beech is widespread across Europe: it can be found from Sicily
in the south to Bergen in southern Norway4-6 . An analysis of pollen
records indicate that the species has spread across Europe from
small scattered populations left after the last glaciation, and is
currently probably at its maximum post-glacial spread7. It needs a
growing season of at least 140 days, and for this reason cannot
survive too far north in Scandinavia7. Longitudinally its range is from
the Cantabrian Mountains in the west to the Carpathians and Balkan
Mountains in the east, although there are some areas in Europe
where it is not found as a native tree, such as the Po valley and
the Hungarian plain. As the climate becomes more continental in
the eastern parts of Europe it is replaced by oriental beech (Fagus
94 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Large beech in a mountain pasture in Piani di Praglia (Genova, North Italy).
(Copyright Ettore Balocchi, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology
Beech is a hardy species. It tolerates very shady situations
(it is the most shade-tolerant broadleaved tree in its range10),
so that natural regeneration is possible in silvicultural systems
with continuous crown coverage as the seedlings are able to
survive and grow below the canopy of established trees. The
predominance of beech means a reduction of light level in the
understorey vegetation level and in that case beech seeds survive
better than those of other tree species. It is not particularly soil-
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Fagus sylvatica. sensitive11 and grows on a wide variety of soils with a pH range
Frequency of Fagus sylvatica occurrences within the field observations as from 3.5 to 8.5, although it cannot tolerate the most acidic
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial
conditions. Beech shows a moderate soil-acidifying ability12 . It
range for F. sylvatica is derived after Meusel and Jäger, and EUFORGEN27, 28 .
prefers moderately fertile ground, calcified or lightly acidic and is
also sensitive to late frosts13; therefore it is found more often on
orientalis). At the southern part of its range (Spain, Sicily) it is only
the side of a hill than at the bottom of a clayey basin. It grows
normally present at altitudes of more than 1 000 m, and can even be
well on soft soils in which the root system can easily penetrate
found at elevations of up to 2 000 m1, 8 . High summer temperatures,
and its optimal growth is in humid soils situated on calcareous
drought and moisture availability are limiting factors for the
or volcanic parent rocks. On the contrary, it does not thrive on
distribution of beech in Europe, but continentality is also associated
sites that are regularly flooded or which have stagnant water,
with limiting its spread in north-western regions4 . Climate change
since it needs good drainage and will not tolerate waterlogged
may have impacts on its future distribution, particularly at the
or compacted soils1, 14 . Beech furthers soil conservation due to
extremes of its range where it is likely to become less competitive in
its production of a large quantity of litter (around 900 g/m2 per
the south and east (primarily because of drought), but could expand
year). The root system tends to be shallow, making it susceptible
its range into Scandinavia and the Baltic9.
to drought when compared to coniferous stands15 . However, there
appears to be some genetic variability across different climatic
zones, since trees in southern Europe are able to cope better with
drought than those in the north1 .
Uncertain, no-data Importance and Usage
Marginal/no presence < 5% Beech is an important European forestry tree. Fine grained
Low presence 5% - 10% and knot-free, the wood is hard and has a pale cream colour
and good workability16 . With around 250 known usages, it
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
is one of the most diversely used tree species in Europe. Its
Medium presence 30% - 50% wear-resistance, strength, and excellent bending capabilities
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% make it ideal for boatbuilding, flooring, stairs, furniture, musical
instruments (piano pinblocks), plywood, panels, veneering and
High presence 70% - 90%
cooking utensils such as bowls, platters and wooden spoons. It is
Very-high presence > 90% also used for pulp and can be coppiced for fire wood and charcoal
due to its relatively high energetic potential1, 8, 16 .
Threats and Diseases
The root system architecture of beech may vary depending
on local soil conditions17. While generally showing a noticeable
resistance to rockfall and wind-throw17, 18 , under unfavourable
local conditions a relatively shallow root system may make
the tree vulnerable to wind-throw1 . The thin bark provides little
protection from fire, and can also be damaged through stripping
Shiny dark green leaves with red galls caused by the fly Mikiola fagi
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. (Diptera Cecidomyiidae).
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
 Fagus sylvatica

Fagus orientalis
Fagus orientalis, or oriental beech, is closely related to Fagus sylvatica.
Some authorities consider them to be sub-species; others consider Uncertain, no-data
them to be two separate species1 . In appearance they are generally Tundra, cold desert
very similar. The leaves are slightly longer, darker and less glossy than
Negligible survivability
those of European beech, and tend to have more vein-pairs (9-14 as
opposed to 5-9)3 . Oriental beech can be found in the Balkans, Anatolia, Low survivability
the Caucasus, northern Iran and Crimea18 . Its range overlaps with that Mid-low survivability
of the European beech and there is frequently hybridisation between the
Medium survivability
two18 . Where both species are present, oriental beech tends to favour
the valleys while European beech is found further up the slopes; this is Mid-high survivability
because the European beech is more susceptible to late frosts12 . High survivability

Foliage and fruits of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis).

(Copyright Drahkrub, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

and gnawing by squirrels and other mammals. The presence of

deer is a limiting factor because they eat young stands. Spring
frosts often damage young trees or flowers appearing at the
same time as leaves. Young beech trees are susceptible to
woolly aphid; mature trees can suffer internal rot by the fungus
Ganoderma applanatum. Old trees (100-1 200 years) may suffer
’red heart’ which reduces stability and timber value8 . Beech is
among the susceptible hosts to Phytophthora ramorum and
large regions across Europe have climatic suitability to this pest, Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

which may become a more serious problem in the future5 . The

large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is harmful for beech and
markedly coexists with part of its natural niche19-22 . Herbivory
by short-snouted weevils (Strophosoma melanogrammum Forst.
and Otiorhynchus scaber) is another threat to beech21, 22 .

References
[1] J . R. Packham, P. A. Thomas, M. D.
Atkinson, T. Degen, Journal of Ecology
100, 1557 (2012).
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[4] J. Fang, M. J. Lechowicz, Journal of
Biogeography 33, 1804 (2006).
[5] R. Baker, et al., EFSA Journal 9, 2186+
(2011). 108 pp.
[6] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of
Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books,
1986).
[7] D. Magri, Journal of Biogeography 35,
450 (2008).
[8] T. Horgan, et al., A guide to forest tree
species selection and silviculture in Ireland.
(National Council for Forest Research and
Development (COFORD), 2003).
[9] K. Kramer, et al., Forest Ecology and
Management 259, 2213 (2010). The
ecology and silviculture of beech: from
gene to landscape.
[10] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[11] L. Walthert, E. Graf Pannatier, E. S. Meier,
Mature beech forest with autumn colour foliage in Delamere forest, Cheshire, UK.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright) Forest Ecology and Management 297,
94 (2013).
[12] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002).
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
[13] L. Paule, Forest Genetics 2, 161 (1995).
[14] A. Geßler, et al., Trees - Structure and
Function 21, 1 (2007).
[15] A. Granier, et al., Agricultural and Forest
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[17] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[18] L. K. A. Dorren, F. Berger, C. le Hir, E.
Mermin, P. Tardif, Forest Ecology and
Management 215, 183 (2005).
[19] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
(2015).
[20] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[21] M. Löf, Forest Ecology and Management
134, 111 (2000).
[22] M. Löf, G. Isacsson, D. Rydberg, T.
N. Welander, Forest Ecology and
Management 190, 281 (2004).
[23] G. Kandemir, Z. Kaya, EUFORGEN Technical
guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis)
(Bioversity International, Rome, Italy, 2009).
[24] A. Oprea, C. Sîrbu, I. Goia, Contributii
Botanice 46, 17 (2011).
[25] M. Šijačić Nikolić, J. Milovanović, M. Nonić,
R. Knežević, D. Stanković, Genetika 45,
369 (2013).
[26] T. Denk, G. Grimm, K. Stögerer, M. Langer,
V. Hemleben, Plant Systematics and
Evolution 232, 213 (2002).
[27] H. Meusel, E. J. Jäger, Plant Systematics
and Evolution 162, 315 (1989).
[28] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of beech
(Fagus sylvatica) (2008).
www.euforgen.org.
[29] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae Europaeae:
distribution of vascular plants in Europe Vol. 3
Salicaceae to Balanophoraceae (Committee

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Meteorology 143, 123 (2007). for Mapping the Flora of Europe and Societas
[16] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger, Biologica Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995). [30] K. Browicks, J. Zieliński, Chorology of
Annual precipitation (mm)

trees and shrubs in south-west Asia and

adjacent regions, vol. 1 (Polish Scientific
Publishers, Warszawa, Poznań, 1982).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012b90. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Fagus sylvatica
and other beeches in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e012b90+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 95

 Frangula alnus
Frangula alnus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
B. Zecchin, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) is a shrub or small tree of 4-5 m, characterised by fleshy fruits. Its wide distribution
covers most of the temperate forest zone of Europe up to the Urals and Caucasus, occurring even in the southern Boreal
and cool Mediterranean forests. It is a light-demanding pioneer species, thriving on forest edges and fens in different
habitats and vegetation communities. Its soft wood is used for gunpowder and its fruits are known for being a strong
laxative and are used in dye making. Some varieties are used as ornamental shrubs and are planted outside its natural
range. This species is classified as highly invasive in North America and is under prevention and control programmes.
Alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill. syn. Rhamnus frangula
L.) is a shrub commonly 4-5 m tall, which can develop with age into
a small tree up to 7 m in height1, 2 . Branches are multi-stemmed,
not very regular and arranged in alternate pairs. The bark on young
shoots is green, becoming grey-brown. Buds are naked, consisting
of miniature leaves heavily clothed in brown hairs. Leaves are
obovate, with an entire but wavy margin, shiny upper surface
and markedly parallel veins, turning a clear yellow and red in
autumn3 . The flowers are hermaphrodite, white-greenish, 4 mm
diameter4 with a five-part corolla, and are arranged in small
groups in the leaf axils3 . Flowers produce nectar secretions which
attract insects for pollination2, 4, 5 . The mature fleshy fruits are
globose drupes with 3 (rarely 2) separate one-seeded stones4 .
They are 6-10 mm across, changing from green to red, then to
violet-black on ripening3 . Birds are the main dispersers of seeds,
but other potential dispersal agents include small mammals,
gravity and water2 . Flowering and fruit development seasons are
variable, showing temporal differences between populations at
the southern and northern parts of the distribution5 .
Distribution
Alder buckthorn has a wide distribution, occurring over most
of the temperate area of Europe and western Asia, covering also
northern parts of the Mediterranean region and southern Boreal
areas, except the extreme north1 . Its elevational range is from
sea level in southern Scandinavia to 2 000 m in Spain. Eastwards
this species reaches the Ural Mountains and Caucasus. It is also
present in North-West Africa, in Algeria and Morocco3, 6 . Several
subspecies and varieties have been described through most of its
natural range. Probably introduced before 1800 as an ornamental
Young alder buckthorn in shrub form. This species rarely
develops over 7 m in height.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
96 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Frangula alnus.
Frequency of Frangula alnus occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for F. alnus is derived after Meusel and Jäger6 .
plant, it is widespread in North America and has been naturalised
since the last century, with an increasing abundance generally
over time2, 7. Linnaeus described this species as Rhamnus
frangula, but it was renamed by the Scottish botanist Philip Miller
in 1768 because its tiny green-white flowers are hermaphrodite
with five petals, in contrast with those of Rhamnus species, which
are dioecious with a four-part corolla 8 .
Habitat and Ecology
Alder buckthorn is a light-demanding pioneer species which
thrives in temperate forests principally on mildly acid moist soils
although it can be found also in other soil types. It prefers humid
and wet habitats, avoiding permanent waterlogging, but also can
colonse rocky and dry soils. It can build up large populations on
fens, clear-cut areas or forest edges, later becoming substituted by
secondary species3 . In the southern areas it tends to colonise mainly
cool riparian forests concentrated in mountain ranges9 . Thanks to
its frugality and adaptation to several habitats, this species can
be found in different forest communities in the shrub layer, such
as the mixed coniferous lowland boreal forests in Scandinavia
dominated by spruce (Picea abies) and birch (Betula spp.), in the
temperate mixed broadleaved forests in Central Europe with oaks
(Quercus robur, Q. petraea) and beech (Fagus sylvatica), or in the
Mediterranean cool alluvial forests with alder (Alnus glutinosa),
poplars (Populus spp.) and willows (Salix spp.)10, 11 .
Importance and Usage
Since the Middle Ages, the alder buckthorn has been used in
folk medicine for its extremely laxative effects of bark or black
berry decoctions12 . The wood is soft, pale orange and can produce
a very high quality and fast-burning charcoal, used for producing
gunpowder. Today the Swiss black powder is still made with alder
buckthorn and is used for fireworks, blast fuses and various
military applications2, 3, 12 . Over the years the wood was also
used for making walking sticks, umbrella handles, wooden pegs
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
and butchers’ skewers2, 12 . Bark, leaves and unripe berries can be
used to obtain the sap-green dye and other dyes3, 12 . Different
cultivars have been selected for ornamental purposes, such as
‘Asplenifolia’ with very fine leaves used for gardening, or ‘Tall
hedge’ with a columnar habit and used for hedging. The alder
buckthorn also has an ecological importance, providing winter
food for birds, mice and other small mammals with its berries
and seeds, improving species richness with its presence2 . The
presence of the yellow brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)
is closely related to the range of alder buckthorn, which is a
Frequency
< 25% natural host plant providing food for its larvae13, 14 .
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Threats and Diseases
Chorology
The alder buckthorn is generally free from any significant
Native
pests and disease8 . It can be a host in the life cycle of the crown
rust fungus (Puccinia coronata), which affects oat and barley15, 16 .
In southern Spain relict populations of Frangula alnus subsp.
baetica, which occur at the limits of geographic range for this
species, are in decline and threatened by increasing summer
droughts17. On the contrary, in North America this species is
ranked as “highly invasive”, due to its tendency to replace native
plants, and several prevention and control programmes have
been started where dominant alder buckthorn can negatively
affect native species richness, simplify vegetation structure,
disrupt food webs and delay succession2, 7.
Violet black mature fruits: these fleshy drupes are principally dispersed by birds.
(Copyright Roberta Alberti, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
References
[1] T. G. Tutin, Flora Europaea, Volume 2: [10] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin, Vegetation Europas; Map of the
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press, Natural Vegetation of Europe
1968), p. 245. (Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
[2] C. Gucker, Frangula alnus. Fire Effects [11] European Environment Agency, EUNIS,
Information System (2008). http://www. the European Nature Information System
feis-crs.org/feis (2015). http://eunis.eea.europa.eu
[3] H. Godwin, Journal of Ecology 31, 77 [12] G. Hatfield, Hatfield’s Herbal: The Curious
(1943). Stories of Britain’s Wild Plants (Penguin,
[4] D. Medan, Plant Systematics and Evolution UK, 2009).
193, 173 (1994). [13] A. Hoskins, Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
[5] K. Bolmgren, O. Eriksson, Oikos 124, 639 (2015). Learn About Butterflies.
(2015). www.learnaboutbutterflies.com.
[6] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende [14] M. J. R. Cowley, et al., Journal of Applied
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora Ecology 37, 60 (2000).
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag, [15] H. C. Murphy, Physiologic specialization
Jena, 1998). in Puccinia coronata avenae, vol. 433
[7] CABI, Frangula alnus (alder buckthorn) of Technical Bulletins (United States
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium. Department of Agriculture, 1935).
http://www.cabi.org [16] M. Liu, S. Hambleton, Mycological Progress
[8] G. Hemery, S. Simblet, The New Sylva: A 12, 63 (2013).
Discourse of Forest and Orchard Trees [17] A. Hampe, Oecologia 143, 377 (2005).
for the Twenty-First Century (A&C Black,
2014).
[9] A. V. Pérez Latorre, B. Cabezudo, Flora
de Andalucìa Occidental, G. Blanca, B.
Cabezudo, M. Cueto, C. Morales Torres, C.
Salazar, eds. (Universidades de Almerìa,
Granada, Jaén y Málaga, Granada, 2011),
pp. 902–908, second edn.
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e019ee2. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Zecchin, B., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Frangula alnus in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e019ee2+
 Fraxinus angustifolia

Fraxinus angustifolia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, T. Houston Durrant tree in cities and along roads3 . Like manna ash (Fraxinus ornus),
the phloem sap can be extracted by incising the bark, and dried
Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl, narrowed-leaved ash, is a medium-sized tree with a wide range, which covers central-southern in the air obtaining edible flakes called manna. Manna was
Europe and northwest Africa, up to the Caucasus. The northern part of its distribution overlaps with that of common ash appreciated for its bitter-sweet taste and for its mild osmotic
(Fraxinus excelsior), with which it can naturally hybridise, developing plants with intermediate trait forms. It is a fast- laxative and diuretic properties, more recently used in cosmetics
growing pioneer species, occurring in temperate forests. In Mediterranean regions it tends to grow in cooler areas at and pharmaceuticals. Following a centuries old tradition, it is still
higher elevations or along rivers and wetlands. If can be found as dominant or secondary species in mixed broadleaved harvested in a few rural areas in Sicily18, 19 .
forests. The wood has a lower quality in comparison with the common ash and pure timber plantations are rare. In Turkey
it is more used in fast-growing poplar-like plantations on swampy lowlands for the production of pulpwood and bonded Threats and Diseases
wood. Similar to common ash, it is susceptible to dieback caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea, which has caused As is the common ash, the narrow-leaved ash is also
serious damage in nurseries and in lowland forest stands of central Europe. On the other hand, in Australia it represents susceptible to dieback caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea, the
an invasive species forming dense monocultures in riparian areas and along drainage lines. anamorphic stage of Hymenoscyphus albidus, which has caused
The narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) is a serious damage in nurseries and in lowland forest stands of central
medium-sized deciduous tree, growing 40-45 m in height and Europe20-22 . This fungus is potentially subject to expansion in the
up to 1.5 m in diameter. The crown is dense, irregular and dome
Frequency
< 25%
European temperate oceanic ecological zones22 . Infected trees
shaped, with short and pendulous shoots. Its bark is grey and 25% - 50% show wilt of leaves, necrosis and cankers on shoots, branches and
50% - 75%
becomes finely and deeply reticulate-fissured. The leafs are > 75%
stems, followed by gradual dieback of the crowns23, 24 . Like other
compound, arranged in groups of 7-13, odd pinnate, and are Chorology tree species of floodplain and wetland forests, the narrow-leaved
Native
slender, 3-8 cm long and 1-1.5 cm broad, shiny green and hairless. ash has seen reductions in its natural habitats and alterations of
The species is monoecious with hermaphrodite inflorescences the forest dynamics due to the modifications of hydrologic regimes
of 10-30 flowers; however some inflorescences with pure male of the rivers25, 26 . In Australia Fraxinus angustifolia is called desert
flowers can appear (andromonoecious). Flowers are wind ash and represents an invasive species in the southern States,
pollinated, developing in early spring or even in autumn, without where it can form dense monocultures in riparian areas and
petals, green with dark purple stigmas and anthers. The fruit is a along drainage lines, spreading via suckers and preventing the
samara 3-4 cm long, flattened, with a distal wing, ripening at the regeneration of native species27.
end of the summer1-4 .

Distribution
Its distribution covers the central-southern Europe and
northwest Africa, up to the Caucasus5, 6 . Due to its large
morphological variations, this ash species includes a complex of
taxa and its taxonomic status is still not clear. However, prevailing Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Fraxinus angustifolia.
Frequency of Fraxinus angustifolia occurrences within the field observations
opinion recognises three geographical subspecies on the basis as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
of molecular and morphological data: the narrow-leaved ash spatial range for F. angustifolia is derived after Meusel and Jäger5 .
(Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. angustifolia) in south-western
Europe and north-western Africa, the Caucasian ash (Fraxinus large rivers, where it formed vast and continuous populations,
angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa) in central Europe, Balkans and now with more limited extent. In the Mediterranean regions its
the Black Sea region, and the Syrian ash (Fraxinus angustifolia distribution is more patchy and reduced to smaller and more
subsp. syriaca) in south-east Anatolia, Middle East to Iran7. The isolated populations along rivers or on wetland sites, but also on
northern part of the distribution overlaps with that of common drier sites at higher altitudes. Rarely, it creates pure stands, found
ash (Fraxinus excelsior), with which it can naturally hybridise, only in optimum conditions as a pioneer species. More often this
developing plants with intermediate trait forms8, 9 . Exported as an ash is a dominant or a secondary species in mixed broadleaved
Mature dry samaras at the end of summer.
ornamental tree, this ash is naturalised in southern Australia10 . forests with oak (Quercus spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.), maple (Acer (Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
spp.), willow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.) and lime (Tilia
spp.), forming stable and species-rich ecosystems3, 4, 13 .
References
Importance and Usage [1] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
[13] H. G. Kutbay, M. Kilinç, A. Kandemir, Turkish
Journal of Botany 22, 157 (1998).
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
The wood of narrow-leaved ash has similar properties to [14] J. Coello, et al., Ecology and silviculture of
[2] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide the main valuable broadleaved species
the common ash, although the quality is inferior in terms of (Collins, 2006). in the Pyrenean area and neighbouring
regions (Centre de la Propietat Forestal,
strength and elasticity3 . Timber plantations are not very common [3] D. Boshier, et al., Ash species in Europe:
Generalitat de Catalunya, Santa Perpètua
biological characteristics and practical
over Europe, as it is mainly planted in combination with other guidelines for sustainable use (Oxford de Mogoda (Spain), 2013).
Forestry Institute, University of Oxford, [15] E. Çiçek, M. Yilmaz, Proceeding of
species14 . Higher wood quality, comparable to common ash, can United Kingdom, 2005). 128 pp. International IUFRO Meeting: Management
be obtained on drier sites where tree growth is slower3 . In the [4] M. Bobinac, S. Andrašev, M. Šijačić Nikolić, of Fast Growing Plantations, 11-13
Periodicum Biologorum 112, 341 (2010). September 2002. Izmit, Turkey (2002),
north-west of Turkey, where narrow-leaved ash is more used in pp. 192–202.
[5] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
fast-growing plantations on swampy lowlands, the wood quality Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der [16] U. Büyüksarı, T. Akbulut, C. Guler, N. As,
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer BioResources 6, 4721 (2011).
is more similar to the poplars and is suitable for pulpwood and Verlag Jena, 1978). [17] G. M. Elmas, African Journal of
bonded wood products, such as plywood, laminated veneer [6] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European Biotechnology 10, 9812 (2011).
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of [18] R. Schicchi, L. Camarda, V. Spadaro, R.
lumber and glued laminated timber15-17. Leaves are palatable Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books, Pitonzo, Quaderni di Botanica ambientale
to livestock and in southern Europe this ash was traditionally 1986). e applicata 17, 151 (2006).
[7] E. Wallander, Belgische Dendrologie Belge [19] A. Galati, G. Migliore, C. Scaffidi Saggio,
used as a fodder tree. It is also widely used as an ornamental 2012, 38 (2013). Colture artificiali di piante medicinali -
[8] C. Raquin, S. Brachet, S. Jeandroz, F. Vedel, Produzione di metaboliti secondari nelle
N. Frascaria-Lacoste, Forest Genetics 9, piante medicinali in coltura artificiale, F.
111 (2002). Tognoni, A. Pardossi, A. Mensuali Sodi,
eds. (Aracne editrice, Roma, 2007), pp.
[9] D. D. Hinsinger, M. Gaudeul, A. Couloux, J. 287–297.
Bousquet, N. Frascaria-Lacoste, Molecular
Phylogenetics and Evolution 77, 223 [20] T. Kirisits, M. Matlakova, S. Mottinger-
(2014). Kroupa, E. Halmschlager, F. Lakatos, Plant
Pathology 59, 411 (2010).
[10] A. M. Gray, Flora of Tasmania Online, M.
F. Duretto, ed. (Tasmanian Herbarium, [21] J. Schumacher, EPPO Bulletin 41, 7
Shiny green composite leaves with 7-13 slender leaflets. (2011).
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, Hobart,
(Copyright Javier Martin, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
2009), p. 4. [22] T. Kowalski, Forest Pathology 36, 264
[11] P. R. Gérard, et al., Journal of (2006).
Biogeography 40, 835 (2013). [23] A. Turbé, et al., Disturbances of EU forests
Habitat and Ecology [12] M. Thomasset, J. F. Fernández-Manjarrés, caused by biotic agents - final report,
Tech. Rep. KH-32-13-151-EN-N (2011).
G. C. Douglas, N. Frascaria-Lacoste, T.
The narrow-leaved ash is a fast-growing and light-demanding R. Hodkinson, Climate Change, Ecology Final Report prepared for European
and Systematics, T. R. Hodkinson, M. B. Commission (DG ENV).
tree, occurring mostly in temperate mild climates, with an annual Jones, S. Waldren, J. A. N. Parnell, eds. [24] M. Trémolières, J. M. Sánchez-Pérez, A.
precipitation between 400 and 800 mm. It grows well on moist (Cambridge University Press, 2011), pp. Schnitzler, D. Schmitt, Plant Ecology 135,
320–344. 59 (1998).
soils, in temporary flooded lowlands, but also on well-drained [25] T. M. Dugdale, T. D. Hunt, D. Clements,
slopes, although there it suffers more competition from other tree Proceedings of the 19th Australasian
Weeds Conference (2014), pp. 190–193.
species. It prefers aerated or only moderately compacted soils,
with a pH range between 5 and 83 . It is particularly susceptible This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
to frosts, which damage winter flowers and seeds in spring, this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0101d2. The purpose of this
limiting its northern distribution. However, it can survive in areas summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
colder than its natural range when planted, although it is difficult
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
to disperse seeds in these conditions11, 12 . In central Europe, updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
the Pannonian Basin and Balkans, narrow-leaved ash occurs Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., 2016. Fraxinus angustifolia in
mainly in the lowlands, in riparian and floodplain forests along Isolated tree in the Spanish countryside during winter. Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e0101d2+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 97

 Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

P. Beck, G. Caudullo, W. Tinner, D. de Rigo
Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a medium-sized deciduous tree with large compound leaves that develop relatively
late in spring. It flowers before leaf-buds burst and trees can carry male, female, or hermaphrodite flowers, or different
combinations of the flower types. It grows throughout the European temperate zone, but is absent from the driest
Mediterranean areas because it does not tolerate extended summer drought, and from the northern boreal regions, with
its seedlings in particular being vulnerable to late spring frost. Soils exert a strong control on common ash distribution
locally. The species grows best on fertile soils where soil pH exceeds 5.5. It rarely forms pure stands, more often it
is found in small groups in mixed stands. Ash trees produce high quality timber that combines light weight, strength,
and flexibility. Before the mass use of steel, it was used for a wide range of purposes, from agricultural implements
to construction of boat and car frames. Today it is still popular for tool handles, flooring, and veneers, owing to its
consistent grain and structural properties.
Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a medium-sized
deciduous tree, usually growing to 20-35 m and only occasionally
reaching 45 m1 . The crown is domed and open with ascending Frequency
< 25%
branches. The trees develop a smooth, pale grey bark that thickens 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
and develops fissures with age. Its leaves are compound, with > 75%
9-13 leaflets, odd pinnate, serrated, and stalkless. The individual Chorology
Native
leaflets measure 3-12 cm by 0.8-3 cm, composing leaves of 20-
35 cm. The flowers open before the leaves unfold, which occurs
relatively late in spring compared with other trees. The flowers
develop in bunches of 100 to 400, without petals, exposing the
pale green styles and filaments and the dark purple stigmas and
anthers. Distribution of sexuality is complex. This ash species is
termed as polygamous, because plants can develop only male
or female flowers, or unisexual inflorescences with only male
and female flowers carried separately, or even hermaphrodite
flowers. Recent studies indicate that it might be functionally
dioecious. Common ash is wind pollinated. The seeds ripen
individually in oval-shaped samaras, flattened, 2-5 cm long,
that by the end of summer hang in bunches from the branches.
Seeds usually lie dormant for two years, but sometimes up to Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Fraxinus excelsior.
six, before germinating. Once they are 20 to 30 years old, trees Frequency of Fraxinus excelsior occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
produce fruits annually, with more abundant production every 2 spatial range for F. excelsior is derived after EUFORGEN10 .
to 5 years2-8 . Common ash tree with a straight trunk. This species can reach 45 m in height.
is absent from the centre and South of the Iberian Peninsula, (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Distribution south of Italian and Balkan peninsulas, northern Fennoscandia
some authors treat it as subspecies (Fraxinus excelsior ssp.
Common ash is naturally found throughout the European and Iceland5, 6, 9-11 . Its regional distribution limits appear to be
coriariifolia) or as a separate species7. In the southern part
temperate zone, from the Atlantic coast to the Volga River. It has set by the energy requirements to complete its annual life cycle
of its distribution it occurs with narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus
a wider distribution than the two other native ash species, narrow- in the north, minimum temperatures in the east, and moisture
angustifolia), which has a more Mediterranean distribution. They
leafed ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) and manna ash (Fraxinus availability in the South and South-East5 . In the eastern part of
can naturally hybridise resulting in individuals with intermediate
ornus), coinciding with that of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), its distribution (Romania, Turkey, Caucasus, and northern Iran)
traits, and it can be difficult to distinguish between them12, 13 .
the characteristic species of the temperate deciduous forests. It a variety is distinguished by pubescent shoots and leaves and
Habitat and Ecology
In the northern and western parts of its range, common
ash grows in lowland forests, while further South and West it
increasingly grows in mountainous areas. In the Pyrenees and in
Uncertain, no-data
the Alps, it grows up to 1600-1800 m. However, at the southern
Marginal/no presence < 5% edge of the species distribution, in Iran, it can be found up to
Low presence 5% - 10% 2200 m6, 14 . This ash grows best on rich soils with high clay or
silt fractions, adequate nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
phosphorus content, and where soil pH exceeds 5.5. It does
Medium presence 30% - 50% not thrive on acidic soils, presumably because of their high
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% aluminium concentration. The species is mesophile and highly
tolerant of seasonal water-logging, but not of prolonged flooding,
High presence 70% - 90%
and thus is often found in flood-plain forests with clay-loam soils,
Very-high presence > 90% unless the soils are highly compacted. The species tolerates a
relatively broad range of nutrient and water conditions, as it

Juvenile composite leaves with 9-13 leaflets; when mature

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. they can reach over 30 cm long.
(Copyright Roberto Verzo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

98 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Fraxinus excelsior

can also grow in ravines and often water-deficient stony slopes,

where it might benefit from reduced competition and particular
forestry practices5, 6, 15 . It is a strong light-demander in its mature
stages, but its seedlings can be shade-tolerant for the first years. Uncertain, no-data
Young trees show a very rapid growth, although full overhead Tundra, cold desert
light is necessary for developing vigorous plants4, 16 . This tree
Negligible survivability
has efficient dispersal and natural regeneration mechanisms, but
it is only a strong competitor under certain habitat conditions. Low survivability
For example, in continental Europe, it can regenerate and grow Mid-low survivability
vigorously when beech (Fagus sylvatica) seedlings and saplings
Medium survivability
are absent or unproductive. Combining characteristics of pioneer
species and permanent forest components, the species is able Mid-high survivability
to play a role in both primary and secondary succession. Often, High survivability
it occurs as an intermediate in ecological succession or takes
advantage of disturbance in extant forest stands14 . In mature
forests, common ash trees are often found in groups within
mixed stands, where it can be highly competitive and sometimes
it forms near to pure stands. Otherwise it occurs as secondary
species in mixed broad-leaved forests dominated by beech (Fagus
sylvatica), pedunculate and sessile oaks (Quercus robur and Q.
petraea), downy birch (Betula pubescens), sycamore maple (Acer
pseudoplatanus), European alder (Alnus glutinosa), or grey alder
(Alnus incana)5, 16, 17.

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

skin. In central Europe it has been widely used as an ornamental rapidly spread across several US states, primarily through natural
tree along roads and city streets. In many countries it has some dispersal and the transport of firewood and other wood products
ethnic, cultural, and mythological significance6 . containing ash bark. In infected areas, the pest has caused very high
mortality of the North American ash species, particularly green ash
(Fraxinus pennsylvanica), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), and white ash
Threats and Diseases (Fraxinus americana)5, 23, 24 . The bacterium Pseudomonas syringae
Since it was observed on a large scale in Poland in 1992, the subsp. savastanoi pv. fraxini and the fungus Nectria galligena can
ash dieback phenomenon has spread to other countries in eastern, cause cankers on common ash trees, which adversely affect their
Dark purple anthers of ash flowers, which are without petals.
(Copyright David Nicholls, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP) northern, and central Europe. In many European countries it has economic value in managed stands. The most severe infections
since caused the death of over 90 % of all ash trees18, 19. The fungus occur in extreme habitats8, 16, 20.
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, also known as Chalara fraxinea, a name
Importance and Usage designating its asexual stage, is primarily responsible for this invasive References
The elasticity, hardness, and pressure, shock and splintering disease, causing crown dieback, and this fungus is potentially subject [1] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of [13] D. D. Hinsinger, M. Gaudeul, A. Couloux, J.
resistance of common ash wood make it economically highly to expansion in the European temperate oceanic ecological zones20, Central Europe (Cambridge University Bousquet, N. Frascaria-Lacoste, Molecular
Press, 2009), fourth edn. Phylogenetics and Evolution 77, 223
valuable, and commercially more important than that of the two 21
. It is visible as a reddish discolouration of the bark in the lower [2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C. (2014).
other native ash species in Europe (Fraxinus angustifolia and portion of the stem, and eventually often kills the tree. In young trees, Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain [14] A. Pliûra, M. Heuertz, EUFORGEN technical
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). guidelines for genetic conservation and
Fraxinus ornus). The wood is much-used for tool handles and death can occur in the same growing season in which the symptoms [3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide use for common ash (Fraxinus excelsior),
Tech. rep., Bioversity International (2003).
sports equipment, and also in earlier times, before the widespread first become visually noticeable. Even if older trees might resist (Collins, 2006).
[4] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of [15] G. Marigo, J.-P. Peltier, J. Girel, G. Pautou,
use of steel, for weapon handles, agricultural implements, longer, they will be greatly weakened and susceptible to other lethal forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). Trees 15, 1 (2000).
carriages and car and boat frames. Furthermore, its straight grain diseases or pests22 . The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is [5] D. Dobrowolska, et al., Forestry 88, 552 [16] G. Kerr, Forestry 68, 63 (1995).
(2011). [17] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
and consistency, with sapwood and hardwood differing little, a beetle native to Asia and eastern Russia. While its adults graze on Vegetation Europas; Map of the
[6] D. Boshier, et al., Ash species in Europe:
make it very valuable for veneers, furniture, and flooring. Stem ash leaves, the emerald ash borer larvae feed on the phloem, which biological characteristics and practical Natural Vegetation of Europe
guidelines for sustainable use (Oxford (Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
forking is undesirable and can be caused by frost injury, water can kill the tree. It was observed in western Russia and Sweden in Forestry Institute, University of Oxford, [18] J. P. Skovsgaard, I. M. Thomsen, I. M.
stress, or animal browsing. Older trees can also develop so-called 2007, which has caused concern that the species will spread to United Kingdom, 2005). 128 pp. Skovgaard, T. Martinussen, Forest
[7] E. Wallander, Plant Systematics and Pathology 40, 7 (2010).
'black heart’, a non-fungal staining of the wood, which reduces other European countries and cause damage to ash trees. In North Evolution 273, 25 (2008). [19] R. Bakys, R. Vasaitis, P. Barklund, I.
the wood value5, 16 . Traditionally the leaves have been used as America, the emerald ash borer was first discovered in 2002, after [8] P. Wardle, Journal of Ecology 49, 739 Thomsen, J. Stenlid, European Journal of
(1961). Forest Research 128, 51 (2009).
animal fodder during winter, while the bark was used to tan calf probably entering from Asia in shipping material. Since then it has [20] J. D. Janse, Forest Pathology 11, 425
[9] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of (1981).
Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books, [21] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised 1986). mri10a15+ (2016).
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. [10] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of common [22] T. Kowalski, Forest Pathology 36, 264
ash (Fraxinus excelsior) (2009). (2006).
www.euforgen.org. [23] N. A. Straw, D. T. Williams, O. Kulinich, Y. I.
[11] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E. Gninenko, Forestry 86, 515 (2013).
Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[24] Y. Baranchikov, E. Mozolevskaya, G.

Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer Yurchenko, M. Kenis, EPPO Bulletin 38,
Verlag Jena, 1978). 233 (2008).
[12] C. Raquin, S. Brachet, S. Jeandroz, F. Vedel,
Annual precipitation (mm)

N. Frascaria-Lacoste, Forest Genetics 9,

111 (2002).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0181c0. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Beck, P., Caudullo, G., Tinner, W., de Rigo, D., 2016. Fraxinus
excelsior in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats.
In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e0181c0+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 99

 Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Fraxinus ornus L., commonly known as manna ash, is a small-medium deciduous tree, producing abundant large and
scented inflorescences which attract several pollinating insects. Its range covers southern-western Europe with isolated
population in South Turkey, western Syria and Lebanon, occurring typically in Mediterranean temperate hill and mountain
mixed forests. It is a frugal and fast-growing plant, able to colonise open habitats, especially if disturbed by animal
browsing, wildfires, landslides and logging. Manna ash forests are managed as mixed coppices for firewood production.
In few rural areas of Sicily this ash is still cultivated for the production of manna, the crystallised sap, which has a bitter-
sweet taste and it is used as sweetener, laxative and digestive. This plant does not have serious threats.
The manna ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) is a small to medium-
sized deciduous tree, growing rarely up to 25 m tall and 1 metre Frequency
in diameter. The bark is dark grey, usually very smooth even in old < 25%
25% - 50%
trees. The crown is often asymmetrical, hemispherical or flattened 50% - 75%

with a straight trunk, sinuous branches directed upwards and > 75%
Chorology
frequently forked, and abundant root suckers at the base. The buds Native

are grey-brown densely covered by short grey hairs. The foliage

is olive-green and changes to yellow and deep pink in autumn.
The leaf is compound, 25-30 cm long, odd-pinnate, arranged in
5-9 leaflets, which are obovate, acuminate, serrated, grooved
above and pubescent at the joints, 7-10 cm long. The flowers are
abundant and grouped in large inflorescences 10-20 cm long, which
appear in late spring at the same time as the leaves. Flowers are
scented and attract a variety of pollinating insects (mainly bees and
beetles), even though they do not produce nectar. Wind pollination
can also occur. The single narrow flowers are creamy white with
four linear petals, 6 mm long. The manna ash is androdioecious:
trees can have hermaphrodite flowers or have flowers with only
functional male organs, so behaving as male plants. The fruits are
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Fraxinus ornus.
samaras, 15-25 mm long, slender, green in colour until leaf fall,
Frequency of Fraxinus ornus occurrences within the field observations as
then brown when ripening in autumn. Their dispersion is driven by reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native Adult flowering tree: this ash is a small tree rarely growing up to 25 m.
the wind and by water along rivers1-7. spatial range for F. ornus is derived after Meusel and Jäger8 . (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Distribution
In comparison with the other two European ashes, common
ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus
angustifolia), the manna ash has the smallest range, which
covers southern-western Europe, from South-East France,
through Italy, the Mediterranean isles, the Balkan peninsula, up
to western Turkey. It is present from sea level up to 1500 m in
altitude (South Tyrol). The northern limits of its natural distribution
are the southern edge of the Alps and the Hungarian central
Transylvanian mountains (Bihar Mountains), but it is also present
in more northern countries as an ornamental tree. Outside its
natural range it has been widely planted and now is commonly
present and naturalised in other European countries up to 50° in
latitude. There are isolated populations in eastern Spain and in
South Turkey to western Syria and Lebanon4, 6-9 . Like other ash
species, manna ash shows great morphological variations inside
its natural distribution and several subspecies and varieties have
been described. Two subspecies are actually recognised and
accepted: the manna ash (Fraxinus ornus subsp. ornus) and the
Taurus flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus subsp. cilicica) an endemic
species with a scattered population in the Taurus Mountains of
Southern Turkey4, 10, 11 .
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Habitat and Ecology
The manna ash occurs typically in Mediterranean temperate
colline-mountain forests. In the northern part of its range and in
higher elevations it is found commonly on south-facing slopes,
where it can find the warmth required to grow. In central and
eastern Europe it grows principally on calcareous soils, while in
southern areas it also grows on silicate substrates, and does best
on soils with a pH around neutral. The mean annual precipitation
needed is between 500 and 650 mm, although it has a good
drought resistance, storing water in densely branched roots,
and reducing transpiration. The root system is widely developed,
requiring gravelly, well-aerated and drained soils. It thrives better
on poor soil, suffering the competition of other broadleaved trees
on richer ones4, 7, 12 . Thanks to its plasticity, fast germination
and fast growth when young, this species easily colonises new
habitats. The ability to resprout after cutting makes it also
well adapted to grow in areas disturbed by animal browsing,
wildfires, landslides and logging4 . This tree species is not long-
lived and rarely reaches 100 years7. This ash is found in several
forest communities, typically in mixed broadleaved forests as
a tree and also as a shrub in the understorey. It is associated
with Mediterranean oaks (Quercus pubescens, Q. cerris, Q.
frainetto, Q. coccifera, Q. infectoria), chestnut (Castanea sativa),
hornbeams (Carpinus spp.), hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia)
and maples (Acer spp.). In Greece and Turkey it can be found
in maquis belts with other deciduous or evergreen broadleaved
shrubs, and sometimes in mixed conifer forests with Lebanon
cedar (Cedrus libani), black pine (Pinus nigra) and occasionally
with Mediterranean firs (Abies spp.)4, 7, 13 .

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Inflorescences of narrow flowers with four linear petals.
(Copyright Ettore Balocchi, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

100 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Fraxinus ornus

Importance and Usage

Compared to the other ashes, the timber quality is similar,
although with a lower density. It is good quality, heavy, with
Uncertain, no-data
narrow annual rings and a small difference between sapwood
and heartwood. However, its timber wood is of low economic Tundra, cold desert
interest, as trees develop small and poorly-shaped trunks with Negligible survivability
many defects, so it is mainly used for small tool handles and
Low survivability
household items4 . Managed manna ash forests usually are
coppiced for producing firewood. In southern Mediterranean Mid-low survivability
regions they are also managed by pollarding as a source of Medium survivability
fodder for livestock (cattle, goats and sheep)4, 14 . Several ash
Mid-high survivability
varieties are used as ornamental trees in gardens and urban
parks, appreciated for the abundance of white scented flowers High survivability
and the autumnal foliage coloration. For this reason, this tree
is also called flowering ash4, 7. Manna ash occurs principally on
slopes, so it is an important component of protective forests and,
thanks to its pioneer habit, it is also used for afforestation of
degraded sites7, 15, 16 . Like the narrow-leaved ash, the damaged
bark exudes a bitter-sweet tasting sap, which crystallises in the
air into a yellow mass called manna. The main manna component
is mannitol, a sugar alcohol, which has higher concentrations in
trees planted in warmer regions. Manna was traditionally used
in medicine as a laxative and digestive. During the last century
manna was produced for extracting the mannitol, which is mainly
used as a sweetener and for producing medicine. In southern Italy
several ash plantations were established, until manna demand
decreased as mannitol was first extracted by other sources
(seaweeds, molasses) and then substituted by other synthesised
products. Nowadays manna production is still active only in few
rural areas of Sicily4, 17-19 .

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

caused by the fungus Diplodia spp.25, 26 . During the winter period

deer can feed by peeling the bark and causing significant forest
damage when the population densities are high. In mixed forests
of manna and common ash, this latter is more palatable and is
debarked more7, 28 .

References
[1] A . F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[2] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[3] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
Mature dry and brown samaras in autumn. Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
[4] D. Boshier, et al., Ash species in Europe:
(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
biological characteristics and practical
guidelines for sustainable use (Oxford
Forestry Institute, University of Oxford,
United Kingdom, 2005). 128 pp.
Threats and Diseases [5] H. J. Elwes, A. Henry, The Trees of Great
Britain and Ireland Vol. 4 (Privately
No serious threats have been documented for manna ash. printed, Edinburgh, 1909).
It is susceptible to the fungus Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, [6] C. Thébaud, M. Debussche, Journal of
Biogeography 18, 7 (1991).
also known as Chalara fraxinea, which causes massive diebacks [7] D. Bartha, Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse:
of common ash and narrow-leaved ash in Europe20 . However, Handbuch und Atlas der Dendrologie,
A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang, B.
this ash does not seem to be a natural host of the pathogen, Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag,
Weinheim, 1996), vol. 3.
as its vulnerability was tested with artificial inoculations on
[8] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
seedlings21, 22 . Other generalist and manna ash pathogens have Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer
been observed, but in most cases they were in balance with the Verlag Jena, 1978).
Compound leaves comprising 5-9 ovate leaflets 7-10 cm
host, e.g. the cauliflower gall mite (Aceria fraxinivora)23, 24 , or [9] P. Csontos, J. Tamás, T. Kalapos, Acta
long showing red autumn colours. Botanica Hungarica 43, 127 (2001).
in weakened plants for climatic reasons, e.g. the wood cankers (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
[10] P. H. Davis, Flora of Turkey and the
East Aegean Islands, vol. 6 (Edinburgh
University Press, 1984).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised [11] M. Yılmaz, H. Serin, H. Zengin, G. Zengin,
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. Orman Mühendisliği 46, 24 (2009).
[12] R. Popović, M. Kojić, B. Karadžić, Bocconea
5, 431 (1997).
[13] C. Yücedağ, A. Gezer, H. Fakir, Scientific
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[16] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[17] G. Evans, Herb Tree 39, 24 (2014).
[18] A. Galati, G. Migliore, C. Scaffidi Saggio,
Colture artificiali di piante medicinali -
Produzione di metaboliti secondari nelle
piante medicinali in coltura artificiale, F.
Tognoni, A. Pardossi, A. Mensuali Sodi,
eds. (Aracne editrice, Roma, 2007), pp.
287–297.
[19] R. Schicchi, L. Camarda, V. Spadaro, R.
Pitonzo, Quaderni di Botanica ambientale
e applicata 17, 151 (2006).
[20] R. Bakys, R. Vasaitis, P. Barklund, I.
Thomsen, J. Stenlid, European Journal of
Forest Research 128, 51 (2009).
[21] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[22] T. Kirisits, M. Matlakova, S. Mottinger-
Kroupa, T. L. Cech, E. Halmschlager,
Proceedings of the Conference of IUFRO
Working Party 7.02.02, 11-16 May 2009,
Eğirdir, Turkey, N. Gürlevik, ed. (2009), pp.
97–119.
[23] K. Kräutler, T. Kirisits, Journal of
Agricultural Extension and Rural
Development 4, 261 (2012).
[24] M. Anthony, R. Sattler, C. Cooney-Sovetts,
Canadian Journal of Botany 61, 1580
(1983).
[25] J. Kollár, Acta entomologica serbica 16,
115 (2011).
[26] A. Alves, B. T. Linaldeddu, A. Deidda, B.
Scanu, A. J. L. Phillips, Fungal Diversity 67,

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Research and Essays 6, 4788 (2011). 143 (2014).

[14] T. G. Papachristou, V. P. Papanastasis, [27] A. Sidoti, G. Granata, Informatore
Agroforestry Systems 27, 269 (1994). Fitopatologico 2, 49 (2004).
Annual precipitation (mm)

[15] H.-D. Vlasin, L. Holonec, Bulletin UASVM [28] T. Wallmann, R. Stingl, Neilreichia 6, 183
Horticulture 71, 330 (2014). (2011).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01435d. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Fraxinus ornus in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e01435d+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 101

 Ilex aquifolium

Ilex aquifolium in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

N. Guerrero Hue, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The European holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) is an evergreen small tree or shrub, with characteristic coriaceous dark green
leaves with spines and red berry fruits. Holly grows in Western Europe, Western Balkans and North Turkey up to the
Caucasus, preferring Atlantic climates. It adapts to different soil conditions, occurring mainly as understorey vegetation
in oak and beech temperate forests. It is widely planted as an ornamental plant and hedge shrub, and is also well known
for Christmas decorations. Various fungi of genus Phytophthora cause roots to rot in cultivated hollies. However there
are no critical threats for the conservation of this species.
The European holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) is a small evergreen
tree or shrub 8-10 m in height, which rarely exceeds 20 m1, 2 . It
Frequency
has a dense pyramidal crown and a straight woody stem with < 25%

grey bark. The leaves are up to 10 cm long, simple, alternate, 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
coriaceous and glabrous. Their upper surface is dark-green and > 75%
Chorology
glossy and the lower surface is yellowish and matt. With an ovate, Native
elliptic or oblong shape, the leaf margin may be undulate with
spines, especially in the lower part of the tree. Flowers are small
(6 mm in diameter), white and placed in axillary cymes. Holly is
normally dioecious and flowers between May and August2, 3 . The
fruit is a bright red drupe of 7-12 mm size2 . Its seeds ripen in
late autumn and usually last throughout the winter, when birds,
rodents and larger herbivores eat them2-5 .
Tree form of the holly; it usually does not exceed 10 m tall.
Distribution (Copyright Sean MacEntee, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

This species occurs in Western Europe, from Spain to western

Threats and Diseases
Norway, North-West Africa in the Atlas Mountains, western
There are no critical diseases affecting the European holly in
Balkan Peninsula, North Turkey up to the Caucasus2, 6, 7. It grows
its natural habitat. Principally they are recorded for the ornamental
in northern ranges at sea level, up to 2600 m in Morocco6 . It is
plants in gardens and parks. Among the phytophagous insects,
widely planted outside its natural range as an ornamental shrub Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Ilex aquifolium.
Frequency of Ilex aquifolium occurrences within the field observations as the most known is the holly leaf miner Phytomyza ilicis: a fly
in Europe and in other continents. On the west coast of the reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native whose larvae burrow into leaves17, 18 . The fungus Phytophthora
United States it is considered an invasive plant8 . Its distribution spatial range for I. aquifolium is derived after Peterken and Lloyd2 .
ilicis causes black leaf spots and then cankers and shoot
range is now starting to move over Europe, as a consequence of
dieback19-21 . The holly tree is host for other Phytophthora root
increased winter temperatures in northern regions and drought in sticks11, 15 . It is a cheap substitute for ebony if dyed black15 . Its
rot and dieback fungi, such as Phytophthora cinnamomi22 and
the south4, 9 , and in Scandinavia its range is spreading eastwards leaves are browsed by mammals5 and in the past were used as
Phytophthora psychrophila19 .
due to the hybridisation of native with ornamental genotypes10 . cattle fodder2 . The mucilaginous bark of young shoots is used to
produce birdlime2, 3, 15 . Its drupes are purgative and emetic with
Habitat and Ecology strong effects, so considered toxic to humans2, 3 .
The holly grows in Atlantic and sub-Atlantic climates, also in
a sub-Mediterranean climate at higher elevations, characterised
by mild winter temperatures, relatively high summer precipitation
and limited temperature ranges2 . This species is very plastic,
growing in a wide variety of soil moistures and pH, but grows best
in acid conditions2, 11 . Regarding light tolerance, holly is a semi-
shade species while in Mediterranean climates it is an obligate
shade plant9 . It is a slow-growing species with a lifespan of 300
years in optimal conditions1 . Reproduction takes place mostly by
seed; however vegetative regeneration (suckers or adventitious
roots) may be important within dense holly formations2, 9 . This
species occurs within different plant communities, mainly as
an understorey tree or in edges of temperate deciduous forests
and woodlands dominated by oaks (Quercus robur, Quercus
petraea, Quercus pubescent) or beech (Fagus sylvatica). In the
Mediterranean region it can be found in evergreen oak forests Male flowers with 4 white petals and 4 stamens
blossoming at the base of the leaves.
(Quercus ilex) in the scrub communities2, 4, 9, 11 . (Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Importance and Usage References

Holly is cultivated as an ornamental shrub, appreciated for
the contrast between its dark green permanent foliage and the
red fruits and traditionally used for Christmas decoration2, 12, 13 .
Many varieties and hybrids have been developed for garden use;
e.g. ‘Argentea Marginata’ with white-edged leaves, ‘Bacciflava’
almost spineless and with yellow fruits14 . Holly is also often used
in hedges as it has spiny leaves, bears pruning well and it grows
slowly15 . Since it is a dioecious species, commercial hollies usually
have grafted female or male branches to produce fruit from a
single plant16 . The wood of holly is greyish white, hard, heavy
and uniform, and used for woodcraft, turnery, handles, sleeves,
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[1] S. Pignatti, Flora d’Italia (Edagricole,
Bologna., 1982).
[2] G. F. Peterken, P. S. Lloyd, Journal of
Ecology 55 (1967).
[3] J. R. de la Torre, L. Ceballos, F. de
Córdoba, Árboles y arbustos de la España
peninsular (Mundi-Prensa, Madrid, 2001).
[4] M. J. Bañuelos, J. Kollmann, P. Hartvig, M.
Quevedo, Nordic Journal of Botany 23,
129 (2003).
[5] J. R. Obeso, Plant Ecology 129, 149 (1997).
[6] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer
Verlag Jena, 1978).
[7] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
The classic holly berries: bright red spherical drupes of 7-12 mm in size. vascular plants (North of the Tropic of
(Copyright liz west, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books,
1986).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised [8] USDA NRCS, The PLANTS database (2015).
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro,
USA, http://plants.usda.gov.
[9] F. Valladares, et al., Tree Physiology 25,
1041 (2005).
[12] B. Herrero, C. Martìn-Lobera, Global
Advanced Research Journal of Medicinal
Plants 1, 1 (2012).
[13] J. F. Bermejo Sánchez, F. Muñoz Alaminos,
D. Garcìa González, M. Frìas Trampal,
Revista Montes 52, 85 (1998).
[14] J. Gardiner, The Timber Press Encyclopedia
of Flowering Shrubs (Timber Press, UK,
2014).
[15] H. J. Elwes, A. Henry, The Trees of Great
Britain and Ireland Vol. 7 (Privately
printed, Edinburgh, 1913).
[16] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
[17] E. Cameron, Bulletin of Entomological
Research 30, 173 (1939).
[18] A. M. Brewer, K. J. Gaston, Journal of
Animal Ecology 71, 99 (2002).
[19] E. T. Cline, D. F. Farr, A. Y. Rossman, Plant
Health Progress (2008).
[20] C. Pintos, C. Rial, O. Aguìn, J. P. Mansilla,
New Disease Reports 26, 16+ (2012).
[21] B. Scanu, B. T. Linaldeddu, A. Peréz-Sierra,
A. Deidda, A. Franceschini, Phytopathologia

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[10] A.-M. Skou, F. Toneatto, J. Kollmann, Plant
Ecology 213, 1131 (2012).
[11] J.-C. Rameau, D. Mansion, G. Dumé, Flore
forestière française, Plaines et collines,
Annual precipitation (mm)
Mediterranea 53, 480 (2014).
[22] L. B. Orlikowski, G. Szkuta, Acta Mycologica
39, 19 (2004).

vol. 1 (Institut pour le Développement

Forestier, Paris, 1989).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e011fbc. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Guerrero Hue, N., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Ilex aquifolium in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e011fbc+

102 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Juglans regia

Juglans regia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

D. de Rigo, C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, W. Tinner, G. Caudullo increase the insulin level in diabetic patients21 . The wood of the
walnut is highly prized, being strong, attractive and easy to work.
Juglans regia L., commonly known as common, English or Persian walnut, is an economically very important tree species, Good quality logs are sold for veneer and can command high
prized both for its nuts and for its attractive high-quality timber. It is the most widespread nut tree worldwide. prices7. It is also used in agroforestry7, 12, 22 .
The common walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a large, deciduous
tree, reaching a height up to 25-35 m and exceptionally a maximum
Frequency
trunk diameter up to 2 m1 . It is long-lived: normally 100-200 years, < 25%
but some specimens may reach 1 000 years old2 . It has a deep 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
root system, with a substantial tap root starting from the juvenile > 75%

stage1, 3 . The bark is silver-grey and smooth between deep, wide Chorology
Actual range
fissures4 . The leaves are 20-45 cm long, with 5 to 9 leaflets, the
ones from the apex being larger compared with those from the
base of the leaf4 . Crushed leaves have a scent like shoe-polish4 .
The crown diameter of the common walnut is larger in relation to
its stem diameter than any other broadleaf tree species used in
Europe5 . The fruit ripens during hot summers and is a large rounded
nut of 4-5 cm and weighing up to 18 g6 . It may be propagated both
by seeds and also vegetatively. It can hybridise and it has been
found that the hybrids between common walnut and black walnut
(Juglans nigra) have good vigour and form3 .

Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Juglans regia.
Frequency of Juglans regia occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the actual
spatial range for J. regia is derived after Fornari et al. and the Botanical
Society of Britain & Ireland12, 24 .

across the northern hemisphere, and can now be found in most of

Europe apart from northerly regions. It is particularly important
in Turkey, which is the third largest walnut producer in the world, Male catkins develop in the spring with new leaves.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
after China and the United States6 . It is also grown in India and
China, and has been introduced into many other temperate
regions of the world, including the Americas, Australia, New Threats and Diseases
Zealand and parts of Africa7, its distribution ranging nowadays The common walnut is sensitive to a number of fungal,
between 10° and 50° northern latitude12 . bacterial, parasitic and viral diseases. The main fungal agents
Habitat and Ecology are Armillaria mellea, Phytophthora cinamomii and P. cambivora
which affect the root system, and antracnosis (Gnomonia
The common walnut is a demanding species and requires
leptostyla) which causes summer leaf fall2 . Walnut blight
Mature walnut tree with large spreading crown (Bavaria, Germany). special site conditions. Usually grown in pure stands or as
(Xanthomonas campestris pv. juglandis) is also a serious disease,
(Copyright Rainer Lippert, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) individual trees, rather than within mixed woodland, it needs a
sometimes causing mortality in young trees2, 14, 23 . A number of
warm and sheltered site and a long growing season3, 13 . It also
pests target the nuts, reducing the value of the crop; these include
prefers deep and rich soils, with pH values of between 6 and 7.51 . It
the walnut worm (Cydia pomonella) and navel orangeworm
Distribution is light-demanding, highly susceptible to competition and sensitive
(Amyelois transitella)7. Although widespread in its range, the size
Because of its long history of cultivation, the natural to winter and late spring frosts. Older trees are however able to
of local populations is quite limited. Threats to genetic variability
distribution range of this species is not clear7, 8 . It is thought to withstand winter temperatures as low as -30 °C14 . Germination is
could come from felling of the best trees for the high quality
be native to the Mediterranean (Southern Europe, Western Asia) improved in mild winters, indicating that a changing climate with
timber, and from hybridisation with black walnut (Juglans nigra)2 .
and Central Asia9; in the latter area the mountains of the West warmer winters may prove beneficial to its establishment14, 15 .
Himalayan chain in the Kashmir, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are
considered to be its centre of origin2 . Fossil evidence, however, Importance and Usage
shows that in some putative areas of origin in Central Asia such as Walnut is very appreciated for its nuts, which are a
Kyrgyzstan, the species was introduced for agricultural purposes highly nutritious food source. They are rich in oil composed of References
only 1 000-2 000 years ago10 . Pollen records and nutshell finds unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The [1] C. Mohni, F. Pelleri, G. E. Hemery, Die [12] B. Fornari, F. Cannata, M. Spadad, M. E.
Bodenkulture 60, 21 (2009). Malvolti, Forest Genetics 6, 115 (1999).
show earliest cultivation in the Mediterranean area; e.g. in Italy kernels contain a wide variety of flavonoids, phenolic acids [2] J. Fernandez-Lopez, N. Aleta, R. Alia, [13] J. R. Clark, G. E. Hemery, P. S. Savill,
around 6 000 years ago and in Anatolia, north-eastern Greece and and related polyphenols, which have good antioxidant, anti- Noble Hardwoods Network: Report of the Forestry 81, 631 (2008).
Fourth Meeting, 4-6 September 1999, [14] G. E. Hemery, et al., Forestry 83, 65
Croatia around 4 000 years ago11 . It has been widely cultivated atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties16 . Gmunden, Austria and the Fifth Meeting, (2010).
17-19 May 2001, Blessington, Ireland,
A diet rich in walnuts is also thought to have a cardiovascular J. Turok, G. Eriksson, K. Russel, S. Borelli, [15] K. Loacker, W. Kofler, K. Pagitz, W.
protective effect17, 18 . Bark or leaf extracts are used worldwide eds. (Bioversity International, 2002), pp. Oberhuber, Flora - Morphology,
38–43. Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants
in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions19 including [3] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
202, 70 (2007).
fungal infections such as Candida, to inhibit the growth of bacteria British forestry (CABI, 2013). [16] M. L. Martìnez, D. O. Labuckas, A. L.
Lamarque, D. M. Maestri, Journal of the
[4] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
responsible for dental plaques and oral hygiene problems20 , or to Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
Science of Food and Agriculture 90, 1959
(2010).
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[17] S. D. Nash, M. Westpfal, The American
[5] G. E. Hemery, P. S. Savill, S. N. Pryor, Forest Journal of Cardiology 95, 963 (2005).
Ecology and Management 215, 285
(2005). [18] Z. Papoutsi, et al., British Journal of
Nutrition 99, 715 (2008).
[6] S. Ercisli, B. Sayinci, M. Kara, C. Yildiz, I.
Ozturk, Scientia Horticulturae 133, 47 [19] J. S. Amaral, et al., Food Chemistry 88,
(2012). 373 (2004).
[7] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of [20] E. Noumi, M. Snoussi, H. Hajlaoui, E.
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). Valentin, A. Bakhrouf, European Journal of
Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
[8] A. M. Stanford, R. Harden, C. R. Parks, 29, 81 (2010).
American Journal of Botany 87, 872
(2000). [21] L. C. Tapsell, et al., Diabetes Care 27,
2777 (2004).
[9] P. Schütt, H. J. Schuck, B. Stimm, Lexikon
der Baum- und Straucharten: Das [22] B. Fady, et al., New Forests 25, 211
Standardwerk der Forstbotanik (Nikol, (2003).
Hamburg, 2002). [23] A. Belisario, A. Zoina, L. Pezza, L. Luongo,
[10] R. Beer, et al., Quaternary Science Reviews European Journal of Forest Pathology 29,
27, 621 (2008). 75 (1999).
[11] P. Kaltenrieder, G. Procacci, B. Vannière, W. [24] Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, BSBI
Tinner, The Holocene 20, 679 (2010). Big Database (2015). http://bsbidb.org.uk.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01977c. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
de Rigo, D., Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., Tinner, W., Caudullo, G.,
Fruits ripening on the tree. The ripe walnut, emerging from the fruit. 2016. Juglans regia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) (Copyright Jonson22, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01977c+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 103

 Juniperus communis

Juniperus communis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo culinary purposes and for the preparation of alcoholic drinks, such
as flavouring gin17, 18 .
Juniperus communis L., known as juniper or common juniper, is the most widespread of the European conifers worldwide.
It is one of the main species within the genus Juniperus, which comprises a large number of species. Common juniper is Threats and Diseases
the only one of them that occurs in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Throughout Europe, common juniper is the primary host of
Common juniper is a slow-growing evergreen conifer . 1, 2 the rusts Gymnosporangium clavariiforme and G. cornutum.
Across its wide distribution range, it may take the form of a multi- Many fungi, such as the needle cast fungus (Lophodermium
stemmed shrub or it can develop a tree-like shape2, 3 . It is a very
Frequency
< 25%
juniperinum), the juniper twig blight (Phomopsis juniperovora),
variable species (partly as a result of its enormous geographical 25% - 50% and the root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) can cause severe
50% - 75%
range) and there is ongoing debate over how many distinct > 75% infections on junipers2 .
Chorology
subspecies there are4-6 . It can be easily recognised by its needle- Native
like leaves which are borne in whorls of three. The needles are
sessile, 5-12(15) mm long, and they have one white band on the
upperside2 . This species is usually dioecious7, 8 , but is occasionally
monoecious2, 9 . The seed cones are fleshy berry-like (galbulus),
purple to black in colour, up to 1 cm, globose or longer than broad.
They ripen in the second or third year. The seeds are 4-5 mm long,
ovoid, without wings, three-cornered, typically 1 to 3 per cone.
They are usually dispersed by birds or other animals2 .

Distribution
Common juniper has the widest distribution range of all
conifers6, 10 , and can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere:
in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is the most northerly of
the juniper species and one of the most northerly conifers in the
world10 . In Europe, it can be found from northern Scandinavia11
to parts of southern Spain, although at more southern latitudes
it is usually confined to mountain areas. Juniper grows in low
elevations in pasture lands and abandoned fields, as well as at
high elevations, above the tree-line in Eurosiberian mountains7.
Habitat and Ecology
Common juniper is a typical shrub species of poor soils and
harsh environments7. It is drought and cold tolerant but requires
plenty of light2 . It can grow on acidic sandy or calcareous soils12 and
favours free-draining soils and rocky outcrops. In many areas, juniper
is considered to be a pioneer species, able to colonise bare terrain
and a range of soil types12 . The subspecies Juniperus communis ssp.
alpina occurs in a narrow band above or north of the treeline.
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Juniperus communis.
Frequency of Juniperus communis occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for J. communis is derived after Meusel and Jäger19 .
Importance and Usage
Juniper is amongst the most useful multi-purpose shrub
species worldwide. Containing a large number of essential oils13 , Fleshy berry-like seed cones; they become purple-blue in colour when mature.
(Copyright Ettore Balocchi, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
extracts from its twigs, leaves, and berries (the blue-black seed
cones) have been used as traditional remedies against urinary
infections2 , dermatitis14 , or as a diuretic15 . The wood has even
been shown suitable for artificial bone implants16 . The twigs,
leaves, and especially the berries represent an important food
source for several small and large animals, such as birds, deer,
elk, cattle, horses and sheep2 , and humans use the berries for

Needle-like leaves arranged in whorls of three in the branchlet with one

white stomata band on the upper side.
(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[2] P. A. Thomas, M. El-Barghathi, A. Polwart,
Journal of Ecology 95, 1404 (2007).
[3] B. Beikircher, S. Mayr, Plant, Cell &
Environment 31, 1545 (2008).
[4] R. P. Adams, R. N. Pandey, Biochemical
Systematics and Ecology 31, 1271
(2003).
[5] R. P. Adams, A. E. Schwarzbach, Phytologia
95(2), 179 (2013).
Juniper in shrub form grown in a rocky habitat in the Ligurian Alps (Savona, North Italy). [6] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY) Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution,
Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised Status (Brill, 2013).
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. [7] D. Garcia, R. Zamora, J. M. Gomez, P.
Jordano, J. A. Hodar, Journal of Ecology
88, 435 (2000).
[8] L. O. Pedro, A. Montserrat, T. Salvador,
Annals of Botany 89, 205 (2002).
[11] T. H. DeLuca, O. Zackrisson, Plant and Soil
294, 147 (2007).
[12] J. G. B. Oostermeijer, B. De Knegt, Plant
Species Biology 19, 175 (2004).
[13] R. P. Adams, Biochemical Systematics and
Ecology 26, 637 (1998).
[14] C. Cavaleiro, E. Pinto, M. J. Goncalves, L.
Salgueiro, Journal of Applied Microbiology
100, 1333 (2006).
[15] R. A. Halberstein, Annals of Epidemiology
15, 686 (2005).
[16] K. A. Gross, E. Ezerietis, Journal of
Biomedical Materials Research 64A, 672
(2003).
[17] S. Vichi, M. R. Aumatell, S. Buxaderas, E.
López-Tamames, Analytica Chimica Acta
628, 222 (2008).
[18] F. Cooper, R. E. Stone, P. McEvoy, T. Wilkins,
N. Reid, The conservation status of
juniper formations in Ireland, Department
of Environment, Heritage and Local

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[9] A. M. Ottley, Botanical Gazette 48(1), 31 Government, Dublin, Ireland (2012).

(1909). [19] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
[10] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World: Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
Annual precipitation (mm)

The Complete Reference (Timber Press, - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
2009). Jena, 1998).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01d2de. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016.
Juniperus communis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage
and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01d2de+

104 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


Juniperus oxycedrus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
L. Vilar, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) is a thermophile shrub or small tree native across the Mediterranean region,
around the Black Sea and Middle East. It grows in dry areas on the coasts and lowlands under Mediterranean climate
conditions, but it is also found in higher elevations in wetter forests with a more continental environment. It is suitable
as an ornamental shrub; essential oils can be extracted and used for medical purposes. This juniper is widespread and
often abundant, their populations are stable.
The prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) is a shrub or small
tree which grows up to 10-15 m in height. The crown shape is
conic in young specimens and irregular in adults. The trunk has
fibrous grey to brown-red bark peeling in longitudinal stripes. It
has numerous branches, spreading or ascending. The leaves are
needle-like and in alternating whorls of three. The needles are
1-2.5 cm long and 1-2.5 mm wide, with two waxy, white shallow
stomata furrows above and a ridge below and a spiny tip. This
species is dioecious. The male plants have solitary pollen cones in
the leaf axils. They are yellow and egg-shaped, with three to seven
pollen sacs below. Female plants have axillary berry-like seed cones
known as galbulus. They are approximately spherical, brown-red in
colour and 7-12 mm long, maturing in two years. They do not open
and end in three small triangle-shaped protuberances. Inside are
one to three brown triangular-ovoid seeds1-4 .
Mediterranean coastal vegetation with pricky juniper shrubland.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Distribution
This juniper is native to the Mediterranean region and
widespread from Morocco and Portugal, to Lebanon and Syria,
reaching Kurdistan in Iran, Iraq and the Caucasus mountains.
There are four commonly accepted subspecies: Juniperus
oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus has the largest range set in the
inlands as well as in the coasts of the species distribution range,
Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa commonly throughout
the coasts of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, Juniperus
oxycedrus subsp. badia in the inlands of North Algeria and Iberian
Peninsula, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. transtagana in lowlands
and coasts of central Portugal and South-West Spain1, 3, 5 .
Habitat and Ecology
The prickly juniper is largely restricted to regions with a
Mediterranean climate, but in the inlands of the Balkans and the
Iberian Peninsula it may occur in more continental conditions6 .
The altitudinal range goes from sea level to 2200 m2 . It occurs on
dry thin soils over all kinds of material rocks from calcareous to
siliceous and serpentine, commonly also on sand dunes. It can also
be found in pastures at higher altitudes, where it is usually a sign
of overgrazing2 . The lowland subspecies are never far from the
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Juniperus oxycedrus
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Berry-like orange seed cones; they are brown-red when mature.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Importance and Usage
The prickly Juniper is suitable for cultivation as an ornamental
shrub in southern Europe, where a number of cultivars, especially
with more pendulous foliage, are commonly planted in gardens
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Juniperus oxycedrus.
and parks6 . Its wood is resistant and hard, highly valued for
Frequency of Juniperus oxycedrus occurrences within the field observations as making furniture and other carpentry items2 . Essential oils
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial are extracted from the branches and leaves by destructive
range for J. oxycedrus is derived after Jalas and Suominen, and Klimko, et al.10, 11 .
distillation, especially in France and Turkey6, 7. This ’oil of cade’ is
used for medicinal purposes2 , such as to prepare empyreumatic
sea. They are principally associated with coastal grass and shrub oil8 . It has antiseptic and antiparasitic properties. Rectified cade
vegetation and in the clearings with Mediterranean pine woods: oil is also used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents,
Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) Turkish pine (Pinus brutia), Italian creams, lotions and perfumes9 .
stone pine (Pinus pinea) and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). The
inland subspecies are found at higher elevations in the maquis Threats and Diseases
and garrigue shrubland or open sclerophyll woods dominated by No important threats have been identified for the prickly
holm oak (Quercus ilex), mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and European juniper. The populations in the natural range are stable and
hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), as well as appearing in montane in some areas this juniper is abundant. However, the coastal
and wetter forests with cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), black subpopulations are more scattered than the past, especially in
pine (Pinus nigra) and other junipers (Juniperus foetidissima and Spain and around the Adriatic Sea, due to the impacts of urban
Juniperus excelsa)5, 6 . and tourist developments2, 5, 6 .
Spiny needle-like leaves with the two characteristic
white stomata furrows in the upper side.
(Copyright Tomás Royo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
References
[1] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World: [7] R. P. Adams, Biochemical Systematics and
The Complete Reference (Timber Press, Ecology 26, 637 (1998).
2009).
[8] K. Bouhlal, et al., Parfums, cosmétiques,
[2] A. M. Romo, Arboles de la Peninsula Iberica arômes 83, 73 (1988).
Pricky juniper scrub vegetation on mountain belt of the y Baleares (Planeta, Barcelona, 1977).
Sierra Arana near Deifontes (Granada, South Spain). [9] A. Y. Leung, S. Foster, Encyclopedia of
(Copyright Javi MF, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
[3] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s common natural ingredients used in food,
conifers (Brill, 2010). drugs, and cosmetics (Wiley, 1996).
[4] J. do Amaral Franco, Flora Iberica: plantas [10] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
vasculares de la Peninsula IbeÌrica e Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
Islas Baleares, Volume 1: Lycopodiaceae- in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
Papaveraceae, S. Castroviejo, et al., eds. to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping
(Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC, Madrid, 1998), the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
pp. 181–188. Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
[5] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s [11] M. Klimko, et al., Flora - Morphology,
Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants
Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation 202, 133 (2007).
Status (Brill, 2013).
[6] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2013), pp. 42243/0+.
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e013abb. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Vilar, L., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Juniperus oxycedrus in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e013abb+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 105
 Juniperus phoenicea
Juniperus phoenicea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Juniperus phoenicea L., commonly known as Phoenician juniper, is a shrub or small evergreen tree, characterised by
scaled leaves and berry-like fleshy fruits red to brown in colour. It occurs in patchy and often isolated populations
over the whole Mediterranean region, included Morocco and Portugal, Canary and Madeira Islands, Sinai Peninsula and
Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea, and grows principally on coastal dunes and cliffs, but also in mountain populations up
to 2400 m. With other sclerophyllous species, this juniper forms scrublands and open woodlands belonging to maquis
and garigue vegetation. It is adapted to arid Mediterranean climates, rocky and sandy soils, exposed to sea winds and
sprays. Its fruits have been used in traditional medicine and cosmetics, and there is now interest in its pharmaceutical
properties. The dune habitats where this juniper grows has been shrinking and is still threatened principally by human
settlements and but also by artificial plantations of pines or alien species used for dune stabilisation.
The Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea L.) is a shrub
or small evergreen tree which can grow 5-8 m with a trunk up
to 1-2 m in diameter1 . The shrub form develops several stems
close to the ground, while its upright form is monopodial 2 . The
crown is dense, first conical then broadening and irregular in
age, with ascending and often curved branches2, 3 . The bark is
dark greyish brown, peeling in narrow strips3 . On young plants
the leaves are needle-like, about 1 mm wide and 5-14 mm long,
with 2 stomatal bands above and beneath4 . On adults leaves
are decussate scales, alternating in pairs or trios, that are ovate
to rhombic, green to blue-green in colour and 1-2 mm long3, 5 .
This juniper is principally monoecious, but dioecious plants can
appear and in some populations be predominant2, 6 . Male and
female cones are single at the tips of branchlets and pollination
is driven by the wind. Pollen cones are ovoid, 4-6 mm, while
seed cones are spherical to egg-shaped, 8-15 mm maturing
after 2 years in a soft, flashy berry-like galbulus, about 1 cm
across, dark brown to red in colour, which contains 3-9 seeds
that are dispersed principally by birds2, 3, 5, 7. Two subspecies are
recognised according to morphological and ecological differences:
Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, which has small obtuse
leaves, bigger red-brown seed cones, and sheds pollen in spring;
Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata, which has more elongate
leaves, ochre-brown seed cones and shed pollen in autumn2, 4, 8, 9 .
However recent studies on polymeric tannin concentrations10 and
DNA sequences11 show a significant difference between the
subspecies, supporting the recognition of Juniperus turbinata as
a new species12 .
Distribution
The distribution of Phoenician juniper covers the whole
Mediterranean basin from Portugal on the Atlantic coasts and
Atlas Mountains in the West, to Jordan, Sinai Peninsula and
Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea in the East, occurring with small
and scattered populations. It is also present on Madeira and
Canary Islands1, 2, 4, 13 . It can grow from sea level, up to 2400 m
in the Atlas Mountains (Morocco) and in the Asir Range (Saudi
Arabia)1, 13, 14 . The subspecies ranges are still under debate.
While some authors describe the phoenicea subspecies occurring
throughout the whole range and the turbinata subspecies only in
the western portion on littoral dune habitats4, 13, 15, 16 , differences
in phytochemical concentrations suggest that the phoenicea
subspecies is confined to the eastern Iberian Peninsula and South
France and turbinata is widespread throughout the whole range12.
Habitat and Ecology
The Phoenician juniper is a light-demanding pioneer species
of meso- and thermo-Mediterranean climates17, growing in
sandy or rocky sites2 prevalently on calcareous soils but also on
silicate1, 7. It is a xerophile species, adapted to an arid climate with
hot and dry summers2, 7, and can tolerate rainfall of just 200 mm
year1 . This juniper typically belongs to the garrigue and maquis
vegetation and open woodland, forming scrubs and thickets
with other sclerophyllous species13 . Phoenician juniper grows
principally on coastal zones, but it can also be found in inland
cliffs and mountain areas. On coastal stable dunes it develops
scrub formations sometimes with prickly juniper (Juniperus
oxycedrus spp. macrocarpa), and other sclerophyllous species,
such as mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), myrtle (Myrtus communis),
green olive tree (Phillyrea angustifolia), rockroses (Cistus spp.),
etc., forming the vegetation communities belonging to the
Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni. It can be associated with
coastal pines (Pinus pinea, Pinus pinaster, Pinus brutia and
Pinus halepensis) most often in plantations but also in natural
habitats10, 18, 19 . On cliffs Phoenician juniper forms typical
scrubland, thriving on dry, rocky and often limestone substrates,
characterised by harsh conditions and called arborescent
matorrals. On coastal cliffs, plants are exposed to the sea
spray, sea winds, and severe winter storms followed by drought
summers, developing as a short shrub and shaped by the wind.
Instead, mountain populations can reach high elevations and
are adapted to a more continental climate. Usually they grow on
106 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
threatened in coastal zones by the new human settlements and
tourism pressure especially during summer periods. The habitat
loss and fragmentation over the last years has led to an undoubted
decline and isolation of local populations15, 18 . The cause is not
only urban development, but also artificial plantations principally
for coastal dune stabilisation, made with pines (Pinus pinea, Pinus
halepensis, etc.), or exotic species such as black locust (Robinia
pseudacacia), French tamarisk (Tamarix gallica), or desert false
indigo (Amorpha fructicosa)18 . Furthermore, the spreading of
recently introduced alien plant species, such as American agave
(Agave americana), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) from
China, and the succulent plants of genus Carpobrotus from South
Africa, are interfering with native sand dune and cliff vegetation
Frequency
< 25%
communities dominated by this juniper18, 28, 29 . Wild fires are
25% - 50% another important threat for this species, since its adaptation and
50% - 75%
> 75% resistance to fire is very low, due to its high flammability caused
Chorology
by the presence of aromatic substances, and its poor post-fire
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Juniperus phoenicea.
Frequency of Juniperus phoenicea occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for J. phoenicea is derived after several sources12, 30-33 .
south slopes with other chasmophytic species. The associated
species of cliff vegetation are very variable, depending on the
substratum, geomorphology and in many cases on anthropogenic
impacts. Phoenician juniper formations can be the first succession Reddish berry-like fruits (galbulus): these seed cones take 2
stage of recolonisations (often post-fire), evolving towards the years to mature.
(Copyright Wojciech Przybylski, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-0)
sclerophyllous oak woodlands (Quercus ilex, Quercus suber,
Quercus rotundifolia, Quercus coccifera) in meso-Mediterranean References
climates, or towards the evergreen thermophilous forest (Olea [1] J. A. Pardos, M. Pardos, Enzyklopädie der [18] S. Picchi, Management of Natura 2000
Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der habitats: 2250* Coastal dunes with
europaea, Ceratonia siliqua, Pistacia lentiscus) in thermo- Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Juniperus spp (European Commission,
Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch 2008).
Mediterranean climates17, 20, 21 . Verlag, Weinheim, 2000), vol. 3. [19] E. Biondi, C. Blasi, Prodromo della
[2] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s vegetazione italiana (2015).
Importance and Usage conifers (Brill, Leiden, 2010). http://www.prodromo-vegetazione-italia.org.
[3] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World: [20] B. Calaciura, O. Spinelli, Management of
This juniper does not does not have significant economic The Complete Reference (Timber Press, Natura 2000 habitats: 5210 Arborescent
interest14 . Its wood is rose-coloured, hard, solid and resinous 2009). matorral with Juniperus spp (European
[4] J. Do Amaral Franco, Flora Europaea, Commission, 2008).
with an aromatic fragrant, fine in grain, appreciated, as other Volume 1: Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, T. [21] R. Del Favero, I boschi delle regioni
juniper woods, for small manufactured objects and inlay works22 . G. Tutin, et al., eds. (Cambridge University meridionali e insulari d’Italia (Cleup,
Press, 1993), pp. 46–48, second edn. Padova, 2008).
In Algeria and Tunisia when the trunk grows straight it is used for [5] C. J. Earle, The gymnosperm database [22] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
joinery and carpentry. In Africa its wood is used mainly as fuel (2015). http://www.conifers.org Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
[6] P. Jordano, Botanical Gazette 152, 476 [23] J. Bellakhdar, La pharmacopée marocaine
and for the production of charcoal1, 14 . The reddish fruit cones can (1991). traditionnelle (Ibis Press, Paris, 1997).
be used in cooking and alcoholic beverages2 . The leaves and the [7] J.-C. Rameau, D. Mansion, G. Dumé, C. [24] M. Ennajar, et al., Journal of the Science of
Gauberville, Flore forestière française: Food and Agriculture 90, 462 (2009).
berries have been used in form of infusion, decoctions, tinctures Région méditerranéenne, vol. 3 (Institut pour [25] K. Mazari, N. Bendimerad, C. Bekhechi, X.
le Développement Forestier, Paris, 2008).
and extracts in various fields and in folk medicine against Fernandez, Journal of Medicinal Plants
several diseases23, 24 . The essential oil was utilised centuries
[8] M. Arista, P. L. Ortiz, S. Talavera, Plant
Systematics and Evolution 208, 225
Research 4, 959 (2010).
[26] D. A. Cairnes, O. Ekundayo, D. G. I.
(1997).
ago in cosmetics and now there is interest in its pharmaceutical Kingston, Journal of Natural Products 43,
[9] A. Boratyński, A. Lewandowski, K. 495 (1980).
properties25, 26 . Some varieties have been selected for horticultural Boratyńska, J. Montserrat, A. Romo, Plant [27] P. D. Ouden, B. K. Boom, Manual of
Systematics and Evolution 277, 163
purposes, planted in rocky gardens1, 2, 27. (2009).
Cultivated Conifers: Hardy in the Cold-
and Warm-Temperature Zone, vol. 4 of
[10] P. Lebreton, P. L. Pérez de Paz, Bulletin Forestry Sciences (Springer, Netherlands,
Threats and Diseases Mensuel de la Société Linnéenne de Lyon
70, 73 (2001).
1982).
[28] E. I. Badano, F. I. Pugnaire, Diversity and
There are no serious pathogens affecting this species1 . [11] R. P. Adams, A. E. Schwarzbach, Phytologia Distributions 10, 493 (2004).
However, the habitats of Phoenician juniper are constantly 95, 179 (2013). [29] A. Traveset, E. Moragues, F. Valladares,
[12] R. P. Adams, et al., Phytologia 95, 202 Applied Vegetation Science 11, 45 (2008).
(2013). [30] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
[13] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution, in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping
Status (Brill, 2013). the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
[14] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
Species (2013), pp. 42244/0+. [31] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
[15] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2015).
Species (2013), pp. 16349692/0+. http://www.flora-on.pt
[16] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened [32] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
http://www.tela-botanica.org
Species (2013), pp. 16348983/0+.
[17] P. Quézel, Recent Dynamics of the [33] M. Mazur, et al., Dendrobiology 63, 21
Mediterranean Vegetation and Landscape, (2010).
S. Mazzoleni, G. D. Pasquale, M. Mulligan,
P. D. Martino, F. Rego, eds. (John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK, 2004), pp. 1-12.
re-establishment .
18, 20 of the chapter. The full version of
This is an extended summary
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012f63. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Juniperus phoenicea in Europe:
Large Phoenician juniper on limestone xeric soil in Milos (Aegean Islands, Greece) distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
(Copyright Pavel Buršík, www.biolib.cz: PD)
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e012f63+

Juniperus thurifera in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
A. Gastón González, J. I. García-Viñas, S. Saura, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) is a small coniferous evergreen tree that forms open woodlands on poor
soils with Mediterranean continental climate. Its natural range is the western part of the Mediterranean basin, mainly
Spain, where is currently colonising new areas due to abandonment of arable lands. The Spanish juniper woodlands are
protected habitats by European legislation.
The Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) is an evergreen
coniferous shrub or tree, which can grow up to 20 m1 , but usually
has a height of 5-12 m. The crown is pyramidal in youth and
then it becomes broad, rounded, and often irregular. The bark is
thin, dark brown, grey-brown at maturity, scaly and exfoliating in
strips. Leaves are light green, 2 mm long, acute scaly, appressed,
covering completely the twigs. This tree species is dioecious.
Flowers in male trees are clustered in 3-4 mm yellow spherical
cones. Female trees have almost undetectable flowers that ripen
into 7-8 mm berry-like dark-purple fleshy cones2 .
Distribution
The Spanish juniper is endemic to South-Western Europe and
North Africa3 . European juniper woodlands are mainly in Spain,
covering about 600 000 ha4 , but also occur in French Alps and
Pyrenees, in Corsica and the Italian Alps, with a total of 1 500 ha5 ,
in Morocco in the High and Middle Atlas mountains, with an
area of 20 000 ha, and in Algeria in limited areas of the Aures
mountains6 . In Spain, this species is concentrated mainly in the
Eastern part of the Northern Plateau and the Iberian Range, but
it found also in the Betic Range, the Ebro River Valley and the
Cantabrian Range7.
Habitat and Ecology
Preferred environments are on low to moderate slopes in a
semi-arid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers,
from 300 m to above 3 000 m of elevation. In Spain it primarily
occurs on calcareous soils, but in Morocco it can grow on varied and
very rocky soils4, 7, 8 . At the lowest altitudes, the Spanish juniper is
generally associated with the evergreen oak (Quercus ilex), while
in North Africa it is often associated with the Atlas cedar (Cedrus
atlantica)7. Successful seedling recruitment has been observed in
open areas with optimum climate and low grazing pressure, allowing
the colonisation of abandoned arable lands in recent decades4, 9.
However, in mature stands a decreased grazing intensity may favour
competing, more palatable and shade-tolerant tree species that
benefit from the established juniper cover, triggering succession that
decreases local abundance of the Spanish juniper10.
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Juniperus thurifera.
Frequency of Juniperus thurifera occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for J. thurifera is derived after several sources16-18 .
Importance and Usage
The Spanish juniper has been traditionally used as fodder for
donkeys and goats, still in use in North Africa, and as firewood.
It also used for timber (construction, furniture) and distillation
of essential oils9, 11 . Fleshy seed cones are consumed by a
large number of mammal and bird species12 . The woodlands
constitute a singular ecosystem in the western Mediterranean
basin, consequently, are listed as protected habitat by European
legislation13 .
Threats and Diseases
Several fungal diseases may cause dieback of branches, but
severe defoliations are usually caused by larvae of the small moth
Gelechia senticetella14 . Other insects and the mite Trisetacus
quadrisetus parasite the seeds and cause extremely low ratios of
Young Spanish juniper stand developing after agricultural use abandonment and decreasing grazing pressure.
(Copyright Gaston Aitor: CC-BY)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Juniperus thurifera
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Berry-like dark-blue seed cones: they mature over a period of around 18 months.
(Copyright Gaston Aitor: CC-BY)
viable seeds9 . Despite its tolerance to harsh climatic conditions,
a large contraction of the Spanish juniper range is expected as a
result of climate change15 . In Morocco heavy grazing and browsing
pressures have caused damage and prevented regeneration5 .
Isolated Spanish juniper with divided trunk at early age.
(Copyright Gaston Aitor: CC-BY)
References
[1] J. Ruiz de la Torre, Flora Mayor (Organismo [9] R. Alonso, J. M. Barrio, S. Roig, Selvicultura
Autónomo Parques Nacionales & Dirección de Juniperus thurifera (Instituto Nacional
General para la Biodiversidad, 2006). de Investigación y Tecnologìa Agraria y
[2] C. J. Earle, The gymnosperm database Alimentaria (España), 2008), pp. 229–258.
(2015). http://www.conifers.org [10] L. DeSoto, J. M. Olano, V. Rozas, M. De la Cruz,
[3] J. do Amaral Franco, Flora Iberica: plantas Applied Vegetation Science 13, 15 (2010).
vasculares de la Peninsula IbeÌrica e [11] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Islas Baleares, Volume 1: Lycopodiaceae- Species (2013), pp. 42255/0+.
Papaveraceae, S. Castroviejo, et al., eds. [12] G. Escribano-Avila, et al., PLoS ONE 7,
(Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC, Madrid, 1998), e46993 (2012).
pp. 181–188.
[13] Council of the European Union, Official
[4] R. Alonso Ponce, O. Sanchez Palomares, Journal of the European Union 35, 7 (1992).
S. Roig Gomez, E. Lopez Senespleda, J.
M. Gandullo Gutierrez, Las estaciones [14] C. Muñoz, V. Pérez, P. Cobos, R. Hernández,
ecológicas actuales y potenciales de los G. Sánchez, Sanidad forestal: guìa en
sabinares albares españoles, Monografìas imagenes de plagas, enfermedades y otros
INIA. Serie Forestal n. 19 (Instituto agentes presentes en los bosques (Mundi-
Nacional de Investigación y Tecnologìa Prensa, Madrid, 2003).
Agraria y Alimentarìa, 2010). [15] M. Benito Garzón, R. Sánchez de Dios, H.
[5] T. Gauquelin, V. Bertaudiere, N. Montes, Sainz Ollero, Applied Vegetation Science
11, 169 (2008).
W. Badri, J.-f. Asmode, Biodiversity &
Conservation 8, 1479 (1999). [16] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
[6] N. Montes, V. Bertaudiere, Thuriferous Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) in morocco: in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
an endangered species (2005). Accessed to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping
on January 2015. the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
[7] A. Gastón González, C. Soriano Martìn,
Investigación Agraria: Sistemas y Recursos [17] O. de Bolòs, J. Vigo, Flora dels països
Forestales 15, 9+ (2006). catalans, vol I-IV (Barcino, Barcelona,
1984-2001).
[8] A. Gastón González, J. I. Garcìa Viñas, El
Estudio del hábitat climático para la selección [18] Anthos, Information System of the plants
de especies la restauración de la vegetación of Spain (Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC -
(Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales. Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio http://www.anthos.es.
Ambiente, Madrid, 2013), vol. II, pp. 615–730.
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
The stand degradation implies serious ecological consequences,
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
such as soil erosion and desertification
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0195e6. 6
. of this
The purpose
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Gastón González, A., García-Viñas, J. I., Saura, S., Caudullo, G., de Rigo,
D., 2016. Juniperus thurifera in Europe: distribution, habitat,
usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo,
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e0195e6+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 107
 Larix decidua

Larix decidua and other larches in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
F. Da Ronch, G. Caudullo, W. Tinner, D. de Rigo between 650 and 1 900 m in elevation; the Poland larch (Larix
decidua var. polonica) with patchy often isolated stands growing
The European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) is a pioneer, very long-lived, fast-growing coniferous tree, which occurs in the in central-south Poland between 180 and 650 m1, 4, 11 . The
central and eastern mountains of Europe, forming open forests or pasture woods at the upper tree limits. Larch is the Carpathian and the Poland larches are often grouped together
only deciduous conifer in Europe as an adaptation to continental alpine climates. In fact, it is able to tolerate very cold or divided in geographic subspecies by several authors2, 11 . In
temperatures during winter and, by losing its needles, avoids foliage desiccation. It is a transitional species, colonising north-western Europe (Great Britain, Scandinavia) larches have
open terrain after natural disturbances. It forms pure stands but more often it is found with other alpine tree species, been widely cultivated since 16th century and naturalised in
which tend to replace it if no other disturbances occur. Thanks to its adaptability and the durability of its wood, the some cases1, 12, 13 . More recently, these plantations have been
European larch represents an important silvicultural tree species in the alpine regions, planted even outside its natural largely superseded first by the Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi)
ranges. Its wood is largely used for carpentry, furniture and pulp for paper. In lower altitudes or with high precipitation or Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) and then by larch hybrids (i.e.
rates, larch is more susceptible to fungal diseases. Outbreaks of insect defoliators, principally caused by the larch bud Larix x marschlinsii)2 . The European larch was also introduced in
moth (Zeiraphera diniana), can limit tree development, with economic losses in plantations, but they rarely lead to the southern Canada and the north-eastern United States from the
death of the trees. mid-19th century14, 15 , and in New Zealand, where it is classified
The European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) is a large deciduous as a naturalised and invasive species16 .
coniferous tree that reaches 45  m, rarely over 50  m, and a
lifespan of 600-800 years in optimal conditions1 . Like other tree
Frequency
< 25%
Habitat and Ecology
species, larches in the highest elevations are more slow-growing 25% - 50% The European larch is a light-demanding, pioneer species of the
50% - 75%
and long-living, reaching even more than 1 000 years in age, so > 75% mountain and subalpine regions. This conifer has a large ecological
making this species suitable for dendrochronology studies2, 3 . The
Chorology
amplitude. In the Alps and Tatra Mountains it grows in continental
Native
trunk is monopodial, straight or curved at base in slopes, with a climates, with cold, dry and snowy winters. In Poland and in the
diameter of 1-1.5 (2) m and fissured bark from reddish brown to Sudeten Mountains larch thrives at lower altitudes in sub-continental
light grey4 . Young plants are very flexible and are not damaged climates with a more temperate influence 1, 11 . It needs light in all
by avalanches1 . The needles are clustered in bunches of 20-40, stages of development, colonising disturbed soils (avalanches,
flexible, 1.5-4 cm long and 1 mm wide. The colour is light green and landslide, livestock grazing, etc.) and forming open woodlands1 . In
turns yellow in autumn before falling2 . The larch is a monoecious lower elevations it is a transitional tree, performing as coloniser
unisexual species: the male cones (5-10 mm) are sulphur yellow, better than other mountain tree species in poor to medium nutrient
with a reddish margin, hanging on the longer branches; the female sites8, 17, while in the subalpine belt it forms more stable forests in
cones are pink-red or dark purple when immature and turn a light pure or mixed stands10. It grows on well-drained soils, not tolerating
green with purple margins at maturity. The seed cones are about waterlogging, with a pH range from neutral to acid12 . The larch is
2.5 cm long and persist in the plant up to 10 years; when old they very cold and wind tolerant during winter (dormant period), and it
turn to a grey colour and fall along with the small branches. The has a cold hardiness limit of around -30 °C18 . Its deciduous habit
seeds are 4-5 mm long, greyish in colour5 . confers a significant advantage by reducing desiccation damage on
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Larix decidua. foliage during winter8 . In the Alps at higher elevations larch forms the
Distribution Frequency of Larix decidua occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
upper tree limit, occurring in pure forests in the Italian, French and
European larch is discontinuously distributed in the spatial range for L. decidua is derived after Wagner et al.41 . Southern Swiss Alps, while farther north this species is more often
mountains of southern, central and Eastern Europe, from south- found in mixed stands with other alpine tree species, principally the
eastern France and south-western Italy to eastern Poland and under debate. Three main varieties are recognised: the Alpine Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), but also green alder (Alnus viridis)
central Romania6-8 . It has a broad vertical range, forming forests larch (Larix decidua var. decidua), living in a compact area that and dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo). In the lower elevations it can
between 180 m (in Poland) to 2 500 m (central Alps, south- includes the Alpine mountains continuing up to east Austria and be found with Norway spruce (Picea abies) and silver fir (Abies alba),
western Alps), but reaching very high elevations where it can northern Slovenia between 250 m (Austria) and 2 300 m (western while lower down with beech (Fagus sylvatica) on poor soils and in
found in small groups or single trees in sheltered sites9-12 . The Alps) of elevation; the Carpathian larch (Larix decidua var. open and disturbed areas4, 9, 10, 15. In the Carpathian Mountains larch
species is divided in different geographic varieties, sometimes carpatica) with three more patchy populations, in the Sudeten occurs usually with Norway spruce and Swiss stone pine or Scots
given the status of subspecies, and their classification is still Mountains, the Tatra Mountains and in Southeast Carpathians, pine (Pinus sylvestris), and also with fir and beech. It only sporadically

Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence for the whole genus Larix. Large isolated larch; this tree can in some cases grow to over 50 m.
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)

108 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Larix decidua

forms the timberline belt, typically in the High Tatra Mountains with
Swiss stone pine, a vegetation similar to Alpine larch woods1, 19-21 .
In Poland it occurs in lowlands growing in small groups or even as
individual trees within pine-birch and oak-birch forests1, 21, 22 . These Uncertain, no-data
ecotypes are less light demanding and able to grow in the shade of Tundra, cold desert
other tree species11 .
Negligible survivability
Importance and Usage Low survivability
The larch is an economically and traditionally important
Mid-low survivability
timber tree in Europe, thanks to its fast-growing nature, high
adaptability and its durable wood8 . The heartwood ranges Medium survivability
from yellow to a medium reddish brown. The narrow sapwood Mid-high survivability
is nearly white or pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from
High survivability
the heartwood. The wood is hard, strongly fragrant and is valued
for its durability, due to its concentration in tannins (up to 10 %)
and resin content (about 2.6 %)1 . It is also durable under water.
In fact it is largely used for carpentry and naval constructions8 .
In the European mountain areas its wood has been traditionally
used for building wooden houses23 , for producing furniture and
fine floors and many weatherproof outdoor objects such as
fences, gates, benches and tables, wooden roof shingles and
water troughs for cattle11 . Moreover, larch is used for pulpwood
and its good fibre characteristics (also for high-quality printing
paper23), for extracting tannin from bark and resin from wood,
and also as an ornamental tree, appreciated for airy foliage
turning to bright yellow in autumn8 . The larch turpentine, also
known as Venice turpentine, is obtained by distillation of larch
resin and it has been used in traditional medicine as antitussive
and expectorant action for colds, and more recently as industrial
solvent, for paint and wax preparation, or as a source of organic
compounds (e.g. camphor, rosin, etc.). The larch essential oil is
still used in aromatherapy and as perfume1 . In some Alpine areas
larch wood is still used to manufacture the Alphorn, a wooden
horn, 3-4 m long, end-curved, played with its end resting on the
ground, which is able to produce very low and strong notes with
great effort from the musician. It was originally used in central
European Alps for communications among village communities
through the valleys; now it is a traditional Alpine instrument24,25 . Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability for the whole genus Larix.

Adult plant has thick and plated greyish bark with deep fissures.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Leaves turn to yellow in autumn before falling: the only deciduous European conifer.
(Copyright Dave Durrant: CC-BY)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Larix decidua.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Maturing seed cones; they can persist on the tree up to 10 years.

(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 109

 Larix decidua
Other larches in Europe
The Siberian or Russian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) has a wide range
along Eurasia, from the coasts of White Sea in northern European Russia,
through Siberia up to Baikal Lake, northern Mongolia and China6 . It is
common tree of lowland taiga in western Siberia, but also occurring in
mountain areas. It forms the northern tree limit and occurs in pure and,
more often, mixed forests4 . It can be distinguished by the European larch
for its green seed cones densely pubescent outside4, 39 . It is adapt to
cold and dry continental or sub-arctic climates. In Russia this larch is an
important timber tree, logged in natural strands and also in plantations
outside its natural range. Its strong and durable wood was traditionally
used for Siberian house construction and for rail sleepers of the Trans-
Siberian Railroad. Actually it is used for construction, veneer and pulp
industry, successfully planted in Scandinavia, Iceland, central and eastern
Europe4 . It does not overlap and hybridise naturally with the European
larch2 . In Europe the Japanese larch (Larix kempferi Lamb.) is another
important timber tree for wood production. It is native of a small mountain
region on the Hondo Island in Japan, which includes the Mount Fuji40 . It
has been introduced in Scotland in mid of 19th century and later in many
European countries, appreciated for its fast growth and great production
in different types of soils4, 6 . Leaves shows two white stomatal bands
beneath and seed cones are characterised by scales with apex recurved
margins, curling back2, 39 . This larch is adapt to more oceanic climates with
rainy summers11 . Its wood is similar to the European larch, and it has been
used for construction, railway sleepers, pit props and pulp industry. Hybrids
with the European larch naturally arose in the first years of 20th century
in Scotland and Switzerland, and have been named Dunkeld larch (Larix
x marschlinsii, syn. Larix x eurolepis)2, 11, 12 . They have showed superior
vigour in growth to either parents, so foresters have been propagated and
planted in many countries, principally in central Europe4 .
Threats and Diseases
While the larch heart-root system may offer a good resistance
to windthrow26 , the species appears less resistant to rockfall26, 27
even if the thick bark may offer a lower rockfall-mortality rate when
compared with spruce26 . Larches are vulnerable to Ips typographus
and to other species of the Ips genus, such as Ips cembrae. These
bark beetles are also associated as vectors of important fungal
pathogens28-32 . The larch canker, caused by Lachnellula wilkommii,
is a fungal disease, which causes cankers distorting branches and
stems. It is considered the most destructive disease of the larch
in Europe, particularly at lower altitudes and on inadequate, badly
drained sites8 . Other fungal diseases are the leaf cast fungus,
Meria laricis, which may cause significant defoliation, the root rot
Heterobasidion annosum12 and the velvet-top fungus Phaeolus
schweinitzii causing butt rot. Defoliations, sometimes heavy, can
be imposed by insects such as the larch case-bearer (Coleophora
laricella) or the larch bud moth (Zeiraphera diniana).  Tree deaths
caused by the defoliators are rare events, but infested larch stands
suffer, resulting in significant growth reductions and economic
losses33, 34 . The European larch is vulnerable to Dothistroma
septosporum30, 35 . The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is
among the most serious pests affecting young coniferous forests
in Europe36, 37. Larch partly coexists with the natural niche of the
large pine weevil36 . The Poland larch occurs in ancient small stands,
even as solitary old trees, surrounded by different broadleaves in
strong competition. Probably in the past the forest management
promoted larch presence with more open woodlands where the
larch regeneration was guaranteed. Today larches are mostly
in forest reserves and are no longer logged, leading through
succession to different forest types38 .
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
110 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
[Top Left] Siberian larches in Ural Mountains near Saranpaul (Tyumen region, Russia). [Bottom left] Seed cones and autumn foliage of the hybrid Dunkeld
larch (Larix x marschlinsii). [Right] Japanese larches (Larix kempferi) by the Lake Ozenuma in Oze National Park (Fukushima, Japan).
(Copyright [top left] Irina Kazanskaya, www.flickr.com, [bottom left] Carl Mueller, www.flickr.com, [Right] Tanaka Juuyoh, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Needle-like leaves in spring: they are arranged in clusters of 20-40 in the branchlets.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field
Observed presences in Europe
observations from forest plots for Larix kempferi.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Reddish female flower before pollination.
(Copyright Graham Calow, www.naturespot.org.uk: AP)
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)
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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01e492. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Da Ronch, F., Caudullo, G., Tinner, W., de Rigo, D., 2016. Larix decidua
and other larches in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01e492+
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(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
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Olea europaea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
N. Guerrero Maldonado, M. J. López, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The olive (Olea europaea L.) is a small evergreen tree which grows slowly and is able to live over 1 000 years. It
has been cultivated for millennia throughout the Mediterranean basin probably domesticating the oleaster, its wild
form. This species is a typical tree of the Mediterranean vegetation, well adapted to drought and poor soils, and also
resistant to salinity. It is principally distributed along the coasts, although its cultivations are nowadays to be found in all
Mediterranean climate areas of the world. This species is one of the most important trees for the agricultural economy
of the Mediterranean region with more than 70 % of world olive oil production. Like other cultivated trees, the olive is
affected by many pests and diseases, which require direct human control.
The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is a small evergreen
tree that grows between 8-15 m tall. It is a slow-growing and
extremely long-lived species, with a life expectancy up to 1 000
years1, 2 . The short and large trunk develops multiple branches
with cascading twigs3 . The silvery green leaves are thick, leathery
and oppositely arranged, growing over a 2-3 year period before
shedding. Flower bud inflorescences develop in the axil of each
leaf with buds that may remain dormant for over a year. Each
inflorescence contains 15-30 small, inconspicuous, fragrant
flowers, yellow-white in colour. This species is monoecious
with hermaphrodite flowers, formed by a short 4-segmented
calyx and a short-tubed corolla containing 4 lobes3, 4 . The fruit
is a drupe 2-2.5 cm long, black when ripe, possessing a central
pit which encloses the seed surrounded by the edible flashy
mesocarp2-4 . It is dispersed principally by birds5, 6 .
Distribution
In spite of the controversy generated on its origin, most authors
agree that wild olives are native to Minor Asia7. From the eastern
parts of the Mediterranean basin, olive trees spread west through
Greece, Italy, France Spain and Portugal following the coasts8, 9.
Nowadays olive cultivations and selection of cultivars are expanding
in many areas outside its natural ranges, and even in other
continents, such as Australia, South and North America (Argentina,
Chile, United States), South Africa and even in exotic places like
Hawaii8 . Of its six subspecies, only three are naturally distributed
in Europe: subsp. europaea in the Mediterranean basin (Greece,
Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Cyprus, Slovenia and Malta) and some
Atlantic enclaves in South-West Europe; subsp. guanchica in the
Canary Islands; and subsp. cerasiformis in the Madeira archipelago.
Of the other three, subsp. maroccana occurs in Morocco, subsp.
laperrinei in Algeria, Sudan and Niger, and subsp. cuspidata from
South Africa throughout East Africa, Arabia to South West China.
The Mediterranean subspecies includes the oleaster (Olea europaea
subsp. europaea var. sylvestris), the wild form, and cultivated olive
(Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea)4, 8, 10, 11 .
Habitat and Ecology
This species is a typical component of the thermo-
Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers
and rainy, cool winters, which corresponds generally to the
coasts of the Mediterranean Sea up to 200 m in elevation12 . The
olive tree is a thermophile species and is adapted to tolerate
drought and salinity stress1, 8, 13 . It grows on a wide range of
soils4 , but prefers sandy loam soils of moderate depth14 . The wild
form frequently thrives as one of the common constituents of
maquis and garrigue scrub formations on poor soils and slopes.
It colonises secondary habitats, such as the edges of cultivation
or abandoned orchards, spread by bird-dispersed seed, but also
propagating vegetatively by root suckers3, 15, 16 . It can be found
in the sclerophyllous evergreen vegetation, along with carob
(Ceratonia siliqua) mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), myrtle (Myrtus
communis), junipers (Juniperus spp.), etc.17.
Importance and Usage
The olive is one of the most emblematic and economically
important crop trees of the Mediterranean regions15. The
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Olea europaea.
Frequency of Olea europaea occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for O. europaea is derived after Meusel and Jäger38 .
domestication of the oleaster seems to have occurred in the Near-
East during the early Neolithic period, and then it was successively
propagated to western areas of Mediterranean basin18 . Historically
this species has always been appreciated first for its fruits and the
wood, and then for the oil. The fruit is edible and all parts contain
non-drying oil. Pickled, canned or otherwise prepared table olives are
eaten as relish or used in bread, soups, salads, etc.19. The olive wood
is heavy and very tough, used for high-end furniture, inlays, turned
objects, and handcraft20. It is also appreciated as firewood because it
burns even when wet21 . The olive oil has several uses, for eating and
cooking, as well as for ointment, lighting (burning without smoke),
and medical uses15, 20, 21 . Virgin olive oil is an important component
of the Mediterranean diet, valued for its beneficial properties for
human health thanks to the high amounts of unsaturated fatty
acids22, 23. Mediterranean countries produce more than 70 % of the
total world supply of olive oil. About 95 % of the European production
Old cutivated olive tree for fruit production near Galatas (Peloponnese
peninsula, Greece).
(Copyright Miltos Gikas, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Olea europaea
is concentrated in Spain, Italy and Greece24 . The leaves are used in
medicine as a herbal tea, due to mainly their high phenolic compound
content25. Occasionally it is cultivated in gardens as an ornamental
tree26 . The oleaster is a source of rootstock for propagating new
improved cultivated varieties27.
Threats and Diseases
The olive tree is affected by many pests and diseases28 . One
of the major constraints for olive cultivations is Verticillium wilt,
a disease caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae 29 .
Olive scab, caused by the mitosporic fungus Spilocaea oleagina,
Frequency
< 25% is the most important foliar disease of olive30 . Olive knot disease
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
results in tubercules formed on branches and stems, produced
> 75% by the bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi31 . Among pests,
Chorology
Native
the most harmful are the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera olea), the
olive moth (Prays oleae) and black scale (Saissetia oleae)32, 33 .
In Australia and Pacific islands the oleaster is considered as
an invasive species, introduced in the 19th century34 . Xylella
fastidiosa is a pathogen of American origin. In recent years, its
subsp. pauca has been associated with the olive quick decline
syndrome (OQDS) in Southern Italy35-37.
Maturing fruits: these fleshy drupes become black when ripening.
(Copyright Michael Wunderli, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01534b. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Guerrero Maldonado, N., López, M. J., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016.
Olea europaea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01534b+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 111
 Ostrya carpinifolia

Ostrya carpinifolia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

S. Pasta, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo More often, the communities which it dominates represent an
early and unsteady step of progressive succession processes:
Ostrya carpinifolia Scop., known as European hop-hornbeam, is a small to medium-sized broadleaved deciduous tree. under low-disturbance conditions they rapidly evolve towards
The flowers are catkins which are produced in spring along with bud-burst; the fruit forms in pendulous clusters and mixed broadleaved forests dominated by deciduous oaks (mainly
the seed is a small nut. The native range of this species includes Middle Europe, Southern Europe and the Balkan area, Quercus pubescens, but also Quercus cerris, Quercus congesta,
Western Asia and Caucasian countries. In the northernmost part of its range it behaves as a light-demanding pioneer Quercus petraea and Quercus frainetto), by conifers like Pinus
which prefers sunny and warm places, while in the southernmost countries it grows better in semi-shaded and more nigra subsp. dalmatica and subsp. nigra in the Balkan peninsula,
humid sites. The European hop hornbeam often grows in rocky areas and on shallow and poorly developed soils, forming Cedrus libani between 1500 and 1800 m in South Anatolia,
the understory of Pinus nigra forests and deciduous sub-Mediterranean forests, where it may represent one of the Syria and Lebanon, Pinus brutia and Pinus nigra up to 1700 m in
dominating species together with Carpinus orientalis, Fraxinus ornus, and Quercus pubescens. Its wood is very heavy and Anatolia, more rarely by Quercus coccifera/calliprinos in Eastern
hard and it is mainly used for providing fuel wood and charcoal. The fungi Botryosphaeria dothidea and Cryphonectria Mediterranean countries or by Fagus sylvatica along the northern
parasytica cause the most serious damage to the European hop hornbeam. border of its range, for example in central and northern Italy and
European hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) is a in Bulgaria1, 2, 6, 11 .
small to medium-sized broadleaved deciduous tree that can Frequency
reach up to 25 m. After coppicing it often loses its arboreal < 25%
25% - 50%
habit appearing in form of a tall shrub of just 3-6 m tall1 . Its 50% - 75%
conical or irregular crown bears alternate obovate-lanceolate, > 75%
Chorology
acuminate and dentate leaves 3-10 cm long, rounded and Native

symmetric at the base, with 10-15 secondary veins per side1 .

The flowers are produced in spring along with leaf-bud opening,
with male catkins 5-10 cm long and female catkins 2-5 cm long.
The fruit forms pendulous clusters 3-8 cm long with 6-20 seeds,
which become golden-brown in autumn; each seed is a small nut
2-4 mm long, fully enclosed in a bladder-like involucre1 . The bark
of young stems is dark grey and smooth, while it is scaly, rough,
longitudinally fissured and dark-brown in mature trees2 .

Distribution
The European hop-hornbeam is endemic to temperate
West Eurasia: more in detail, its native range includes Middle
Europe (South-East Switzerland and South Austria), Southern
Europe (South-East France and Corsica, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily), the
Balkan area (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Greece, probably
extinct in Hungary) European Turkey, Western Asia (Anatolia,
Syria, Lebanon) and Caucasian countries (Georgia, Armenia,
Cis- and Transcaucasian districts of the Russian Federation)3-6 .
Palynological evidence suggests that it was able to spread
northwards and colonise Europe only after the last glaciation; i.e.
7 000 years ago7.
Habitat and Ecology
This hop-hornbeam is a stenohydric plant8 , which means
that it shows rather constant transpiration and osmotic pressure
values also under moderate drought stress conditions9 . Thus,
it is able to colonise windy and sunny slopes, but it is mostly
found in rainy areas or under wet microclimatic conditions (e.g.
deep and humid ravines and canyons) where air humidity is
constantly available1 . This explains why in the northernmost part
of its range this species behaves as a light-demanding pioneer
that prefers sunny and warm places, while in the southernmost
countries it grows better in semi-shaded and more humid
sites2, 10 . The European hop hornbeam often grows in rocky areas
and on shallow and poorly developed soils, mainly on limestone3 ,
but also on volcanic11 and gypsum rock outcrops12 . It plays an
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Ostrya carpinifolia.
Frequency of Ostrya carpinifolia occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for O. carpinifolia is derived after Meusel and Jäger4 .
important role in all the Balkan-Illyrian area up to 900 m in
elevation, occasionally reaching 1300-1400 m. Here it takes part
in species-rich shrubberies (the so-called ‘shibljak’): together with
Cornus mas, C. sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Cotinus coggygria,
Cotoneaster nebrodensis, Juniperus oxycedrus, Paliurus spina-
christi, Syringa vulgaris and, in the warmest sites, also Coronilla
emerus and Pistacia terebinthus, it usually colonises open places
where it forms the understory of Pinus nigra forests and deciduous
sub-Mediterranean forests, where it may represent one of the
dominating species together with Carpinus orientalis, Fraxinus
ornus, and Quercus pubescens13 . These plant communities
may be ascribed to the alliance of Ostryo-Carpinion orientalis,
and similar species-assemblages are rather widespread on the
hillsides and mountains of central and northern Italy14-16 , former
Yugoslavia17 and of the continental part of Greece18-20 , while
those of Calabria, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily21-24 may better
be referred to the alliance Pino laricionis-Quercion congestae
and those of South-East France to Quercetalia pubescentis25 .
European hop-hornbeam seems to have played an important
role within the mature forest communities of the Near East26 .
Male catkins are produced in spring and are 5-10 cm long.
(Copyright Gianluca Nicolella, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Importance and Usage
The wood of the hop-hornbeam is very hard and heavy, difficult
to work2, 27. It has been used in the past for different purposes,
especially in rural areas, for making small items and charcoal28-30 .
It tends to crack when dried, so it is not appreciated for industrial
purposes, although it still represents an excellent firewood27, 31 . For
this very purpose, in central Italy most hop-hornbeam woodlands
are still intensely exploited as coppices16 . The ability to colonise dry
areas and shallow lime- and magnesium-rich soils makes this tree
species suitable for the reforestation of many degraded sites32 .
It is also used to form hedges and as an ornamental tree along
roadsides27. Hop hornbeam is one of the hosting trees of the white
truffle (Tuber magnatum)33 .

Leaves in a seedling: leaves are ovate with toothed

margin and symmetric at the base.
Sub-Mediterranean forest in North East Italy where hop-hornbeam dominates. (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

112 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Ostrya carpinifolia

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Mature fruits covered by the dry and brown bladder-like involucre.

(Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Threats and Diseases

The European hop-hornbeam is known to be resistant to
various diseases, but unusual and extensive dieback caused by
the ascomycete fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea34 has been
observed in western Slovenia and northern Italy in recent years
along with extreme drought and high temperature events. It is
affected by several fungal diseases like twig blight and canker,
caused by Cryphonectria parasytica (Murr.) Barr.35-37. The tree
is also vulnerable to the European oak bark beetle (Scolytus
intricatus) which is found on oaks (Quercus spp.), beeches (Fagus
spp.) and chestnuts (Castanea spp.) whose distribution may
partially overlap with that of the European hop-hornbeam38-40 .

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

References
[1] S. Pignatti, I boschi d’Italia: sinecologia e [13] A. Čarni, et al., Plant Biosystems 143, 1 [26] S. Bottema, W. Van Zeist, Préhistoire du [31] D. Bartha, Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse:
biodiversità (UTET, Torino, 1998). (2009). Levant: chronologie et organisation de Handbuch und Atlas der Dendrologie,
[2] S. Korkut, B. Guller, Bioresource Technology [14] A. Hofmann, Studia Geobotanica 2, 217 l’espace depuis les origines jusqu’au VI A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang, B.
99, 4780 (2008). (1982). millénaire (Maison de l’Orient, Lyon 10-14 Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag,
juin 1980), J. Cauvin, P. Sanlaville, eds., Weinheim, 2001).
[3] K. Browicks, J. Zieliński, Chorology of [15] D. Lausi, R. Gerdol, F. Piccoli, Studia Colloques Internationaux du CNRS n°
trees and shrubs in south-west Asia and Geobotanica 2, 41 (1982). [32] M. Guidi, P. Piussi, Revue de Géographie
598 (Editions du Centre National de la Alpine 81, 95 (1993).
adjacent regions, vol. 1 (Polish Scientific [16] C. Blasi, G. Filibeck, L. Rosati, Fitosociologia Recherche Scientifique, Paris, 1981), pp.
Publishers, Warszawa, Poznań, 1982). 43, 3 (2006). 111–132. [33] L. Bertini, et al., Microbiological Research
[4] H. Meusel, E. J. Jäger, Plant Systematics 161, 59 (2006).
[17] R. Lakušić, D. Pavlović, S. Redžić, Glasnik [27] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
and Evolution 162, 315 (1989). Republickog Zavoda za Zastitu Prirode i Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995). [34] B. Piškur, et al., European Journal of Forest
[5] P. Uotila, Euro+Med Plantbase - the Prirodnjackog Muzeja Titogradu 15, 103 Research 130, 235 (2011).
[28] A. J. Panshin, C. de Zeeuw, Textbook of
information resource for Euro- (1982). Wood Technology: Structure, Identification, [35] G. Goidànich, Manuale di patologia
Mediterranean plant diversity (2009). [18] D. Voliotis, Acta Botanica Hungarica 31, Properties, and Uses of the Commercial vegetale, vol. 2 (Edagricole, Bologna,
http://www.emplantbase.org. 339 (1985). Woods of the United States and Canada, 1964).
[6] K. Shaw, S. Roy, B. Wilson, The IUCN Red vol. 1 of McGraw-Hill series in forest [36] D. Ottonello, Il Naturalista siciliano 10,
[19] A. Boratyński, K. Browicz, J. Zieliński, resources (Mcgraw-Hill College, 1980),
List of Threatened Species (2014), pp. Chorology of trees and shrubs in Greece 107 (1987).
194280/0+. fourth edn.
(Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of [37] T. Turchetti, G. Maresi, A. Santagada, Monti
[7] K. J. Willis, Endeavour 20, 110 (1996). Dendrology, Kornik, Poland, 1992). [29] J. H. Flynn, A Guide to Useful Woods of the e Boschi 42, 54 (1991).
World (King Philip Publishing Co., Portland,
[8] R. Del Favero, O. Andrich, G. De Mas, [20] E. Milios, Silva Gandavensis 65, 128 Maine, 1994). [38] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
C. Lasen, D. Poldini, La vegetazione (2000). mri10a15+ (2016).
forestale del Veneto - Prodromi di [30] H. A. Alden, Hardwoods of North America,
[21] J. Gamisans, La végétation de la Corse General Technical Report FPL; GTR-83 (U.S. [39] M. Jurc, S. Bojović, B. Komjanc, J. Krč,
tipologia forestale (Regione del Veneto, (Edisud, Aix-en-Provence, 1999). Biologia 64, 130 (2009).
Dipartimento per le Foreste e l’Economia Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Montana, Venezia, 1990). [22] S. Brullo, F. Scelsi, G. Spampinato, La Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, [40] CABI, Scolytus intricatus (European oak
vegetazione dell’Aspromonte - studio 1995). bark beetle) (2015). Invasive Species
[9] V. De Micco, G. Aronne, P. Baas, Trees 22, fitosociologico (Laruffa, Reggio Calabria, Compendium. http://www.cabi.org
643 (2008). 2001).
[10] G. Venturella, P. Mazzola, F. M. Raimondo, [23] G. Bacchetta, G. Iiriti, L. Mossa, C.
Quaderni di Botanica ambientale e Pontecorvo, G. Serra, Fitosociologia 41,
applicata 1, 211 (1990). 67 (2004).
[11] P. Quézel, F. Médail, Ecologie et [24] C. Brullo, et al., Annali di Botanica 2, 19
biogéographie des forêts du bassin (2012).
méditerranéen (Elsevier, Paris, 2003).
[25] G. Lapraz, Bulletin de la Société Botanique
[12] P. Marino, V. Ilardi, Atti del 102° Congresso de France. Lettres Botaniques 130, 137
della Società Botanica Italiana, Palermo (1983).
26-29 settembre 2007, G. Venturella, F. M.
Raimondo, eds. (2007).

Isolated tree in winter. This species is a small tree rarely exceeding 25 m.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Smooth bark in a young plant.

(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01fd3d. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Pasta, S., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Ostrya carpinifolia in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01fd3d+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 113

 Picea abies

Picea abies in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, W. Tinner, D. de Rigo
Among the coniferous species, Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is one of the most important trees in Europe
both for economic and ecological aspects, with a long tradition of cultivation. It can be a big tree, reaching 50-60 m in
height with a straight and regular trunk, particularly used for timber constructions, pulpwood for paper and furniture.
This widespread species dominates the Boreal forests in Northern Europe and the subalpine areas of the Alps and
Carpathian Mountains. Thanks to its high performances in different site conditions, it can also be found outside its
natural distribution on lower elevations in more temperate forests. Norway spruce has been massively planted up to
its niche limits, where it is particularly susceptible to heat and drought, due to its shallow root system. For this reason
it is expected to be severely affected under global warming conditions. Disturbed and weakened plants can be easily
attacked by rot fungi such as Heterobasidion annosum and Armillaria, or by the bark beetles Ips typographus, one of the
most destructive spruce forest pests.
Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is a large coniferous
tree, which can grow up to 50-60 m and with a trunk of up to
150 cm in diameter, normally reaching an age of 200-300 years1-3 .
Frequency
In the Swedish Scandes, fossil remains of dead Norway spruce < 25%

underneath living individuals have been dated with radiocarbon to
the early Holocene, about 9 500 years ago, suggesting vegetative
survival (by re-sprouting from the roots) over millennia4 . The
crown is regularly conic, columnar, with whorled, short and stout
branches, the upper level ascending and the lower drooping. Buds
are reddish brown, 5 mm long with an acute apex. Needles are
1-2.5 cm long, 4-angled in cross section, rigid, light to dark green
with fine white speckled lines. The species is monoecious, with
unisexual flowers usually appearing at an age of 20-30 years,
but up to 40 years in dense stands. Male flowers are located
principally at the base of the preceding year’s shoot, 1-2.5 cm
long, globular, crimson then yellow when mature. Female flowers
are located at the tip of the shoot, dark red, 5 cm long, erect
before pollination, becoming pendent afterwards. Cones are
cylindrical, 12-15 cm long, green before maturity, turning brown
in autumn. When dry the cones open to disperse 4 mm winged
seeds. The bark is orange brown and the wood is creamy white
and easy to work1, 5-8 .
Distribution
Norway spruce is the main species in the Boreal and subalpine
conifer forests, from Central (in mountains) to Northern and
Eastern Europe up to the Ural Mountains, where the species
merges with Siberian spruce (Picea obovata), which is sometimes
considered as a sub-species of Picea abies5, 9-13 . Its elevation range
goes from sea level in Northern Europe up to above 2 400 m in
the Alps, where it grows in a stunted form14, 15 . Due to its large
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Majestic isolated spruce in a mountain field in Leskova Dolina
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Picea abies. (Snežnik, South Slovenia).
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Caption: Frequency of Picea abies occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. abies is derived after EUFORGEN39 . (United States, Canada and Japan) and in the southern hemisphere
(South Africa, Tasmania and New Zealand)6, 16 .
distribution there are a great number of varieties and forms,
which can be considered as normal patterns of variation within Habitat and Ecology
a widespread species. Historically cultivated since of the 18th Spruce forests dominates in the Boreal zone of N and N-E
century, Norway spruce plantations, even outside natural ranges Europe; in central Europe spruce forests cover wide areas of the
(e.g. in the temperate lowland areas), have changed natural forests montane (mostly planted) and the sub-alpine zones, in lowlands
into artificial ones2, 14 . Now it is locally naturalised in many areas of it is more mixed with other species2 . The natural distribution
Europe outside its native range, including Britain and the Pyrenees shows continental tendencies but thanks to its climatic tolerance
Mountains. It was also introduced in other countries outside Europe it grows even in extreme oceanic climates9, 17. Norway spruce is
a secondary coloniser, but can be both a pioneer and a climax
species. It shows good yield and quality performance under
very different site conditions, and has been favoured over long
periods by silviculture, especially in the lowlands, but also in
Uncertain, no-data mountain areas18 . Shade-tolerant, it can survive for decades
under a closed canopy, fast growing after 5-10 years. It does
Marginal/no presence < 5%
not grow close to coasts when exposed to salt winds, nor does
Low presence 5% - 10% it like summer drought or waterlogged conditions2, 7. Although it
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% can occur on most substrates, it is most common and widespread
on acidic soils, preferring nutritious deep soils with enough fresh
Medium presence 30% - 50%
moisture8, 9 . Spruce shows a noticeable soil-acidifying ability19 . In
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% the Boreal forests it grows with birch (Betula spp.) and European
High presence 70% - 90% aspen (Populus tremula), with willow (Salix spp.) alongside streams
and lakes. In the Alps, when it is not in pure stands, it occurs
Very-high presence > 90%
with European larch (Larix decidua) and Swiss stone pine (Pinus
cembra) on higher elevations (ca. 1 800-2 100 m), with European
beech (Fagus sylvatica) and European silver fir (Abies alba) under
fresh conditions at intermediate altitudes (800-1 800 m), and with
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in drier conditions9, 15 . Stages and
reproductive processes are regulated by climatic conditions, in
particular by temperature, which become more important in higher

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Droplets of resin are common over the bark of the trunk and branches.
(Copyright Agnieszka Kwiecień, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

114 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


latitude regions. Seeds are dispersed mainly by wind, but also by
birds and other animals. The symbiotic relationship between roots
and mycorrhizal fungi (hundreds of species described) is important
for spruce forest ecosystems, especially in non-optimal growing
conditions such as in dry and marginal habitats2, 5 .
Mature Norway spruce plantation in Dalbeattie Forest (Dumfries
and Galloway, South Scotland).
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
Importance and Usage
Norway spruce is one of the most important coniferous
species in Europe both from an economic and ecological point of
view. It has a long history of cultivation, having expanded its range
considerably9, 14 . Especially in northern European countries the
main products of economic interest are the solid wood for timber
constructions and pulpwood for paper9, 14 . The wood is also used
for a wide range of commodities, such as joinery timber, furniture,
veneer and as tone-wood (sound boards of pianos and the bodies
of guitars and violins)2, 7, 14 . However, spruce wood is not durable,
so not suitable when decay-resistance and toughness are
required20 . Stradivari and other eminent Italian violinmakers of
the 17th and early 18th centuries used Norway spruce wood from
the forests of the southern parts of the Italian Alps for the tops
of their violins, in particular from the “Forest of the Violins” in the
Parco Naturale di Paneveggio (Trentino, N-E Italy), known among
violinmakers for its trees of resonance21, 22 . This species is also
the most popular Christmas tree, a tradition that actually started
in Germany, with the extensive afforestation beginning in the 18th
century9 . Spruce stands are also planted for protection forests
and erosion control, and can provide considerable recreational
value20 . Since the 1940s the importance of this species has
led some European countries to develop long-term breeding
programmes to create base material for seed procurement with
the objective of improving wood quality14 . The Norway spruce
genome was sequenced in 2013, the first available for any
gymnosperm. Its genome contains approximately 20 billion base
pairs (about six times the size of the human genome, despite a
similar number of genes). The large genome size seems to result
from the slow and steady accumulation of a diverse set of long-
terminal repeat transposable elements, possibly owing to the lack
of an efficient elimination mechanism23 .
Top side of a violin made with spruce wood.
(Copyright Takeshi Kuboki, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Picea abies
Open and opening cylindrical brown cones in autumn.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
Threats and Diseases
The most important natural disturbance factors affecting
Norway spruce are fires, drought, storms and pathogens such as
bark beetles. The fire tolerance is very poor. Spruce has a shallow
root system, so that storms easily blow them down, especially in
pure and dense stands, and access to deep soil water is impossible
during dry periods2, 7. The root system makes spruce less resistant
to windthrow and rockfall24, 25 . Its rockfall mortality rate is higher
than that of thicker-barked species such as larch24 . The bark
beetles Ips typographus is one of the most destructive forest
pests causing damage to spruce forest ecosystems in Europe26 .
This bark beetle is often associated to damaging assemblages
of fungal pathogens27-30 . It is a secondary agent, affecting trees
Dead spruces killed by the bark beetle Ips typographus near Boží Dar inside
the protected area Krušnohorské plató (Ostrov, North-West Czech Republic).
(Copyright Jiří Berkovec, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 115
 Picea abies

that are already weakened (by storms, drought or other causes).

It is currently expanding its range with mass outbreaks mainly
on spruce stands outside their natural range2, 31 . The large pine
weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is among the most serious pests
affecting young coniferous forests in Europe32 . In northern and
central Europe, Norway spruce coexists with the natural niche of
the large pine weevil32, 33 . The fungus Heterobasidion annosum
causes root and butt rot throughout the northern hemisphere,
which leads to important economic losses both in growth and
wood quality14, 17, 34 . Another important root rot disease is caused
by the fungi of the genus Armillaria. Armillaria affects a wide
range of tree and shrub species: larch, spruce and pine trees
mainly, resulting in serious economic losses, reducing timber
volumes and wood quality. As primary pathogens, both of these
fungi can weaken plants, cause mortality and growth reduction
in natural and planted forests over Europe, principally in the
Boreal forest of Fennoscandia. Severe damage can be caused
by deer and wild boar with bark peeling, which affects seedlings Pale green new needles sprouting from reddish buds.
and young trees, allowing them to be more easily infected by (Copyright Michael Wunderli, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

fungi31, 35, 36 . Starting from the 1980s, spruce forests have shown
symptoms of decline in mountainous areas of central Europe
including yellowing, loss of needles, die-back of branches and
reduced growth. Air pollution has often been used to explain
this14 . Health problems in central European forests have reduced
its popularity for reforestation, particularly outside its natural
range2, 8 . Due to its preferences for cool and moist climatic
conditions this economically very valuable species may become
severely affected under global warming conditions37. European
alternatives to Norway spruce are mostly fir species such as
Abies alba (e.g. Mediterranean or dry inner Alpine provenances)
which can tolerate significantly warmer and drier conditions)37, 38 .

Old Tjikko, claimed to be the oldest tree in the world, a 9 550-year-old spruce
possibly surviving by root re-sprouting in Fulufjället Mountain (Dalarna, Sweden).
(Copyright Karl Brodowsky, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[2] OECD, Safety Assessment of Transgenic
Organisms (OECD Publishing, 2006), vol. 2
of OECD Consensus Documents.
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[4] L. Öberg, L. Kullman, Arctic 64, 183
(2011).
[5] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[6] R. J. Taylor, Flora of North America North
of Mexico, Flora of North America Editorial
Committee, ed. (New York and Oxford,
1993), vol. 2.
[7] T. Horgan, et al., A guide to forest tree
species selection and silviculture in
Ireland. (National Council for Forest
Research and Development (COFORD),
2003).
[8] T. Skrøppa, EUFORGEN Technical
Guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for Norway spruce (Picea abies)
(International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute, 2003).
[9] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2013), pp. 42318/0+.
[10] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer
Verlag Jena, 1978).
[11] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
[12] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of
Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books,
1986).
[13] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution,
Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation
Status (Brill, 2013).
[14] G. Jansson, et al., Forest Tree Breeding
Pure Norway spruce forest by Lake Carezza in the western Dolomites (Bolzano, North-East Italy). in Europe, L. E. Pâques, ed. (Springer
(Copyright Son of Groucho, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) Netherlands, 2013), vol. 25 of Managing
Forest Ecosystems, pp. 123–176.
[15] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. Central Europe (Cambridge University
Press, 2009), fourth edn.
[16] J.-C. Svenning, F. Skov, Ecology Letters 7,
565 (2004).
[17] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
[19] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe,
Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002).
[20] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[21] L. Burckle, H. D. Grissino-Mayer,
Dendrochronologia 21, 41 (2003).
[22] B. C. Stoel, T. M. Borman, PLoS ONE 3,
e2554 (2008).
[23] B. Nystedt, et al., Nature 497, 579 (2013).
[24] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[25] L. K. A. Dorren, F. Berger, C. le Hir, E.
Mermin, P. Tardif, Forest Ecology and
Management 215, 183 (2005).
[26] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[27] P. Krokene, H. Solheim, Phytopathology 88,
39 (1998).
[28] R. Jankowiak, J. Hilszczański, Acta
Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 74, 345
(2011).
[29] R. Kirschner, D. Begerow, F. Oberwinkler,
Mycological Research 105, 1403 (2001).
[30] L. Giordano, M. Garbelotto, G. Nicolotti, P.
Gonthier, Mycological Progress 12, 127
(2013).
[31] A. Turbé, et al., Disturbances of EU forests
caused by biotic agents - final report,
Tech. Rep. KH-32-13-151-EN-N (2011).
Final Report prepared for European
Commission (DG ENV).
[32] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
(2015).
[33] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[34] M. Bendz-Hellgren, J. Stenlid, Canadian
Journal of Forest Research 27, 1519
(1997).
[35] S. Prospero, Ecology of Armillaria
cepistipes: population structure, niches,
pathogenicity and interactions with
Armillaria ostoyae, Master’s thesis, ETH
Zurich, Switzerland (2003).
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of Plant Pathology 18, 194 (1996).
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Scenarios of Climate Change Impacts
in Switzerland, C. Appenzeller, et al.,
eds. (OCCR, FOEN, MeteoSwiss, C2SM,
Agroscope and ProClim, Bern, Switzerland,
2014), pp. 79–88.

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[38] W. Tinner, et al., Ecological Monographs

British forestry (CABI, 2013). 83, 419 (2013).
[18] W. Tinner, B. Ammann, Global Change and [39] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of norway
Mountain Regions, U. Huber, H. Bugmann, spruce (Picea abies) (2013).
Annual precipitation (mm)

M. Reasoner, eds. (Springer Netherlands, www.euforgen.org.

2005), vol. 23 of Advances in Global
Change Research, pp. 133–143.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012300. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., Tinner, W., de Rigo, D., 2016. Picea abies in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e012300+

116 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


Picea omorika in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
D. Ballian, C. Ravazzi, G. Caudullo
Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk., the Serbian spruce, is a living fossil tree restricted to a small area at the boundary of Serbia
and Bosnia Herzegovina. It grows in cool temperate mixed forests on mountain slopes but also withstands poorly aerated
soils. Poor regeneration, fire impact in the 19th century and forest tree competition together with climate warming in
recent years has left the Serbian spruce with the status of endangered species. Its prominent columnar habit and silvery
sheen, together with tolerance to pollution, make it a valuable tree for urban landscapes.
The Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk.) is a slender
tree up to 50 m high and 1 m in diameter, featured by a distinctive
narrow conical crown1 . Root systems are very shallow and branched.
Second order branches are curved downward and adpressed to the
main trunk. This strictly monopodial “spire-shape” is only typical
in clean and mixed forests, cultivated individuals in open spaces
becoming wide crowned. Like other spruces, young branchlets bear
spirally-arranged swellings (pulvini) supporting the needles, but in
Serbian spruce the first and second year branchlets are pubescent.
Needles are 0.8-1.8 cm long and 1.1 to 1.8 mm wide2 , basally
truncated and horizontally compressed in two sides. Their lower
surface has two prominent, white stomatal bands (epistomatic
setting) of 4-6 lines each, giving the tree a silvery sheen. Pollen
bears two wings, smaller than in Norway spruce (Picea abies)3;
pollen morphology and pollination mechanism are not yet fully
pinpointed4 . Female cones are produced at the top of the crown5 .
They are first erect, then develop a pendulous, resinous, dark
bluish-violet ovoid-oblong cone, reaching up to 6.5 cm long once
ripe, but often less than 3 cm, thus resembling its Canadian relative
black spruce (Picea mariana) and even the conifers of genus Tsuga.
A cone may contain up to 90, nearly spherical seed scales, each
containing two wind-dispersed seeds. The old cones remain on the
tree for up to 2 years6 .
Distribution
Serbian spruce is restricted to a small area along the Drina
River at the boundary of Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina, with a
total occurrence extent of only 4 km2 7-10 . The main stands that
grow in National parks in the Tara Mountains and an isolated
population in the Mileseva River canyon in Serbia are protected,
while in Bosnia and Herzegovina they are on its protected
habitats11 . Other isolated spots, each consisting of a few hundred
individuals, occur between Višegrad, Rogatica and Srebrenica,
and there are two isolated populations further south (Čajniće and
Foča)10-12 . Palaeobotanical records show that this stenoendemic
pattern results from an overall reduction from a wide range
spanning most of Central Europe during cool and moist temperate
interstadials at the onset of the Last Glaciation, 100 000 years
ago13 . Serbian spruce survival in the Dinaric Alps during the Last
Glacial Maximum is supported by its current genetic structure
which retains ancient imprints6, 14 .
Habitat and Ecology
The modern habitat of Serbian spruce is too limited for a
straightforward evaluation of species tolerance limits. The main
habitats occur on steep, east, north and west facing, often
rocky slopes, mostly on limestone, but also on serpentine, at an
altitude of between 800 and 1 500 m. It may form the dominant
canopy in a closed forest together with Norway spruce (Picea
abies) and black pine (Pinus nigra) at higher elevations, or with
beech (Fagus sylvatica) at lower ones, but silver fir (Abies alba),
Serbian spruce in Bosnia Herzegovina where it codominates a mixed forest with several broadleaves.
(Copyright Dalibor Ballian: CC-BY)
Picea omorika
Threats and Diseases
The current population decline is related to its inability to
compete with other tree forest species12 . The small range of Serbian
spruce, composed of isolated populations, and the occurrence of
self-fertility affect the genetic structure which is specific for each
Frequency of the populations, given genetic drift and depression10, 22, 23.
< 25%
25% - 50%
However, other results show relatively high genetic variation, which
50% - 75% is characteristic for conifers24 . The biggest issue for Serbian spruce
> 75%
is fires, which have reduced its spread during the last century7, 11, 25.
Chorology
Native Another problem is a small number of fertile trees and poor natural
regeneration, which may be even worsened by climate change10.
For this reason Serbian spruce now has the status of endangered
species12 . Currently there are no reliable data about insects and
diseases which attack Serbian spruce, but there is some information
about some of the pests which are attacking introduced samples in
North America. Some sources list aphids, mites, scale and budworm
as potential insect problems; however so far there are no reports
of these pests significantly affecting the trees in Pennsylvania. The
large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is among the most serious
pests affecting young coniferous forests in Europe26, 27, and Serbian
spruce partly coexists with the natural niche of this pest26 . The
Serbian spruce is susceptible to the bark beetles Ips typographus
and Dendroctonus micans28-30. It is also vulnerable to Gremmeniella
abietina 28, 31 and may be subject to attacks by Pristiphora abietina28,
30
. The white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi) also has the potential to
seriously affect Serbian spruce if not controlled1 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Picea omorika.
Frequency of Picea omorika occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial
range for P. omorika is derived after Farjon and Filer, and Stevanović et al.32, 33 .
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and other
broad-leaved also occur. The mesoclimate is oceanic, with
cold winter temperatures and heavy snow followed by hot dry
summers15, 16 . The tree regenerates quite well after catastrophic
fires, but suffers competition from broadleaves; thus only steep
slopes and limestone cliffs are successfully re-colonised17.
Serbian spruce also withstands poorly aerated soils in peat bogs,
thanks to its ability to root in the upper layer, a common feature
in spruces which are stress avoiders of anoxia18 . This behaviour
also recalls its Early Pleistocene ancestors, growing in ancient
Dark bluish-violet female cones at the top of the crown.
peatlands and recorded by in situ macrofossils19 . (Copyright Iifar, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Importance and Usage References
Wood of Serbian spruce was valued as a technical wood [1] M. Vidakovic, Tree Physiology 12, 319 (1993). [17] P. Burschel, Forstarchiv 36, 113 (1965).
because of its good quality. It was also used to make special [2] B. Radovanović, J. Šinžar Sekulić, T. Rakić, [18] R. M. M. Crawford, Studies in plant
I. Živković, D. Lakušić, Botanica Serbica 38, survival: ecological case histories of
kinds of pots for cheese1, 20 . As a building material, its timber 237 (2014). plant adaptation to adversity (Blackwell
Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1989).
was mostly used for roof constructions. Today only its aesthetic [3] H.-J. Beug, Leitfaden der
Pollenbestimmung für Mitteleuropa und [19] v. Bůžek, Z. Kvaček, F. Holý, Late Pliocene
features and tolerance to city pollution and to insect pests are angrenzende Gebiete (Verlag Dr. Friedrich palaeoenvironment and correlation of
Pfeil, 2004). the Vildštejn floristic complex within
of value21 . This is why people use it more than other conifers Central Europe (Academia Nakladatelstvi
in cities with high levels of pollution. Serbian spruce deserves a
[4] C. J. Runions, K. H. Rensing, T. Takaso, J.
N. Owens, American journal of botany 86, Cesckoslovensk e Akademie Ved, Praha,
190 (1999). 1985).
more prominent place in commercial and residential landscapes. [20] G. Krüssmann, Manual of Cultivated
[5] J. Jevtić, Šumartsvo 13, 79 (1960).
It can be used in groups, as a single specimen, or even as an [6] J. M. Aleksic, Genetic structure of natural
Conifers (Timber Press, Portland, 1985).
[21] W. Dallimore, A. B. Jackson, A Handbook
evergreen street tree. It has utility as a natural screen and populations of serbian spruce [picea
of Coniferae and Ginkgoaceae (Edward
omorika (panč.) purk.], Ph.D. thesis,
selections with a narrow habit are suitable even for small urban University of Natural Resources and Arnold Ltd, London, 1961), third edn.
Applied Life Sciences, Vienna (2008). [22] H. Kuittinen, O. Savolainen, Heredity 68,
landscapes. Serbian spruce represents a welcome alternative to 183 (1992).
[7] P. Fukarek, Godišnjak Biološkog instituta
the all-to-common Norway and Colorado spruce (Picea pungens). Univerziteta u Sarajevu 3, 141 (1951). [23] T. Geburek, Silvae genetica 35, 169
(1986).
Today there are many cultivars of Serbian spruce produced in [8] P. Fukarek, Problems of Balkan flora
and vegetation: proceedings of the first [24] H. Kuittinen, O. Muona, K. Kärkkäinen,
nursery gardens and grown in parks20 . International Symposium on Balkan Flora v. Borzan, Canadian Journal of Forest
and Vegetation, Varna, June 7-14, 1973, Research 21, 363 (1991).
D. Jordanov, ed. (Bulgarian Academy of [25] D. B. Čolić, Zaštita prirode 33, 1 (1966).
Sciences, Sofia, 1975), pp. 146–161.
[26] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
[9] P. Fukarek, Hrvatski Šumarski List 2, 25 (2015).
(1941).
[27] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
[10] D. Ballian, et al., Plant Systematics and (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
Evolution 260, 53 (2006). http://www.cabi.org
[11] M. Tošić, Akademija nauka i umjetnosti [28] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
Bosne i Hercegovine 72, 267 (1983). mri10a15+ (2016).
[12] M. Mataruga, D. Isajev, M. Gardner, T. [29] R. Vujičić, S. Budimir, Somatic
Christian, P. Thomas, The IUCN Red List of Embryogenesis in Woody Plants, S. M. Jain,
Threatened Species (2011), pp. 30313/0+. P. K. Gupta, R. J. Newton, eds. (Springer
[13] C. Ravazzi, Review of Palaeobotany and Netherlands, 1995), vol. 44-46 of Forestry
Palynology 120, 131 (2002). Sciences, pp. 81–97.
[14] J. Aleksić, T. Geburek, Plant Systematics [30] D. Doom, Nederlands bosbouw tijdschrift
and Evolution 285, 1 (2010). 46, 79 (1974).
[15] V. Stefanović, V. Beus, v. Burlica, H. [31] I. M. Thomsen, Forest Pathology 39, 56
Dizdarević, I. Vukorep, Ekološko- (2009).
vegetacijska rejonizacija Bosne i [32] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
Hercegovine, Posebna izdanja br. 17 Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution,
(Šumarski fakultet Univerziteta u Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation
Sarajevu, Sarajevo, 1983). Status (Brill, 2013).
[16] M. Janković, N. Pantić, V. Mišić, N. Diklić, M. [33] V. Stevanović, et al., Botanica Serbica 38,
Gajić, Vegetacija SR Srbije, vol. 1 (SANU 251 (2014).
Odeljenje prirodno-matematičkih nauka,
Beograd, 1984).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0157f9. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Ballian, D., Ravazzi, C., Caudullo, G., 2016. Picea omorika in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e0157f9+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 117
 Picea sitchensis
Picea sitchensis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, A. Mauri, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) is a large conifer native to North America and Canada, where it grows along
the Pacific coast in areas favoured by maritime climate and high humidity. It is the largest of the spruces and can live
up to 500 years, reaching heights of nearly 100 m. It is a fast growing tree that produces good quality timber, making it
an important plantation tree in some European countries, notably Britain and Ireland.
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) is a large fast-
growing conifer with a straight buttressed base trunk and an
open, conical crown of horizontal branches1 . Unusually for a
conifer, it is able to develop epicormic branches along the
stem2 . It is long-lived (up to 500 years)3 and is the largest of
the spruce species4, 5 . It can attain heights approaching 100 m in
its native habitat, although in Europe it rarely exceeds 50 m6, 7.
The bark is thin and broken into large reddish to brown scales.
The needles are rigid and sharp, 1.5-2.5 cm long and blue-green
to light yellow-green in colour. It is wind-pollinated and starts
to produce seed at 20-25 years of age8 . Pollen cones are red
Coastal temperate mixed forest dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemloc
(Tsuga heterophylla) in Misty Fiords National Monument (Ketchikan, Alaska).
(Copyright Kimberly Vardeman, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
118 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
is also planted in Iceland and Norway where it was introduced at
the beginning of the twentieth century14 .
Habitat and Ecology
The natural range of Sitka spruce is a maritime climate with
high humidity5 . It normally requires a minimum of 1000 mm of
rainfall per year and cannot tolerate a dry, Mediterranean climate3 .
Unlike several other conifers it is tolerant of exposure and salt
Frequency
< 25%
spray, making it particularly suitable for planting on wet coastal
25% - 50% upland sites5; however it cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution2 .
50% - 75%
> 75%
It is usually planted along the northern and western coasts of
European countries, which provide a similar environment to that
of its native range3 . It grows on a variety of soils but prefers deep,
moist but not waterlogged soils 5 . Sitka spruce shows a noticeable
soil-acidifying ability15 . It is a pioneer species that can quickly
colonise disturbed sites (e.g. following landslides1, 16).
Map 1: Plot distribution map for Picea sitchensis.
Caption: Frequency of Picea sitchensis occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories.
and between 2 and 4 cm long4 . Seed cones are from 5 to 10 cm
long, composed of papery scales with wavy, irregularly toothed
margins and producing seeds from 2 to 3 mm long with a wing of
around 8 mm in length9 .
Distribution
Sitka Spruce is native to the west coast of North America
where it extends along the north Pacific coast from southern
Alaska to northern California4, 5, 9 . It was introduced in Europe
in the 1800s and it is now planted in more than 16 countries
worldwide10 . The majority of the area planted is in the United
Kingdom where it comprises over 25 % of the national forest
area11 and is now the most widely planted conifer3, 12 , and Ireland
(52 % of national forest area3) but it is also important in Denmark
(comprising 16 % of the softwood timber harvest13). Sitka Spruce
Uncertain, no-data Large specimen in the coastal forest of Vancouver Island
(British Columbia, South West Canada).
Marginal/no presence < 5% (Copyright Roland Tanglao, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Importance and Usage
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Although relatively rare at European level it is commercially
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% very important in some countries, particularly in the United
High presence 70% - 90% Kingdom and Ireland, and to a lesser extent in France and
Denmark3 . The timber is pale in colour and long fibred, making it
Very-high presence > 90%
suitable for paper production. It is light and easy to work with and
its good strength to weight ratio makes it suitable for fencing,
pallets and general construction7. Early aircraft frames, including
the first Wright brothers’ aeroplane were made of Sitka spruce
wood13 . Due to its long fibres, high strength-to-weight ratio and
absence of knots its wood is also an excellent conductor of sound,
Yellow-green needle-like leaves in a new shoot. Sharp needles make this
species less suitable as a Christmas tree than the popular Norway spruce.
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
 Picea sitchensis

Sitka spruce plantation in Heiðmörk Reserve near Reykjavík (South-West Iceland).

(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

therefore widely used for soundboards in musical instruments

(e.g. guitar, piano, violin13, 17). Sitka spruce may be suitable for
bioengineering applications due to its high tensile root strength18 .

Threats and Diseases

Close-up of a growing seed cone.
(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Sitka spruce is prone to windthrow on certain soil types,
particularly in established plantations in the United Kingdom2 , while
elsewhere in Europe it has been shown to be more wind-resistant
on deep soils than other conifers such as Picea abies9 . Fortunately
the white pine weevil, the most serious pest in North America, is not
currently present in Europe3 . However, the green spruce aphid can
cause significant damage8 , and the species is susceptible to fungal
attack when injured5, 9 . The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is
among the most serious pests affecting young coniferous forests
in Europe19 . Sitka spruce partly coexists with the natural niche of
this weevil, to which it is highly susceptible19-21 .

Front detail of guitar model made with Sitka spruce wood.

Copyright ISeneca, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, Leiden, 2010).
[2] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[3] S. Lee, D. Thompson, J. K. Hansen, Forest
Tree Breeding in Europe, L. E. Pâques,
ed. (Springer Netherlands, 2013), vol.
25 of Managing Forest Ecosystems, pp.
177–227.
[4] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[5] A. S. Harris, Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis
(Bong.) Carr.), Agriculture Handbook 654
(U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Washington, DC., 1990), pp.
Ripening mature seed cones; they are usually 5 to 10 cm long. 513–529.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright) [6] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. [7] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2013), pp. 42337/0+.
[8] OECD, Safety Assessment of Transgenic
Organisms (OECD Publishing, 2006), vol. 2
of OECD Consensus Documents.
[11] Forestry Commission, Forestry Statistics
2014 (Economics and Statistics, Forestry
Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh, 2014).
[12] G. F. Peterken, Forest Ecology and
Management 141, 31 (2001).
[13] J. Moore, Wood properties and uses
of Sitka spruce in Britain (Forestry
Commission, 2011).
[14] G. Halldórsson, T. Benedikz, O. Eggertsson,
E. S. Oddsdóttir, H. Óskarsson, Forest
Ecology and Management 181, 281
(2003).
[15] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe,
Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002).
[16] C. P. Quine, D. C. Malcolm, Canadian Journal
of Forest Research 37, 1787 (2007).
[17] A. Askenfelt, et al., The Science of String
Instruments (Springer New York, New York,
NY, 2010).
[18] J. E. Norris, J. R. Greenwood, Proceedings
of the 10th IAEG International Congress,
IAEG2006 (2006), pp. 744+.
[19] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
(2015).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[9] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of [20] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
[10] R. L. Deal, P. Hennon, R. O’Hanlon, D. http://www.cabi.org
Annual precipitation (mm)

D’Amore, Forestry 87, 193 (2014). [21] K. Wallertz, H. Nordenhem, G. Nordlander,

Silva Fennica 48, 1188+ (2014).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0137a1. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Picea
sitchensis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats.
In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e0137a1+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 119

 Pinus cembra

Pinus cembra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Arolla or Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) is a slow-growing, long lived conifer that grows at high altitudes (up to the
tree line) with continental climate and is able to resist to very low winter temperature. It has large edible seeds which
are dispersed principally by the European nutcracker. The timber is strong and of good quality but it is not a commercially
important species because of its slow growth rate and frequent contorted shape. This pine is principally used to protect
slopes and valleys against avalanches and soil erosion. In alpine habitats it is threatened principally by tourism development,
even if the recent reduction of mountain pasture activities is allowing this pine to return in many areas.
Pinus cembra L., known as Arolla pine or Swiss stone pine,
is a slow growing, small to medium-sized evergreen conifer (10- Frequency
12 m height, occasionally 20-25 m), which can live up to 1000 < 25%
25% - 50%
years1-5 . The crown is densely conical when young, becoming 50% - 75%

cylindrical and finally very open6 . It grows commonly in a curved > 75%
Chorology
or contorted shape, but in protected areas can grow straight and Native

to considerable sizes. Needles are in fascicles of five, 5-9 cm

long1, 7. Arolla pine is a monoecious species and the pollination
is driven by wind3 . Seed cones appear after 40-60 years, they Seed cones are purplish in colour when maturing.
are 4-8 cm long and mature in 2 years3, 6 . The wingless seeds are (Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

large and edible (7 x10 mm)1, 7. Genetically the Arolla pine is close Outside its natural range, it is planted in parks and arboretums
to the Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica) and they can hybridise. especially in northern Europe8 .

Habitat and Ecology

Large seed cone takes 2 years to mature.
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Plot distribution and chorology map for Pinus cembra.
Caption: Frequency of Pinus cembra occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. cembra is derived after EUFORGEN28 .
Some authors consider them as subspecies8 . This Arolla pine is
considered a glacial relict of the Siberian pine3, 6, 9, 10 .
Distribution
Arolla pine grows in the Alps chain, from the Maritime Alps in
France to the Julian Alps in North Slovenia, and it is more abundant
in the eastern sector. It occurs also in isolated groups in the
Tetra Massif, the Carpathians and the Transylvanian Alps1, 10-13 .
It had a wider range in Europe during the last glaciation, then
with rising temperatures it suffered a sharp fragmentation as a
consequence of its natural competition with Norway spruce (Picea
abies), which isolated the Arolla pine in the highest elevations14 .
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
This pine grows in the timberline of the alpine and subalpine zone
with continental climate, from 1 100 m to 2 500 m and sometimes
over 2 700 m in Italian Alps developing into a bush habit6, 8, 12, 15. It
is one of the most cold-hardy trees known, resistant to frost thanks
to its evergreen foliage in which the water content can be reduced
to a minimum during winter. It can reach temperatures in winter
down to -43 °C and in summer between -6 °C and -10 °C without
damage (two to three year old needles)8. It is sensitive to ‘late frosts’
in spring and drought stress mainly in lower zones15, 16 . It grows
better in fresh-humid, deep and well-drained soils. The substratum
type is not particularly significant, growing both in calcareous or
siliceous conditions1, 17. Arolla pine rarely is found in pure stands,
probably because the optimal habitats have been transformed into
pastures18. In fact, it is more frequently found with other tree species
forming open conifer forests and woodlands up to the tree line2, 7. It is
associated principally with larch (Larix decidua), with dwarf pine (Pinus
mugo) where the soils is disturbed by landslides, with green alder
(Alnus viridis) where avalanches are more frequent, or with Norway
spruce (Picea abies) in lower elevations18. Seed dispersal is principally
driven by the corvid Eurasian nutcracker (Nucifaga caryocatactes),
which has a mutualistic relationship with the pine19. This bird, covering
distances up to 15 km, can collect more than 25 000 seeds every
year, storing them in many small deposits on the ground as a food
winter reserve. Some of these reserves are abandoned and seeds can
germinate1-3, 20. Other animal species contribute to seed dispersion,
such as woodpeckers (Dryobates major, Picoides tridactylus), Eurasian
jay (Garrulus glandarius), red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and dormouse
(Glis glis)8.

Swiss stone pine mixed with larch (Larix decidua) in open subalpine
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. woodland near Morgex (Valle d’Aosta, North-West Italy).
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)

120 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


Importance and Usage
Arolla pine is not an important timber tree economically, as it
grows slowly and with irregular shapes, so forestry practises tend
to favour other species in alpine habitats, such as the larch2, 15 . This
pine has as a more ecological and protection function for slopes
and valleys against avalanches and soil erosion1-3 . The wood has
yellowish sapwood and reddish heartwood with a strong aromatic
odour and it is very high quality, light, easy to work and durable, as
it is resistant to woodworm8 . It was overused for centuries in alpine
areas as firewood, and for furniture and building construction.
Now it is principally used for handicraft (turnery, carvings, toys,
marquetry) and in a minor way it is still used in carpentry, traditional
houses, and flooring. Pine nuts are tasty and rich in nutrients8 . They
were used more in the past: now Arolla pine is rarely cultivated
for its seeds, as it is difficult to harvest due to the soft, resinous
and closed cone scales1, 2 . Cones can be used to flavour alcoholic
distillates1 . From cones, needles, buds and branches an essential
oil can be extracted and used in natural medicine and as essence.
Some cultivars with different habits and needle colours have been
selected for ornamental purposes, used principally in Northern and
Eastern Europe, where late frosts are less frequent15 .
Threats and Diseases
Since Neolithic times human activities (alpine farming,
intensive grazing with cattle, timber exploitation) have brought
the tree line in the Alps down and turned much of the ancient
alpine forests into pasture woodland. The recent abandonment of
high alpine pasture is allowing the Arolla pine to make a come-
back in many areas2, 21 . Nowadays the habitat fragmentation
of this pine is principally caused by tourism development: in
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Swiss stone pines at the limit of tree vegetation along the Aletsch Glacier (Valais, Switzerland).
(Copyright Jo Simon, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
particular ski runs, ski lifts, roads and parking lots2 . Damage
to young seedlings by grazing animals can create gaps in the
age distribution3 . Deep snow layers lasting until late winter or
spring causes browning needle diseases by the snow mold fungi
Phacidium infestans, Gremmeniella abietina and Herpotrichia
juniperi, which lead to mortality of young plants (seedlings)22-24 .
In the Alps, the larch bud moth Zeiraphera diniana has a species
form genetically differentiated and specialised for defoliating the
Arolla pine25 . However, the sporadic outbreaks do not influence
the presence of the pine or its dominance in mixed forest with
European larch26, 27.
A Eurasian nutcracker. This corvid is the principal contributor of
Swiss stone pine’s seed dispersal.
(Copyright Murray B. Henson, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Observed presences in Europe
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Pinus cembra
Needles of this pine are in fascicles of five.
(Copyright Michael Wunderli, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Grey-brown bark is fissured in mature pines with long plates.
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
References
[1] F. Bussotti, Pines of Silvicultural [13] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
Importance, CABI, ed. (CABI, Wallingford, Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution,
UK, 2002), pp. 50–52. Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation
[2] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Status (Brill, 2013).
Species (2013), pp. 42349/0+. [14] B. Huntley, Journal of Vegetation Science
[3] M. Ulber, F. Gugerli, G. Bozic, EUFORGEN 1, 507 (1990).
Technical Guidelines for genetic
conservation and use for Swiss stone pine
[15] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, Leiden, 2010).
(Pinus cembra) (Bioversity International, [16] S. Boden, P. Pyttel, C. S. Eastaugh, iForest -
2004). Biogeosciences and Forestry 3, 82 (2010).
[4] F. H. Schweingruber, C. Wirth, Old trees [17] P. Vittoz, B. Rulence, T. Largey, F.
and the meaning of ’old’ (Springer, Berlin Freléchoux, Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine
Heidelberg, 2009), pp. 35–54. Research 40, 225 (2008).
[5] L. Susmel, Monti e boschi 11/12 (1954). [18] R. Del Favero, I boschi delle regioni alpine
[6] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World: italiane (Cleup, Padova, 2004).
The Complete Reference (Timber Press, [19] L. Masutti, Italian Journal of Forest and
2009). Mountain Environments 57, 437 (2002).
[7] C. J. Earle, The gymnosperm database [20] A. Rolando, L. Carisio, Journal für
(2015). http://www.conifers.org Ornithologie 144, 69 (2003).
[8] P. Schütt, Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse:
[21] A. A. Ali, C. Carcaillet, B. Talon, P. Roiron,
Handbuch und Atlas der Dendrologie, J.-F. Terral, Journal of Biogeography 32,
A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang, B. 1659 (2005).
Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag,
Weinheim, 1994), vol. 3. [22] M.-H. Li, J. Yang, Annals of Forest Science
[9] G. G. Goncharenko, V. E. Padutov, A. E. Silin,
61, 319 (2004).
Plant Systematics and Evolution 182, [23] M. Schneider, C. R. Grünig, O. Holdenrieder,
121 (1992). T. N. Sieber, Mycological Research 113,
[10] W. B. Critchfield, E. L. Little, Geographic
887 (2009).
distribution of the pines of the world, [24] J. Senn, Forest Pathology 29, 65 (1999).
no. 991 (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest [25] I. Emelianov, J. Mallet, W. Baltensweiler,
Service, Washington, D.C., 1966). Heredity 75, 416 (1995).
[11] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae [26] P. Nola, M. Morales, R. Motta, R. Villalba,
Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants Trees 20, 371 (2006).
in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping [27] R. Motta, M. Morales, P. Nola, Annals of
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica Forest Science 63, 739 (2006).
Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973). [28] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of swiss
[12] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende stone pine (Pinus cembra) (2010).
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora www.euforgen.org.
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
field observations from forest plots.
Close-up of a purplish seed cone.
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01bd9b. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Pinus cembra in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01bd9b+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 121
 Pinus halepensis and Pinus brutia

Pinus halepensis and Pinus brutia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
A. Mauri, M. Di Leo, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Pinus halepensis Miller (Aleppo pine) and Pinus brutia Ten. (Turkish or Calabrian pine) are drought tolerant and fast
growing coniferous species native of the Mediterranean region. P. halepensis widely covers the Mediterranean coasts
concentrating in the western side of the basin, while P. brutia is located mainly on the eastern coasts. They are commonly
found in coastal zones, and because of their drought tolerance, are well adapted to dry summer conditions. They are
among the species most affected by wildfires in Europe, although they are fire resilient trees due to the high production
of serotinous cones that favour a quick post-fire regeneration. These species have been widely planted between the
thirties and seventies in Mediterranean areas for soil protection and wind breaks near the coasts.
Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Miller) and Turkish pine (Pinus
brutia Ten.) are two systematically close tree species, which can Frequency
naturally hybridize where they co-occur. Although some authors < 25%
25% - 50%
consider them as subspecies, in this chapter they are described as 50% - 75%

two separate pines1 . P. halepensis and P. brutia reach heights up to > 75%
Chorology
20 and 35 m respectively1, 2 . The diameter of the trunk ranges from Native

80 to 100 cm in P. halepensis, reaching up to 150 cm in P. brutia. In

both species, the bark is greyish, initially smooth, turning to reddish-
brown and finely fissured with ageing1 . Needles are light green in P.
halepensis arranged in groups of two (occasionally three), between
6 and 12 cm long and less than 1 mm wide. In P. brutia the needles
are instead dark green and between 10 and 18 cm long. In both
species, stomata cover the whole surface of the leaves2 . Both have
several branches forming a broadly conical to dome-shaped crown,
flattening and opening up with age3. Both are obligate seeders
characterised by a high production of conical cones (pedunculate
in P. halepensis and sessile in P. brutia), moderately to highly
serotinous, which remain closed on the tree for one or more years
after seed maturation to open quickly as a result of fire related high
temperatures4, 5. Their colour is grey to reddish-brown and between
5 and 12 cm in length3. P. halepensis is characterised by a deep root
system with a woody tap root and vigorous laterals4 . The name of P.
halepensis is derived from the city of Aleppo (Haleb) on the coast of
Syria2 , while the name P. brutia is thought to derive from an ancient
Roman district (Brutium). P. brutia is also called Calabrian pine after
its first botanical description in Calabria (South Italy)1 .
Distribution
The range of P. halepensis and P. pinaster is in the
Mediterranean, Anatolian and Macaronesian regions6-8 . P.
halepensis is the most widely distributed and abundant among
the Mediterranean pines, covering nearly 6.8 million ha of this
region1 , extending from the Western Mediterranean (Spain,
Morocco), where it is most abundant, to Lebanon through Southern
Map 1-A: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pinus halepensis.
Frequency of Pinus halepensis within the field observations as reported by
the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial range
for P. halepensis is derived after Critchfield and Little, and EUFORGEN24, 25 .
France, Italy, Greece and Turkey in South Europe and Algeria,
Tunisia, Libya in North Africa. P. brutia is instead mainly located
in Turkey, Crete, Cyprus, Syria and Lebanon with a few remains
in Iraq and Iran2, 9 . Bioclimatic envelope models predict that the
suitable climatic area of P. halepensis is in expansion10-12 . It can
already be observed that in the mountainous regions close to the
coast P. halepensis is shifting upwards, replacing species from
lower elevations such as Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Southern
France13 . A decrease in summer rainfall will also probably favour
P. halepensis at the expense of evergreen oaks14 .
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Serotinous cone of Pinus halepensis that opens quickly when exposed to fire.
(Copyright Tomás Royo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology
P. halepensis is mainly found at lower altitudes, occurring
mostly in the thermo- and meso-Mediterranean zone, although
it is also present at higher altitudes (more than 2 000 m in
Morocco)15 . Its habitat ranges from the lower arid or semiarid
to humid bioclimates favouring absolute minimum temperatures
of between -2 and 10 °C and precipitation between 350 and
700 mm on marly limestones and marls9, 16 . It is a very drought
resistant, thermophilous species that grows very well in the
hotter parts of the Mediterranean where forest fires are frequent3 .
P. halepensis can successfully colonise limiting dry conditions
areas creating highly resilient forest stands3 , but more often it
is found scattered in garrigue or maquis vegetation colonising
abandoned lands and burnt areas. In the absence of fire for long
periods it can be replaced by holm oak (Quercus ilex) and cork
oak (Quercus suber) as an intermediate step in the successional
series to broadleaved trees16 . In the past, unplanned exploitation
and intensive harvesting have considerably disturbed the original
forest structure of Aleppo pine promoting monospecific stands
where pine growth is maximized by decreasing interspecific
competition with other trees16, 17. However, under-management
can also be a problem, resulting in dense P. halepensis forests
with almost null productivity rates and high fire vulnerability16 .
P. brutia is a stricter species in terms of water requirements
and it is not frequent in arid or semiarid climates16 . P. brutia is
often found together with cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and
Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa) to form mixed open-forests or
with kermes oak (Quercus coccifera) and Palestine oak (Quercus
calliprinos), mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and other drought tolerant
trees and shrub to form open-woodland1 .
Importance and Usage
P. halepensis is not used in commercial forestry due to its
size, shape and poor wood quality2 . However, being the main
source of wood in many Mediterranean countries it is used for
various purposes including firewood as well as raw material
for the pulp and paper industry. In the past it was also used for
mine props, railway sleepers and telephone poles1 . By being well
adapted to drought, poor soil and recurrent fires, Aleppo pine

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence for Pinus halepensis. Male flowers of Pinus halepensis.
Copyright Victor M. Vicente Selvas, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

122 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Pinus halepensis and Pinus brutia

Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75% Uncertain, no-data
> 75%
Chorology Tundra, cold desert
Native
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Map 1-B: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pinus brutia.
Caption: Frequency of Pinus brutia within the field observations as reported
by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial range
for P. brutia is derived after Critchfield and Little, and EUFORGEN24, 26 .

has been used in several afforestation programmes, especially

between the thirties and seventies, aiming at soil protection and
wind breaks near the coast9, 18 . It is often used for improving
water infiltration on hilly slopes2 and to prevent soil erosion on
dry slopes1 , although other studies suggest that plantations of
Aleppo pine do not improve soil conditions17. Seeds are also used
for making pastry in several areas, mainly in North Africa16 . The
resin extracted from the plant is still presently used in Greece for
wine production3 . In Greece and Turkey the honeydew released
by the sap-sucking insect Marchalina hellenica is still used to
produce honey19, 20 . There is some use for pallets and chipping
for particleboards as well as for boat making at a local scale.
The wood is frequently planted in rain-fed suburban parks and
road lines3 . P. brutia wood has been used in the pulp industry,
carpentry and to produce railway sleepers and telephone posts
among others1 . It has also been widely planted in the Eastern Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability for Pinus halepensis.
Mediterranean and around the Black Sea, due to its ability to
grow in Mediterranean climates1 . Since ancient Greek times the Threats and Diseases region Aleppo pine is characterised by large-scale dieback that
resin of both P. halepensis and P. brutia has been used to seal The most widespread pests of P. halepensis include starts from the desiccation of the lower branches and extends
amphorae containing wine, and later on to flavour the Greek Thumetopoea pityocampa, Orthomicus erosus, Monochamus to the whole tree2 . Similarly to many pines, the Aleppo pine is
traditional white wines called “Retsina”21 . galloprovincialis, Matsucoccus josephi, Leucaspis pini, Leucaspis vulnerable to the pitch canker (Gibberella circinata, syn. Fusarium
pusilla, Cenopalpus wainsteini and Hylurgus destruens. The circinatum), with an outbreak in Italy and with a virulence which
bacteria Pissodes castaneus might also be the cause of the knot might expand due to climate change22, 23 .
disease of P. halepensis. A threat recently identified in France
is the canker Crumenulopsis sororia9 . In the Mediterranean References
[1] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s [14] M. A. Zavala, E. Zea, Plant Ecology 171,
conifers (Brill, Leiden, 2010). 197 (2004).
[2] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of [15] A. Boulli, M. Baaziz, O. M’Hirit, Euphytica
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). 119, 309 (2001)
[3] M. Chambel, J. Climent, C. Pichot, F. Ducci, [16] J. de las Heras, et al., Post-Fire
Forest Tree Breeding in Europe, L. E. Management and Restoration of
Pâques, ed. (Springer Netherlands, 2013), Southern European Forests, F. Moreira, M.
vol. 25 of Managing Forest Ecosystems, Arianoutsou, P. Corona, J. De las Heras,
pp. 229–265. eds. (Springer Netherlands, 2012), vol.
[4] P. Ganatsas, I. Spanos, Plant and Soil 278, 24 of Managing Forest Ecosystems, pp.
75 (2005). 121–150.
[5] Vallejo, M. Arianoutsou, F. Moreira, Post- [17] F. T. Maestre, J. Cortina, Forest Ecology
Fire Management and Restoration of and Management 198, 303 (2004).
Southern European Forests, F. Moreira, M. [18] L. E. Pâques, Forest Tree Breeding in
Arianoutsou, P. Corona, J. De las Heras, Europe: Current State-of-the-Art and
eds. (Springer Netherlands, 2012), vol. Perspectives, Managing Forest Ecosystems
24 of Managing Forest Ecosystems, pp. (Springer, 2013).
93–119. [19] N. Bacandritsos, C. Saitanis, I.
[6] A. Barbati, P. Corona, M. Marchetti, Plant Papanastasiou, Annales de la Société
Biosystems - An International Journal entomologique de France (N.S.) 40, 169
Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology (2004).
141, 93 (2007). [20] L. A. Santas, Apidologie 14, 93 (1983).
[7] European Environment Agency, European [21] V. P. Papanastasis, K. Mantzanas, O. Dini-
forest types. Categories and types for Papanastasi, I. Ispikoudis, Agroforestry in
sustainable forest management reporting Europe, A. Rigueiro-Rodróguez, J. McAdam,
and policy, Tech. rep. (2007). M. Mosquera-Losada, eds. (Springer
[8] G. Allard, et al., State of Mediterranean Netherlands, 2009), vol. 6 of Advances in
forests 2013 (FAO, 2013). 177 pp. Agroforestry, pp. 89–109.
Needles of Pinus brutia are usually longer than those of Pinus halepensis. Pinus brutia woodland in Argaka, Cyprus. [9] B. Fady, H. Semerci, G. G. Vendramin, [22] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
Copyright Leonid Mamchenkov, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY) (Copyright S. Rae, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) EUFORGEN Technical Guidelines for mri10a15+ (2016).
genetic conservation and use for Aleppo [23] A. Carlucci, L. Colatruglio, S. Frisullo, Plant
pine (Pinus halepensis) and Brutia pine Disease 91, 1683 (2007).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field (Pinus brutia) (Bioversity International,
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Pinus halepensis. 2003). [24] W. B. Critchfield, E. L. Little, Geographic
distribution of the pines of the world,
[10] M. Urli, et al., Journal of Vegetation no. 991 (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest
Science 25, 147 (2014). Service, Washington, D.C., 1966).
[11] W. Thuiller, Global Change Biology 9, 1353 [25] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of Aleppo
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

(2003). pine (Pinus halepensis) (2008).

[12] C. Rathgeber, et al., Global and Planetary www.euforgen.org.
Change 26, 405 (2000). [26] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of Brutia pine
Annual precipitation (mm)

[13] M. Vennetier, et al., Sciences Eaux & (Pinus brutia) (2008). www.euforgen.org.
Territoires, la revue d’Irstea 44, 49 (2005).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0166b8. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Mauri, A., Di Leo, M., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Pinus
halepensis and Pinus brutia in Europe: distribution, habitat,
usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e0166b8+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 123

 Pinus mugo
Pinus mugo in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
D. Ballian, C. Ravazzi, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Pinus mugo Turra, the dwarf mountain pine, is a small tree, or, more typically, a shrub with many spreading stems, and
dense, two-needled shoots. Among European pines, it is the most tolerant to cold climates and to bedrock lithology,
adapted to any rocky habitat in the high-altitude mountains of Central and Eastern Europe, while merging with the
closely related species Pinus uncinata on its western range. It forms widespread, pure scrubland communities over the
tree limit, but also occupies avalanche tracks and rocks in the middle altitudes. It plays a major role defending mountain
soils from erosion.
The dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) is a shrub, erect
bush or small tree showing very large variability in morphological
and anatomical characters and including many distinct
subspecies and varieties1-3 . Pinus uncinata, the Pyrenean pine, is
a big tree closely related to Pinus mugo, as shown by molecular
markers which indicate the absence of species differentiation4, 5;
nevertheless they will be treated here as independent species1, 6-8 .
Intermediate forms between Pinus mugo and Pinus uncinata
are Pinus mugo subsp. rotundata, Pinus mugo subsp. pumilio,
and others, and they all grow together in Central European
mountains1 . All of these pines are also able to hybridise with Scots
pine (Pinus sylvestris) where they co-occur9 . Most often the dwarf
pine is a shrub growing up to 5 m, sometimes with ascending
(decumbent) branches which can spread up to 10 m from the
tree1, 2 , but there is also an erect form which grows as small
tree up to 20 m in height9, 10 . The needles are acuminate and
pungent, 2 to 5 cm long, borne in fascicles of 2, and they persist
on the tree up to 6 years. Physiologically the branches mature
when they are 10 years old and start producing female cones in
groups of 1-4, close to shoot tops. Unripe cones start diverging
from the shoot, soon becoming horizontal or even reflexed; once
ripe they are 2 to 5 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm wide. The seed ripens
during the second year after blossoming and is up to 5 mm long.
At the outer end of cone scales a is shield (apophysis), which is of
significant taxonomic value to distinguish subspecies as its size
and shape are very variable6, 9, 11, 12 . In the typical form (Pinus
mugo subsp. mugo) cone scales are ended by a flat apophysis
and are born on ascending branches. Two other subspecies have
relatively larger and asymmetrical reflexed cones with protruding
apophysis, which are born on erect branches (Pinus mugo subsp.
pumilio and subsp. rotundata)6, 9, 13, 14 .
Distribution
The typical dwarf pine scrub (Pinus mugo subsp. mugo)
occurs in the mountains of Central and Eastern Europe, from 200
124 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pinus mugo.
Frequency of Pinus mugo occurrences within the field observations as reported
by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial range
for P. mugo is derived after Critchfield and Little, and Jalas and Suominen31, 32 .
to 2700 m, but is especially abundant in the subalpine belt of
the Eastern Alps and the Carpathians between 1 600 to 2 200 m.
Disjunct ranges occur in the lower mountains of the Jura and
the Vosges, and at high altitude in the Mediterranean and Balkan
mountains, such as the Apennines, the Albanian Alps, and the
Rila-Pirin-Rhodopes in Bulgaria9, 12 . The southernmost reliefs
in Southern Italy, Greece and Crete do not have a dwarf pine
belt. Pinus uncinata occurs in the Pyrenees, Western Alps and
there are also scattered populations in the North-East Spain, with
an altitude range from 600 to 2 400 m14, 15 . The intermediate
form Pinus mugo subsp. rotundata is present in the Alps and
Central European mountains (Bavarian Forest Mountains,
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Dwarf mount pine scrub vegetation in the karst limestone
Snežnik mountain (South Slovenia).
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Sudetes Mountains, North-West Carpathians)3, 16 from 180 m
(Poland) up to 1 800 m10, 11 . The genetic diversity reveals a strong
geographic differentiation that retains ancient imprints reflecting
multiple survival areas during the last glaciation4 . According
to palaeobotanical evidence, the dwarf pine experienced a
successful expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum at the
border of glaciated areas both south and north of the Alpine ice
sheets17-19 .
Habitat and Ecology
The dwarf mountain pine is a xerophyte fully adapted to
petrophytic habitats, and requires a lot of light2, 10 . It spreads over
poor substrata, which lack nitrogen and are free-drained. Its main
habitat is in massive fissured bedrock and blockfields, and even
alluvial fans and sand dunes. It tolerates many types of bedrock,
such as limestone, dolomites, sandstone, gneiss and granite,
hence these communities spread irrespective of lithological
composition10, 20 . It may also withstand anoxic peatlands due to
its adaptation to low nutrients and light availability in raised bog
habitats21 . It can endure low temperatures, with mean annual
values down to 5 °C and 200 to 3 000 mm of precipitation22, 23 .
Given its cold-tolerance, it is most successful in a subalpine belt
over the tree line, developing extensive scrublands with hairy
alpenrose (Rhododendron hirsutum) forming the association
Mugo-Rhododendretum hirsuti. On high altitude limestone sites
it can be found with spring heath (Erica carnea) in the Erico-
Pinetum mugi communities mainly on warmer slopes10, 23 . The
competition with other woody species may be lower at high
elevations, but, most frequently soil acidification, due to needle
littering triggers, leads to a long-term succession towards conifer
forests of the Vaccinio-Piceetalia communities.
Importance and Usage
Pinus mugo, in contrast to other pines, has an extensive root
system with many branches consolidating loose soils. It also
bears long stems lying on the ground. Thanks to these properties,
Cluster of male pollen cones at the top of the shoot.
(Copyright Crusier, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
 Pinus mugo

Open forest of Pyrenean pine (Pinus uncinata) in the karst Larra-Belagua massif (Navarra, North Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

this plant has a great role in preventing torrents and avalanche
erosions on high mountains.
The wood is elastic but hard, suitable for manufacturing
small items and valuable as fuel. There is a large number of
cultivars used in horticulture and it is grown in gardens for
decorative planting2, 6, 9, 24 . Pine needles are filled with vitamin
C and carotene. Beverages made out of them are recommended
to reinforce the immune system, if one has a cold, and to cure
scurvy. Needles should be used fresh, if possible moments
after collecting, because they can completely lose their healing
properties after a year2, 12 . Syrups and liquors are commonly
obtained with cones and buds. Essential oil distilled from the
leaves exhibits good antioxidative activity in lipophilic media25 .
Threats and Diseases
Even though it grows at high altitudes, the dwarf mountain
pine is threatened by some pathogenic fungi associated with
root-rot, but significantly affecting the living trees in adjacent
forests26 . Other fungi colonise the needles, the bark and needles27.
Insect pests are not dangerous. But actually the biggest threat
for Pinus mugo is humans. Pine scrublands were cut and burnt
in order to enlarge pastures, especially since the Middle Ages
expansion of mountain animal husbandry. Given its low stature
and scrubland density, dwarf pine habitus may favour the spread
of fires; hence, frequent human-caused fires may eliminate
them28 . This is why the dwarf pine has become extinct on several
mountains in Central Europe and the Balkan Peninsula, although
in recent decades land use changes have allowed the reversed
process of invasion by dwarf pine in abandoned grasslands29, 30 .

Terminal shoots with 2 maturing seed cones.

(Copyright Cesare Ravazzi: CC-BY)

Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] H. Gaussen, V. H. Heywood, A. O. Chater,
Flora Europaea, Volume 1: Psilotaceae
to Platanaceae, T. G. Tutin, et al., eds.
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[3] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
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37, 541 (2010).
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[6] G. Krüssmann, Manual of Cultivated
Conifers (Timber Press, Portland, 1985).
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269 (1998).
[8] F. Bogunić, S. Siljak-Yakovlev, E. Muratović,
F. Pustahija, S. Medjedović, Annals of
Forest Science 68, 179 (2011).
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Science 53, 253 (2007).
[10] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of
Central Europe (Cambridge University
Press, 2009), fourth edn.
[11] G. Hegi, ed., Illustrierte Flora von
Mitteleuropa, vol. 1 (Lehmann, München,
1906).
[12] B. Jovanović, Dendrologija (Univerzitetska
štampa, Beograd, 2000).
[13] K. Christensen, Nordic Journal of Botany
7, 383 (1987).
Scrubland of dwarf mountain pines in the karstic Valley of Five Polish Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich)
[14] Z. Debreczy, I. Racz, Conifers Around the
in Tatra National Park (Gmina Bukowina Tatrzańska, South Poland). World: Conifers of the Temperate Zones
(Copyright Nova, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY) and Adjacent Regions, vol. 1 (Dendropress,
Budapest, 2011).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
[15] C. Carcaillet, A. A. Ali, N. Fauvart, P. Roiron,
J.-F. Terral, Travaux scientifiques du Parc
national de la Vanoise 24, 57 (2009).
[16] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2013), pp. 18153856/0+.
[19] R. Avigliano, G. D. Anastasio, S. Improta,
M. Peresani, C. Ravazzi, Journal of
Quaternary Science 15, 789 (2000).
[20] H. Walter, S.-W. Breckle, Ecological
Systems of the Geobiosphere (Springer
Berlin Heidelberg, 1989), pp. 1–140.
[21] J. Šibìk, D. Dìtě, I. Šibìková, D. Pukajová,
Phytocoenologia 38, 221 (2008).
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D. Škorić, ed. (Srpska Akademija Nauka
i Umetnosti, Beograd, 2006), vol. 2, pp.
201–211.
[23] V. Stefanović, Fitocenologija: sa pregledom
šumskih fitocenoza Jugoslavije (Svjetlost,
Sarajevo, 1986).
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Chemistry 51, 7576 (2003).
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Bugmann, Canadian Journal of Forest
Research 36, 2666 (2006).
[27] M. Uščuplić, Patologija: šumskog i
ukrasnog drveća (Šumarski fakultet
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[28] B. Leys, et al., Quaternary Science Reviews
90, 60 (2014).
[29] S. Dullinger, T. Dirnböck, G. Grabherr,
Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 35,
434 (2003).
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Vegetation Südosteuropas, vol. 4 of
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Verlag, Jena, 1974).
[31] W. B. Critchfield, E. L. Little, Geographic
distribution of the pines of the world,
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Service, Washington, D.C., 1966).
[32] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[17] C. Spötl, P. J. Reimer, R. Starnberger, R. W. to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping

Reimer, Journal of Quaternary Science 28, the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
552 (2013). Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
Annual precipitation (mm)

[18] G. Monegato, et al., Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 436,
23 (2015).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012d81. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Ballian, D., Ravazzi, C., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Pinus mugo in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e012d81+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 125

 Pinus nigra
Pinus nigra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
C. M. Enescu, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo, A. Mauri, T. Houston Durrant
Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold, known as European black pine or black pine, is a fast-growing conifer with a wide but fragmented
distribution across Europe and Asia Minor, predominantly in mountain areas. It has also become naturalised in some
areas in North America. It is subdivided into several distinct subspecies and its taxonomic status is still a subject of
debate among specialists. Black pine regenerates with difficulties after a fire event, particularly during periods with
extreme droughts when the development of seedlings can become challenging. This is thought to trigger a reduction of
its habitat in southern Europe; on the contrary in Central Europe the climate amelioration might generate an expansion.
Black pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) is a large evergreen
conifer commonly reaching 30 m, but exceptionally it is capable
of attaining heights up to 40 m1, 2 . Its bark is usually a dark
greyish brown to black (giving rise to its Latin name “nigra”)
and becomes deeply furrowed longitudinally on older trees3 .
On young individuals, the crown is conical, becoming umbrella-
shaped on older trees4 . Needles are in pairs 8-15(19) cm long,
1-2 mm in diameter, straight or curved, and finely serrated1, 2 .
They normally persist on the tree for 3-4 years (exceptionally up
to 8)5 . Black pine is monoecious. Male catkins are yellow, while
female inflorescences are reddish. Cones are sessile, 4-8(9) cm
long, 2-4 cm wide and yellow-brown in colour1, 2. They ripen in
the autumn of the second year, and open in the third year. Cones
contain 30-40 seeds. The seeds are grey, 5-7 mm long, with a
wing 19-26 mm long4 . It is a long-lived species, with a life span
of over 400 years6 . One specimen in Germany (the “Vier-Brüder-
Baum” from its four main stems) is reported to be over 1 000
years old and with a girth over 7 m7.
Distribution
The past distribution of black pine in Europe is difficult
to reconstruct. This because past occurrences based on both
pollen and charcoal (widely used to reconstruct past species
distribution) cannot be easily recognised at the species level8 .
However, more localized studies mainly based on macrofossils
suggest that large populations of black pine were already present
during the late Pleistocene and the Holocene in the north-western
Mediterranean basin (see 9 for a review). These populations are
thought to have followed a substantial decrease during the
Holocene as a consequence of climate warming at the onset of
the Holocene as well as increased human activities during the
last millennia9 . This led to the current fragmented distribution
of black pine extending from North-Western Africa through
southern Europe to Asia Minor10, 11 . Black pine presently covers
more than 3.5 million hectares4 , making it one of the most wide-
126 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pinus nigra.
Frequency of Pinus nigra occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. nigra is derived after EUFORGEN48 .
spread conifer species in the Balkans and Asia Minor. Its widest
distribution worldwide is in Turkey, with more than 2.5 million
hectares12 . Outside Europe, it was also introduced in the United
States (where it is known as Austrian pine) in 175913 , and has now
become naturalised in parts of New England and the Great Lake
States14 . As a result of climate warming the future distribution of
black pine is thought to change considerably but the response is
likely to be different depending on the geographic region15 . In the
Mediterranean regions climate warming increases water stress
and thus has a negative influence on the growth of this species16,
17
, whereas in central Europe climate amelioration is thought to
lead to an expansion18, 19 . Two main subspecies of black pine
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
are recognised: Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii (Corsican pine),
occurring in the east of the range from Morocco and Spain to
South France and Corsica, and Pinus nigra subsp. nigra (Austrian
pine), occurring in the west of the range from Austria and North-
East and Central Italy through Balkans up to Turkey and Crimea
Peninsula. However, more than 100 Latin specific, varietal, and
formal names have been recorded by different authorities and
there is no general consensus4, 20-22 .
Black pine grown on vulcanic rocky soils in Etna Vulcane (Sicily, South Italy).
(Copyright Alfie Ianni, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology
Black pine stands exist at altitudes ranging from 350 m in
Italy to 2 200 m in the Taurus Mountains, the optimal altitudinal
range being between 800 to 1 500 m5 . It can grow on a variety
of soils, from podzolic sands to limestone, often dependent on
region and climate21 . The Austrian pine subspecies is more able
to tolerate exposed chalk and limestone than Corsican pine23 .
However Corsican Pine is more often found in coastal areas as
it is more resistant to salt wind than most other pine species21 .
Black pine can grow in both extremely dry and humid habitats
with considerable tolerance of temperature fluctuations11 . It is a
light-demanding species, but it shows higher shade tolerance than
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)24 . It is resistant to drought and wind4 .
It grows in pure stands or in association with other broadleaved or
conifer species, in particular Pinus sylvestris. It is also commonly
found in association with other pines such as dwarf mountain
pine (Pinus mugo), Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), Italian stone
pine (Pinus pinea) and Heldreich pine (Pinus heldreichii)4, 21, 22 .
Yellow male flowers clustered at the top of the shoot.
(Copyright Wouter Hagens, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
 Pinus nigra

Yellow-brown maturing cone: they ripen in autumn of the second year.

(Copyright Dezidor, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Importance and Usage

The stems of black pine have been widely used in the past
for naval construction17. As a result of its ecological flexibility,
it is one of the most widely used tree species for reforestation
worldwide4, 25, 26 , and it is considered a potential substitute for Corsican subspecies of black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. salzmanii) on flank of
indigenous coniferous species in Central Europe under future Paglia Orba Mountain (Albertacce, Corsica Island).
(Copyright Jean-Baptiste Bellet, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
climate scenarios19 . Despite its relatively narrow native range, the pine stands, altering the plant community composition in favour
broad European distribution range of black pine covers several of typical post-fire communities with perennial grass species as
areas with high erosion rates such as the European mountain well as other tree species such as maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), References
[1] E. Banfi, F. Consolino, Guide Compact -
systems27. It is very efficient for degraded soil colonisation Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), holm oak (Quercus ilex) and/or Alberi. Conoscere e riconoscere tutte le
and its adventitious roots are suitable to be exploited for deep kermes oak (Quercus coccifera)9, which are more fire resistant in specie piu diffuse di Alberi spontane e
ornamentali (2011).
reinforcement and soil strength enhancement28, 29 . Along with some of the climatic conditions where black pine lives46 . This is [2] B. P. Kremer, Bäume & Sträucher (Ulmer,
also because relatively few black pine seedlings develop after a 2010).
more late succession species (e.g. in some degraded areas of
[3] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
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erosion and landslides and for land rehabilitation4, 29, 30 . The EUFORGEN Technical guidelines for
genetic conservation and usefor European
salt-tolerant subspecies Corsican pine has been exploited for black pine (Pinus nigra) (2004).
stabilising coastal dunes along the North Sea21 . Its wood is [5] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
durable, rich in resin and easy to process. It is highly suitable
[6] P. Grossoni, Enzyklopädie der
for indoor flooring (the Vienna State Opera House stage is made Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der
Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M.
from black pine wood31). In the Mediterranean area, it is used not Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch
only for general construction (doors, panelling, staircases, etc.) Verlag, Weinheim, 2000).
[7] MonumentalTrees.com, Monumental trees
and furniture, but also as fuelwood, while the pulp is exploited for (2015).
paper21 . Black pine is also widely planted in parks or in urban and [8] K. J. Willis, K. D. Bennett, H. J. B. Birks,
The late Quaternary dynamics of pines
industrial areas thanks to its tolerance to pollution and striking in Europe (Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 1998), pp. 107–121.
visual form31 .
[9] P. Roiron, L. Chabal, I. Figueiral, J.-F. Terral,
A. A. Ali, Review of Palaeobotany and
Threats and Diseases Palynology 194, 1 (2013).
[10] Z. Kaya, A. Temerit, Silvae Genetica 43,
The fungi Dothistroma pini32, 33 , Lophodermella spp.34 and 272 (1994).
Sphaeropsis sapinea (Diplodia pinea)35-37 can cause severe
[11] D. Nikolić, N. Tucić, Silvae Genetica 32,
80 (1983).
damage to the needles. Black pine is highly vulnerable to the
[12] O. Sevgi, U. Akkemik, Journal of
pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa)38, 39 . Environmental Biology 28, 73 (2007).
It may also be severely attacked by the Red band needle blight [13] A. Rehder, Manual of cultivated trees and
shrubs hardy in North America : exclusive
(Mycosphaerella pini, syn. Dothistroma septosporum)38, 40, 41 . of the subtropical and warmer temperate
regions (Dioscorides Press, 1986).
This blight has been reported to cause significant damage to
[14] R. M. Burns, B. H. Honkala, Silvics of North
Corsican pine plantations in the United Kingdom, to the extent America, vol. 2.
that it is no recommended for longer planting there23 . As many [15] D. Martín-Benito, M. del Río, I. Cañellas,
Annals of Forest Science 67, 401 (2010).
other pines, black pine is highly susceptible to the pine lappet [16] M. Barbet-Massin, F. Jiguet, PLoS ONE 6,
moth (Dendrolimus pini) and vulnerable to the pitch canker e18228 (2011).
[17] P. A. Tìscar, J. C. Linares, Forests 2, 1013
(Gibberella circinata)38 . The fungus Brunchorstia pinea can cause (2011).
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portfolio of central european tree species
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, commonly known as pine wood (appendix s1), Tech. rep., Swiss Federal
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[42] D. J. Read, Forestry 41, 72 (1968).
[43] M. J. Wingfield, Plant Disease 67, 35
(1983).
[44] V. H. Dropkin, et al., Plant Disease 65,
1022 (1981).
[45] A. Boutheina, M. H. El Aouni, P. Balandier,
Influence of stand and tree attributes and
silviculture on cone and seed productions
in forests of Pinus pinea L. in northern
Tunisia, Options Méditerranéennes, Series
A: Mediterranean Seminars, No. 105
(CIHEAM, FAO, INIA, IRTA, CESEFOR, CTFC,
Zaragoza, 2013), pp. 9–14.
[46] S. S. Radanova, Ecologia Balkanica 5, 55
(2014).
[47] A. Rodrigo, J. Retana, F. X. Picó, Ecology

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

654 (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 85, 716 (2004).

Forest Service, Washington, DC., 1990), [48] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of black pine
pp. 797–818. (Pinus nigra) (2011). www.euforgen.org.
Annual precipitation (mm)

[23] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in

British forestry (CABI, 2013).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e015138. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Mauri, A., Houston Durrant, T.,
2016. Pinus nigra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e015138+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 127

 Pinus pinaster

Pinus pinaster in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

R. Abad Viñas, G. Caudullo, S. Oliveira, D. de Rigo
The maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is a widespread medium-size tree native to the western Mediterranean basin.
Its genetic variations, associated with a natural and artificial wide range of geographical locations, result in several
subspecies that show a versatile adaptation to ecological factors. This pine dwells well in temperate-warm locations,
from coasts to high mountains. It does not tolerate shade and shows preference for siliceous and sandy soils. Due to
its undemanding behaviour, salt spray tolerance and fast growth, it has been used for soils protection, reforestation
of degraded areas and dunes stabilisation, as shelterbelts and also in intensive plantations. Its wood is appreciated
for producing construction wood, poles and furniture. The maritime pine has been also traditionally utilized for the
extraction of resin obtaining turpentine and rosin. In the southern hemisphere, where maritime pine has been introduced
for environmental and economical purposes, it has been considered as a highly invasive species.
The maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is a medium-sized
pine 20-30 m tall, exceptionally reaching 40 m. The bark is bright
Frequency
reddish-brown, thick, deeply fissured1 . The crown is regular, ovoid < 25%
or conic in young pines and irregular and open in adult pines, with 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
branches densely clothed at the ends. Needles, occurring mostly > 75%
Yellow male flowers arranged in ovoid clusters at the top of the shoots.
in pairs but occasionally in groups of 32 , are 10-25 cm long, with Chorology
(Copyright MarioM, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Native
shiny green and well-marked lines of stomata on both faces.
They endure 2 to 3 years. Light brown cones, often collected is debate about the number of subspecies, with some authors
as ornaments, are persistent and grouped in clusters. They are recognising as many as five different subspecies corresponding
slightly asymmetrical, with ovoid-conic shape and around 15 cm to several geographical locations, while others consider up to
long (in a range of 8-22 cm). Their ripening occurs two years after 18 subspecies that could be grouped in 3 main groups: Atlantic,
pollination and they open the same summer or up to 10 years Circum-Mediterranean and Maghrebian15-17. Maritime pine is
later. In those locations with high intensity and frequency of ecologically versatile, showing a wide range of expressive traits
fires, usually serotinous cones are present3 . The scale presents regarding growth characteristics, frost resistance and adaptation
broad ridge and up-curved prickle4 . Seeds are shiny black-brown to summer drought and limestone substrates. Naturally, it
above and matt grey below with a wing which is easily removed5 . grows in warm temperate regions with an oceanic influence on
Its root system consists in a deep taproot with well-developed climate, mainly in humid and sub-humid areas, where annual
secondary roots. rainfall is greater than 600 mm. In spite of that, it is possible for
trees to survive in areas with only 400 mm annual precipitation,
Distribution Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map. providing there is sufficient atmospheric moisture. Maritime pine
Maritime pine is a thermophilous widespread conifer original
Frequency of Pinus pinaster occurrences within the field observations as cannot tolerate shade and exhibits preference for siliceous soils
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
from the western Mediterranean Basin. It occurs in the Iberian spatial range for P. pinaster is derived after Critchfield and Little8 . with a coarse texture, especially sandy soils, dunes and other
Peninsula, South France, West Italy, western Mediterranean isles, poor substrates. However, some subspecies can be found also
North Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It has increased its presence, hemisphere with both economic and environmental objectives, inhabiting calcareous soils9 .
due to artificial plantations and its naturalisation, such as in the in southwestern Australia, New Zealand, South America, United It inhabits from sea level in coastal lowlands to moderate
coast of southwestern France, Greece and Adriatic countries, but States and South Africa, where it has been considered an elevations in the Iberian Peninsula (1 600 m) and inland Corsica,
also in north Europe, such as United Kingdom and Belgium6-9 . aggressive coloniser9, 11, 12 . up to around 2 000 m in Morocco15, 18 . Easily found establishing
As with other European pines, encroachment of former pure and open stands or mixed with other species, such as
agricultural fields and plantation programmes, motivated by soil Habitat and Ecology Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) and stone pine (Pinus pinea) on
protection and reforestation of degraded areas, has resulted in Maritime pine is a light demanding and fast-growing species sandy coasts or sometimes in higher rocky hills. In Morocco it is
its expansion during the 19th and 20th centuries10 . Moreover, that occupies a broad range of elevations, climates and soils, a constituent of mixed coniferous forests with black pine (Pinus
intensive plantations were also established in the southern presenting remarkable genetic variation as a result13, 14 . There nigra), Moroccan fir (Abies pinsapo var. marocana), Atlas cedar
(Cedrus atlantica) and European yew (Taxus baccata)6 .

Importance and Usage

The maritime pine has been widely used for dunes
Uncertain, no-data
stabilisation18 , to enable the agricultural use of large areas along
the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, and as shelterbelts
Marginal/no presence < 5% protecting agricultural crops against salt spray9 . In southwestern
Low presence 5% - 10% France it has also been used for sanitation plantations and
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
economic development in the Landes18 , the largest continuous
plantation forest in Europe where Maritime pine is the main
Medium presence 30% - 50% species19 . Further, due to its fast growth characteristics and
Mid-high presence 50% - 70% tolerance to poor soils, other uses include soil conservation,
and protection of slopes against erosion, as well as shade tree
High presence 70% - 90%
in picnic areas, camp sites and recreational parks. The wood is
Very-high presence > 90% the major product that is obtained from maritime pine, which

Reddish-brown plates of the bark divided by deep fissures.

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. (Copyright Jean-Pol Grandmont, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

128 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Pinus pinaster

Asymmetrical cones of the maritime pine: they can grow

up to 15 cm long maturing in two years.
(Copyright S. Rae, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

has a broad range of final products such as construction wood,

furniture, poles and posts14 . Resin is the most important of
the non-wood products and is used, directly or indirectly after
distillation, to make turpentine and rosin, both used in a wide
range of products: oils, varnishes, adhesives, waxes, soaps and
medicines18 . Its bark is also distilled to produce tar, or chipped
and composted to produce a low-weight substrate for nursery Maritime pine forest on limestone soils in the Trevenque Mountain of Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain).
containers14, 18 . Finally, its stands are also an ideal ecosystem for (Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
the development of edible fungi, such as mushrooms of genus
Boletus (porcini) and Lactarius (milk-caps)9 . Threats and Diseases
This pine is a pyrophyte species, so that the fire is often vital niche of this weevil24 . Outside Europe the maritime pine has been
to maintain the Maritime pine status in its ecosystems, but it is also rated as one of the five most invasive pines26 , particularly in
a major hazard in plantations and its most significant threat in the South Africa, with impacts on species richness, accelerating soil
Mediterranean Basin20, 21 . The closed canopy and high tree stocking erosion and altering the water levels11, 18, 27, 28 .
that characterise silvicultural practices for maximizing biomass
production, generate accumulations of fuel with the potential for
extreme fire behaviour22 , besides that abundant understory in pure References
stands is a key factor in determining stand flammability. Regarding [1] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World: [14] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
The Complete Reference (Timber Press, forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
biotic threats, serious injuries are attributed to the exotic pine 2009). [15] N. Wahid, S. C. González-Martìnez, I.
wood nematode (Bursaphelencus xylophilus), which is responsible [2] A. V. Correia, A. C. Oliveira, A. Fabião,
Pinhais e eucaliptais: a floresta cultivada,
El Hadrami, A. Boulli, Annals of Forest
Science 63, 83 (2006).
for the pine wilt disease. This nematode is considered one of the J. S. Silva, ed. (Edições Público, Lisboa, [16] S. C. Gonzalez-Martinez, R. Alia, L. Gil,
2007), vol. 4 of Árvores e florestas de Heredity 89, 199 (2002).
most serious biological invasions and damaging diseases that Portugal, pp. 17–34.
[17] L. Salvador, R. Alía, D. Agúndez, L. Gil,
has affected conifer forests worldwide23 . Further, other damage [3] J. de las Heras, et al., Post-Fire Theoretical and Applied Genetics 100,
Management and Restoration of 89 (2000).
that can weaken the trees, causing the loss of plant growth Southern European Forests, F. Moreira, M.
Arianoutsou, P. Corona, J. De las Heras, [18] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
and reducing wood quality in the plantations, with important eds. (Springer Netherlands, 2012), vol. conifers (Brill, 2010).
economic impact, is caused by numerous pests. Cones and seeds 24 of Managing Forest Ecosystems, pp. [19] E. Brockerhoff, H. Jactel, J. Parrotta,
121–150. C. Quine, J. Sayer, Biodiversity and
are affected by the pine cone weevil (Pissodes validirostris) and [4] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C. Conservation 17, 925 (2008).
worm (Dioryctria mendacella). Buds, shoots and twigs are fed Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain [20] M. Barbéro, R. Loisel, P. Quézel, D. M.
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). Richardson, F. Romane, Ecology and
by the pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana). The main needle [5] C. J. Earle, The gymnosperm database Biogeography of Pinus, D. M. Richardson,
pests are the leaf-feeding larvae of the pine processionary moth (2015). http://www.conifers.org ed. (Cambridge University Press, 1998),
pp. 153–170.
[6] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
(Thaumetopoea pityocampa) and the pine sawfly (Neodiprion Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution, [21] P. M. Fernandes, E. Rigolot, Forest Ecology
sertifer), while the maritime pine bast scale (Matsucoccus feytaudi) Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation and Management 241, 1 (2007).
Status (Brill, 2013). [22] M. E. Alexander, Crown fire thresholds
is a needle sap sucking pest. Finally the fungi Lophodermium spp. [7] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae in exotic pine plantations of australasia,
and Cyclaneusma niveum cause the needle cast. Bark can be Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants Ph.D. thesis, Australian National University,
in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae Canberra (1998).
infested by beetles of family Scolytidae, such as Ips sexdentatus, to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping [23] B. Ribeiro, et al., Forest Pathology 42,
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica 521 (2012).
Tomicus spp. Orthtomicus erosus, Pityogenes bidentatus and Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
[24] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
Hylaster spp. Roots are attacked by the root rot fungi Armillaria [8] W. B. Critchfield, E. L. Little, Geographic (2015).
distribution of the pines of the world,
and Heterobasidion9, 14 . The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is no. 991 (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest [25] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
Service, Washington, D.C., 1966). (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
Majestic maritime pine standing out against the coast vegetation among the most serious pests affecting young coniferous forests http://www.cabi.org
[9] J. S. Pereira, Pines of Silvicultural
(Trieste, North-East Italy). in Europe24, 25, and the maritime fir partly coexists with the natural Importance, CABI, ed. (CABI, Wallingford, [26] M. Rejmánek, Plant invasions: general
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) UK, 2002), pp. 316–328. aspects and special problems, P. Pyšek,
K. Prach, M. Rejmánek, M. Wade, eds.,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised [10] D. C. Le Maitre, Ecology and Biogeography Workshop held at Kostelec nad Černými
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. of Pinus, D. M. Richardson, ed. (Cambridge lesy, Czech Republic, 16-19 September
University Press, 1998), pp. 407–431. 1993 (SPB Academic, 1995), pp. 3–13.
[11] S. I. Higgins, D. M. Richardson, Plant [27] Q. C. B. Cronk, J. L. Fuller, Plant invaders:
Ecology 135, 79 (1998). the threat to natural ecosystems (Springer,
London, 1995).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

[12] P. Ritson, S. Sochacki, Forest Ecology and

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Management 175, 103 (2003). [28] CABI, Pinus pinaster (maritime pine)
[13] R. Alìa, et al., Regiones de procedencia (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
Pinus pinaster Aiton (Ministerio de Medio http://www.cabi.org
Annual precipitation (mm)

Ambiente, Organismo Autónomo Parques

Nacionales, Madrid, 1996).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e012d59. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Abad Viñas, R., Caudullo, G., Oliveira, S., de Rigo, D., 2016. Pinus
pinaster in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats.
In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e012d59+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 129

 Pinus pinea

Pinus pinea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

R. Abad Viñas, G. Caudullo, S. Oliveira, D. de Rigo
The stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is a medium-sized tree with an umbrella-shaped, large and flat crown, scattered around
the Mediterranean basin, mainly in coastal areas, and particularly abundant in south Western Europe. It occupies a broad
range of climate and soil conditions, although it shows a low genetic variation. It thrives in dry weather, strong direct
sunlight and high temperatures, tolerating light-shaded conditions at the early stages of its growth. It prefers acidic,
siliceous soils but also tolerates calcareous ones. The most important economic products obtained from these pines are
the edible seeds (pine nuts), although they are also used for consolidation of sand dunes in coastal areas, for timber,
hunting and grazing activities. This pine species is rarely attacked by pests and diseases, despite some fungi diseases
that can cause damages to seedlings and young plantations. In the Mediterranean basin, forest fires constitute the major
threat to the stone pine, even though its thick bark and high crown make it less sensitive to fire than other pine species.
 The stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) is a medium sized evergreen
coniferous tree, which grows up to 25-30 m with trunks exceeding Frequency
2 m in diameter. The crown is globose and shrubby in youth, < 25%
25% - 50%
umbrella-shaped in mid-age and flat and broad in maturity. The 50% - 75%
trunk is often short and with numerous upward angled branches > 75%
Chorology
with foliage near to the ends. The bark is reddish brown, deeply Native
fissured, with broad, flat-topped, orange-purple plates. The needles
last 2-4 years and are bluish-green, in fascicles of two, on average
8-15 cm long, and with an oniony scent. The plant is monoecious
unisexual. The pollen cones are numerous, and crowded all around
the base of new shoots, each 10-20 mm long, pale orange-brown.
The seed cones are ovoid-globose, 8-12 cm long, green when
young and reddish brown when mature, ripening in the third year. Large green maturing cone: it takes 3 years to reach the maturity.
The seeds are pale brown, covered with a black power, 15-20 mm (Copyright S. Rae, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

long, heavy, with easily detachable wings and ineffective for wind
dispersal. Stone pine presents mast seeding with a significant
variation in seeds production across the years1-4 .
Distribution
The stone pine probably originated in the eastern
Mediterranean (Anatolia Peninsula, Greece, Syria) but it is more
abundant in south-western Europe (Iberian peninsula, South
France, Italy), and its regeneration is natural5 . However, its natural
range is difficult to establish due to a long history of planting,
because its range had a large expansion during the last thousand
years, as it was widely introduced throughout the Mediterranean
region for its edible seeds1, 5 . The earliest fossils of this species
were recently found in Gibraltar and dated to 49 200 years before
present6 . Currently, the stone pine has a scattered distribution
around the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal to Syria, with a
mainly coastal occurrence, except in Spain and Portugal where
it grows naturally at some distance from the sea7. It also occurs
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pinus pinea.
Frequency of Pinus pinea occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. pinea is derived after EUFORGEN25 .
along the shores of the Black Sea5, 8-11 . This pine has additionally
been successfully introduced in Argentina, South Africa and the
United States4, 12, 13 .  special requirements; it tolerates calcareous soils4 , but it prefers
Habitat and Ecology
  The stone pine, one of the most characteristic trees of
the Mediterranean flora, occupies a broad range of climate and
soil conditions along the Mediterranean basin. Despite this, it
has been identified as having very low genetic variation and no
hybridisation with other pines is known10, 14, 15 . It is considered a
heliophilous, xerophilous and thermophilous pine16 , that can
withstand slight shade during its first stages but which requires
abundant light for fructification in maturity17. Concerning annual
average precipitation, the minimum requirement is for around
250 mm but the optimum is considered to be 600 mm17. Stone
pine is well adapted to coastal thermo-Mediterranean areas where
frost damage is not a relevant issue; however it also thrives well
in sandy continental areas of central Spain with wide yearly and
daily thermal oscillations and where night frosts are frequent for
several months of the year17, 18 . Concerning the soil there are no
siliceous and sandy soils with acid or sub-acid reaction. It also
presents limitations in clay soils due to its inability to develop a
proper root system in these conditions. The soil pH in its locations
can range from 4 to 917, 19 .  

Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Reddish brown bark with deeply fissured orange plates.

(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Importance and Usage

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
  This pine is a multipurpose species, cultivated for the
production of timber, pine nuts, resin, bark, protection against
soil erosion or for environmental and aesthetic purposes19, 20 .
Concerning timber production, although the wood is of good
quality and it has been widely used in the past17, its relatively
slow growth, as compared with another species of overlapping
distribution area, ensure that stone pine is only a minor species
in commercial timber plantations1 . By contrast, due to its
frugal behaviour and high tolerance to poor sandy soils, it has
been successfully used for the consolidation of sand dunes in
Mediterranean coastal areas17, 19, 21 . However, undoubtedly, the
most economically important product is its edible seed, from
where the specific Latin name “pinea” is taken10 .  The seeds of the
stone pine have been used and traded since ancient times1, 14 and
their demand is increasing. The main producers of this product
are Spain, Portugal, Italy, Tunisia and Turkey10 . Furthermore, in
those habitats, where the poor and sandy soils throughout the
Mediterranean area represent a limitation for other species,
stone pine has great potential as an alternative crop, thanks to

130 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Pinus pinea

the minimal attention required by forest stands or plantations,

the increasing demand for pine nuts, and finally the compatibility
of the nut production with other timber and non-timber products,
such as fuel wood, mushrooms, hunting or grazing20 .  

Threats and Diseases

  The stone pine is not considered a threatened species and,
despite its low genetic diversity, it is rarely attacked by pests and
diseases. Nevertheless, as is the case with other Mediterranean
pines, forest fires constitute the major threat, even though this
pine is considerably less fire-sensitive thanks to its thick bark
and high crown devoid of low branches10, 16 . Regarding biotic
threats, fungi diseases such as blister rust (Cronartium flaccidum),
twisting rust (Melampsora populnea f.sp. pinitorqua) and needle rust
(Coleosporium tussilaginis) can sometimes cause serious damage to
seedlings and young plantations. The Sphaeropsis blight, caused by
the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea (syn. Diplodia pinea), is generally
considered a pathogen of weak trees and it can be responsible for
severe attacks after water stress. The fungi of genus Heterobasidion
can produce sometimes extensive losses through decay and root
rot10, 19. Economic impacts to the nut production through damage
to cones can be caused by boring beetles of genus Ernobius, the
cone-worms of snout moths (Dioryctria spp.), and by the western
conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) introduced from
North America, which withers or misdevelops the cones with its
sap-sucking activity22, 23 24 .

Stone pine forest on coastal sand dunes near Trafalgar Cape (Cádiz, Andalusia, South-West Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

References
[1] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[2] C. J. Earle, The gymnosperm database
(2015). http://www.conifers.org
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[4] G. Montero, R. Calama, R. Ruiz-Peinado,
Selvicultura de Pinus pinea (Instituto
Nacional de Investigación y Tecnologìa
Agraria y Alimentaria (España), 2008), pp.
431–470.
[5] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s
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[6] C. Finlayson, et al., Nature 443, 850
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[7] M. Barbéro, R. Loisel, P. Quézel, D. M. Richardson,
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[8] A. Farjon, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species (2013), pp. 42391/0+.
[9] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
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[10] B. Fady, S. Fineschi, G. G. Vendramin,
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genetic conservation and use for Italian
stone pine (Pinus pinea) (International
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[11] W. B. Critchfield, E. L. Little, Geographic
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[18] M. Pardos, J. Climent, H. Almeida, R. Calama,
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[19] A. Cutini, Pines of Silvicultural Importance,
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[20] R. Calama, G. Madrigal, J. A. Candela, G.
Montero, Investigación Agraria: Sistemas y
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[21] A. Boutheina, M. H. El Aouni, P. Balandier,
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in forests of Pinus pinea L. in northern
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A: Mediterranean Seminars, No. 105
(CIHEAM, FAO, INIA, IRTA, CESEFOR, CTFC,
Zaragoza, 2013), pp. 9–14.
[22] M. Bracalini, et al., Journal of Economic
Entomology 106, 229 (2013).
[23] I. M. Özçankaya, S. N. Balay, C. Bucak,
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(Pinus pinea L.) conelet losses in Kozak
catchment area, Options Méditerranéennes,
Series A: Mediterranean Seminars, No. 105
(CIHEAM, FAO, INIA, IRTA, CESEFOR, CTFC,
Zaragoza, 2013), pp. 29–33.
[24] EPPO, EPPO Global Database (2015).
https://gd.eppo.int
[25] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of italian
stone pine (Pinus pinea) (2008).
www.euforgen.org.

Ornamental stone pine in urban area (Recco, North-West Italy).

(Copyright Alessio Sbarbaro, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Pine nuts fresh from the cone are covered with a black powder.
(Copyright Eran Finkle, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01b4fc. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Abad Viñas, R., Caudullo, G., Oliveira, S., de Rigo, D., 2016. Pinus
pinea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01b4fc+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 131

 Pinus sylvestris
Pinus sylvestris in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
The most widely distributed pine species in the world, the conifer Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) can be found all the way
across Eurasia. The huge pine forests of Siberia are the largest stands of an individual tree species in the world. Even the
name “sylvestris” comes from the Latin “of forests”. Having such a large range means that it is genetically very variable
and a number of sub-species and varieties exist. However, it can often be easily recognised because of its distinctive
orange-red coloured bark. Scots pine is a pioneer species, frost and drought tolerant and able to grow on very poor soils,
so it can be found in many ecologically diverse habitats. Its timber is valued for its good strength to weight ratio and it
is both commercially and culturally a very important species in a number of European countries, particularly in the more
northerly regions.
Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) is a medium-sized conifer. It
reaches 23-27 m in height on average but can attain over 40 m1
and live for 400 years or more: one tree in Lapland is reported to
be over 750 years old2 . The bark on the upper part of the stem
develops a distinct reddish-orange colour while the lower part is
furrowed brown to grey-brown and becomes deeply fissured. Its
blue-green or grey-green needles are in pairs, generally slightly
twisted and are around 5-7 cm long3 . They stay on the tree for at
least 2, and in some cases up to 6 years1 .The needles are adapted
to deal with cold and drought, having imbedded stomata and a
waxy layer on the thick-walled epidermis to protect the needle
from water loss4 . It is a wind-pollinated species and is normally
monoecious but mature trees may very occasionally bear only
male or only female flowers5 . The male flowers cluster at the
base of new shoots and are yellow or pink; the female flowers
occur at the tips of new, strong shoots and develop a rose-purple
shade. The cones develop the year following pollination and are
conic-oblong 5-8 cm in size3, 6 . They require alternating periods of
dry and wet weather to open and shed the winged seeds, which
can be dispersed some way from the parent tree7.
Distribution
Scots pine is the most widespread species of the Pinus genus in
the world, and the second most widespread conifer after common
juniper (Juniperus communis)8 . It occupies a range from Spain in the
west to the far east of Russia. In terms of latitude it can be found
from northern Scandinavia (70° N) to the mountains of Sierra Nevada
in southern Spain (37° N). It grows at a wide range of elevations,
from sea level in the northern parts of its range to over 2 600 m in
the Caucasus. It has also been widely planted in the United States
(where it is referred to as Scotch pine), especially in the Northeast,
Lake States, Central States and the Pacific Northwest7.
In Europe, Scots pine forests now exceed 28 million hectares,
132 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
comprising over 20 % of the productive forest area9 . The tree
varies widely in form throughout its range and there is debate
over how many separate subspecies should be recognised8 . Its
modern genetic diversity is probably caused by its isolation in a
number of glacial refugia during the last ice age10 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pinus sylvestris.
Frequency of Pinus sylvestris occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. sylvestris is derived after EUFORGEN32 .
Male flowers are yellow or pink and clustered at the base of new shoots.
(Copyright Andrey Zharkikh, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology
It is a light-demanding pioneer species and can colonise
recently disturbed sites if competition and grazing pressure
are low11 . It grows mainly on sunny to partially shaded, usually
The upper part of the trunk is a distinctive reddish-orange colour. nutrient-poor sites12 . With a pronounced drought tolerance and
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
also good frost resistance, it is very undemanding as to site
and water supply and can grow on the poorest sandy soils, even
colonising acid highland moors13 . However, it cannot cope with
atmospheric pollution or salty sea winds14 and on fertile sites
it is often outcompeted by other species (usually spruce or
Uncertain, no-data broadleaved species)11, 15 . It requires a period of winter chilling to
Marginal/no presence < 5% break autumn dormancy, and starts to grow in the spring when
temperatures reach about 5 °C4, 5 . Under conditions of a warming
Low presence 5% - 10%
climate it is likely to increase its presence in the north, but decline
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% in the southern parts of its range16-19 .
Medium presence 30% - 50% It frequently grows in large single-species stands, but across
its huge range it may also be found with most of the boreal
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
species of Europe and Asia20 . In Europe it can be found growing
High presence 70% - 90% with broadleaved trees such as oaks (Quercus petraea, Quercus
Very-high presence > 90% robur), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and birch (Betula pendula), and
other conifers including spruce (Picea abies), larch (Larix decidua),
fir (Abies alba) and other pines (Pinus nigra, Pinus uncinata)9 , but
no single species or species group is associated with it over its
entire range15 .
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Native Scots pine woodlands in Glen Affric, Scotland.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
 Pinus sylvestris

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
Cones develop in one year and are 5-8 cm long. High survivability
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

Importance and Usage

Scots pine is one of the most commercially important
species1 , particularly in the Nordic countries9 . The wood is easily
workable and is one of the strongest of the softwoods, with a
good strength to weight ratio. It is used in particular as building
and construction timber, and also for furniture, pulp and paper.
It lasts well in wet conditions and was formerly used for mining
props12 , waterwheels and piles21 .
It is frequently used for land reclamation purposes and for
binding loose sands because of its tolerance to poor soils1 . In
Eastern Europe and the former USSR, Scots pine was widely
tapped for resin1, 13 . In America it is widely used as a Christmas
tree7. Scots pine is frequently used in dendrochronology, because
it is relatively long lived and often grows in marginal conditions,
where small fluctuations in temperature and/or moisture can
have a noticeable effect on its growth8, 22 .

Threats and Diseases

Pests can be a problem in large plantations, where they can
spread through a wide area. In particular, the fungi Fusarium
and Alternaria can cause high mortality of seedlings. Butt rot
of mature trees may be caused by species of Armillaria and
Fomes1 . The saw fly species Diprion pini and Neodiprion sertifer Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
can cause severe defoliation, rendering the tree susceptible to
attack by other pests23, 24 . The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis which may also be a vector of different fungal pathogens27-30 . The Lepidoptera: the most damaging include Bupalus piniarius, Panolis
L.) is among the most serious pests affecting young coniferous pine woolly aphid (Pineus pini) feeds on the foliage and young flammea and Lymantria monacha. It may also be attacked by the
forests in Europe25, 26 . Scots pine is vulnerable to Ips typographus shoots. Crown defoliation may be caused by the larvae of some red band needle blight (Mycosphaerella pini, syn. Dothistroma
septosporum)29, 31 . The leaves, shoots and bark are all grazed by
a variety of animals including sheep, deer, rabbits and squirrels5 .

Ancient large tree in Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain.
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe
field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[2] T. H. Wallenius, H. Kauhanen, H. Herva, J.
Pennanen, Canadian Journal of Forest
Research 40, 2027 (2010).
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[4] U. K. Krakau, M. Liesebach, T. Aronen, M.
A. Lelu-Walter, V. Schneck, Forest Tree
Breeding in Europe, L. E. Pâques, ed.
(Springer Netherlands, 2013), vol. 25 of
Managing Forest Ecosystems, chap. 6, pp.
267–323.
[5] A. Carlisle, A. H. F. Brown, Journal of
Ecology 56, 269 (1968).
[6] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[7] D. D. Skilling, Pinus sylvestris (Scotch
Pine), Agriculture Handbook 654 (U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Washington, DC., 1990), pp. 1000–1017.
[8] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[9] W. L. Mason, R. Alìa, Investigación agraria.
Sistemas y recursos forestales 9, 317 (2000).
[10] R. Cheddadi, et al., Global Ecology and
Biogeography 15, 271 (2006).
[11] C. Mátyás, Ackzell, C. J. A. Samuel,
EUFORGEN Technical guidelines for
genetic conservation and use for Scots
pine (Pinus sylvestris) (2003).
[12] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, 2010).
[13] M. Gardner, The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species (2013), pp. 42418/0+.
[17] M. Benito Garzón, R. Sánchez de Dios, H.
Sainz Ollero, Applied Vegetation Science
11, 169 (2008).
[18] L. Matìas, A. S. Jump, Forest Ecology and
Management 282, 10 (2012).
[19] G. E. Rehfeldt, et al., Global Change
Biology 8, 912 (2002).
[20] D. M. Richardson, Ecology and
biogeography of Pinus (Cambridge
University Press, 1998).
[21] J. E. Milner, The tree book : the
indispensable guide to tree facts, crafts
and lore (Collins & Brown, 1992).
[22] M. Lindholm, et al., Silva Fennica 34, 317
(2000).
[23] B. Langström, E. Annila, C. Hellqvist, M.
Varama, P. Niemelä, Scandinavian Journal
of Forest Research 16, 342 (2001).
[24] T. Virtanen, S. Neuvonen, A. Nikula, M.
Varama, P. Niemelä, Silva Fennica 30,
169 (1996).
[25] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
(2015).
[26] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[27] R. Kirschner, D. Begerow, F. Oberwinkler,
Mycological Research 105, 1403 (2001).
[28] R. Jankowiak, J. Hilszczański, Acta
Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 74, 345
(2011).
[29] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[30] L. Giordano, M. Garbelotto, G. Nicolotti, P.
Gonthier, Mycological Progress 12, 127
(2013).
[31] R. Drenkhan, J. Hantula, M. Vuorinen, L.

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[14] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[15] D. Kelly, A. Connolly, Forest Systems 9,
15 (2000).
Annual precipitation (mm)
Jankovský, M. M. Müller, European Journal
of Plant Pathology 136, 71 (2013).
[32] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of scots pine

(Pinus sylvestris) (2008).

[16] P. B. Reich, J. Oleksyn, Ecology Letters 11, www.euforgen.org.
588 (2008).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e016b94. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Pinus sylvestris
in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e016b94+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 133

 Populus alba

Populus alba in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo are established for wood industries, where other poplars do not
perform well, for example where the water table is inaccessible or
The white poplar (Populus alba L.) is a medium-sized tree commonly occurring in coastal and riparian forests of central and the soil is poor or saline. In such cases, the wood can be used for
southern Europe. Its wide range covers from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. It is a fast-growing pioneer tree, biomass energy, as pulpwood for paper, for packaging (crates and
which thrives in borders and sunny habitats in sandy alluvial soils and dunes. Its reproduction is primarily by root suckers boxes), pellets and partially as saw-logs. Plant density on pure
arising from lateral roots from which it forms dense and large colonies. It is used as an ornamental tree appreciated for plantations can be higher than other poplars and the rotation
its attractive double-coloured foliage, as a windbreak and for dune stabilisation thanks to its tolerance of salt winds. The reaches 18-25 years2, 6, 15 . It is widely planted as an ornamental
white poplar is free from threatening diseases, while it is considered an aggressive invasive species in North America, New tree in parks and gardens, for its attractive double-coloured
Zealand and South Africa. This poplar covers an important ecological role as a component of floodplain mixed forests, which foliage2, 6 . Poplar leaves could be used as cattle feed and as
are ecosystems with very high biodiversity and that are strongly threatened by human activities. bio-monitors for soil pollution15, 28 . White poplar is among the
The white poplar (Populus alba L.) is a medium-sized tree, group of plants with an important emission of isoprene, which
reaching at maturity 30 m in height and 1 m in diameter, rarely is one of the biogenic volatile organic compounds affecting a
Frequency
up to 40 m1 , and living to 300-400 years2, 3 . The trunk is never < 25% complex chain of feedbacks between the terrestrial biosphere and
25% - 50%
straight, usually leaning to one side4, 5 . The crown is normally 50% - 75%
climate, with relevant although not yet completely understood
broad and rounded with large branches inserted irregularly, often > 75% implications under the ongoing climate warming29-31 . This poplar
Chorology
bifurcated2 . Above or in young trees the bark is creamy white pitted Native covers an important ecological role as a component of floodplain
with small black diamonds; it is black and coarsely cracked at the forests. These forest ecosystems host a very high diversity of
base of older trees4 . The leaves are alternate, morphologically plants and animals, providing corridors through the landscape,
variable, with 3-5 lobes coarsely toothed, 6-12 cm long and sites for water storage and groundwater recharge during floods,
longer than they are wide1-3, 6 . The colour is shiny dark-green on opportunities for timber extraction, and diffuse pollution control
the upper side and white with dense hair on the lower side2, 5 . Like by recycling nutrients in farmland runoff32, 33 .
other poplars, it is a dioecious species1 . Flowers are out before
the leaves in early spring4 . The male catkins are grey with red
stamens, 5-8 cm long; the female catkins are greyish-green, 10-
15 cm long, forming fluffy seeds in early summer2, 4 .

Distribution
This tree is native in riparian steppe and coastal forest
communities of central and southern Europe. It occurs over a wide
range, from North Africa to Poland and from the Iberian Peninsula Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Populus alba.
Frequency of Populus alba occurrences within the field observations as
to western Siberia and Central Asia2, 6-9 . It was introduced in the reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
United States in the 18th century as a shade and ornamental tree spatial range for P. alba is derived after Isebrands and Richardson16 .
and more recently in all other continents, becoming naturalised in
many areas and invasive in some countries10-14 . the European mountain systems22 . In these critical areas, white
poplar complements key forest ecosystem services such as soil
Habitat and Ecology stabilisation and watershed protection23 . More generally, white
The white poplar occurs spontaneously along river valleys poplar is used for erosion control along river banks and roadsides,
in warm temperate and Mediterranean zones where soil-water windbreaks and land reclamation. Silvoarable agroforestry with Creamy white bark with small black diamonds.
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
is available15, 16 . It is a fast-growing and light demanding tree, this species24 may be exploited in Mediterranean areas with high
colonising woodland edges and open sunny habitats, including potential soil erosion, also considering the effectiveness of its
meadows, wetlands and riparian zones. It grows in most sites, cover-management on erosion rates25, 26 . Thanks to its salt and Threats and Diseases
tolerating from waterlogged to drought habitats and from sandy soil tolerance, it is also used near coasts in windbreaks Like other poplars, it hosts a large number of insects, but only a
acid to strong alkaline soils, but developing in shrub form in against salty winds and for dune stabilisation2, 15 . It is further few of those need to be controlled especially in plantations. Among
extreme conditions17. It performs with high growing rates on exploited for phytoremediation with the hybrids Populus alba x the leaf defoliators, the main ones are the moth Hyphantria cunea
optimal sites, characterised by good water availability and well- tremula and Populus tremula x alba 27. The wood is not of high and the large poplar-leaf beetle Chrysomela populi. Wood diseases
textured soils that have neutral-alkaline pH and which are rich in quality, especially from natural stands, being woolly in texture, of can occasionally be caused by the goat moth Cossus cossus and
nutrients3, 15, 17, 18 . Reproduction is primarily by vegetative means, low flammability, not durable, very light and soft, so it is suitable the longhorn beetles of genus Saperda, even if their xylophagous
through root suckers. They arise from adventitious buds on the only for local and artisan use. However, specialised plantations caterpillars are found mainly in other poplar species. The soil
lateral root system, which can grow as far as 30-50 m from the
plant. New plants may also establish through tree fragments,
which can easily root in suitable environments. Suckers from
a single tree can quickly develop a dense and large colony,
shading out competitive vegetation10, 11, 18 . Mature trees also
produce abundant wind-dispersed seeds that may be carried long
distances11 . The white poplar hybridises naturally with Eurasian
aspen (Populus tremula). The resulting hybrids are known as
grey poplars (Populus x canescens), which is a morphologically
intermediate species, but which exhibits more vigour than
either parent2, 4, 5 . This poplar is a common species of floodplain
forests in early- to mid-seral vegetation communities10 . In
central and southern Europe it dominates and co-dominates in
riparian woodland of the central-western Mediterranean zone
with willows (Salix alba, Salix fragilis), black poplar (Populus
nigra), and alder (Alnus glutinosa). In the wooded steppe zone
it is dominant on sandy soils having originated from alluvial
deposits and on sand dunes bordering riverine gallery forests9 .
It occurs also as a secondary species in hygrophilous floodplain
forests of the temperate zone dominated by pedunculate oak
(Quercus robur), ashes (Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus angustifolia),
elms (Ulmus spp.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa), and in eastern
Mediterranean riparian forests dominated by oriental plane
(Platanus orientalis)19, 20 .

Importance and Usage

White poplar is not an important species commercially. It is
widely used in interspecific breeding programmes to introduce
valuable traits into poplars of more economic importance.
As other fast growing Salicaceae, this poplar may have a
multifunctional role for pollution mitigation, microclimate
regulation and improved structural and biological diversity in
open agricultural landscapes21 . Its broad geographical distribution
overlaps with many areas in Europe affected by high erosion Free-standing trees develop a broad and rounded crown.
rates, including moist slopes with high drainage-area within (Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

134 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Populus alba

Small branchlet with male catkins floating in the water.

(Copyright Rob Hille, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens can cause serious damage

with canker infections. The main fungi affecting leaves and rusts
causing premature defoliations are Melampsora spp., Marssonina
castagnei, and Venturia spp. on young plantations2, 15, 34 . The Asian
longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) may attack the white
poplar which, however, shows a remarkable resistance and may thus
potentially act as overwintering reservoir of the beetle35, 36 . Leucoma
salicis may infestate this tree, although outbreaks in central Europe
may be mitigated by numerous natural enemies36 . Chrysomela
tremulae, a leaf-feeding beetle, can damage young plantations of Lobed leaves are shiny dark-green on the upper side and white with dense hairs on the lower one.
the hybrid P. tremula x alba as well as of the white poplar36 . This (Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

species forms with other hygrophilous broadleaves the floodplain

mixed forests, one of the most threatened natural ecosystems in References
Europe, which has seen during the last centuries a 90 % of the [1] J. Do Amaral Franco, Flora Europea.
Volume 1. Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, T.
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conditions32, 33 . For this reason several riparian habitats are now forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[3] J.-C. Rameau, D. Mansion, G. Dumé, Flore
protected by European legislation37, 38 . On the other hand, the forestière française, Plaines et collines,
white poplar can be an aggressive exotic tree species, so that vol. 1 (Institut pour le Développement
Forestier, Paris, 1989).
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(Andalusia, Spain). Museum & Art Gallery, Hobart, 2009), p. 8.
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in Information and Communication
Technology 359, 310 (2011).
[26] M. López-Vicente, A. Navas, Soil Science
174, 272 (2009).
[27] M. E. Dix, N. B. Klopfenstein, J. W. Zhang, S.
W. Workman, M. S. Kim, Micropropagation,
genetic engineering, and molecular biology
of Populus, N. B. Klopfenstein, et al., eds.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, 1997), vol. RM-GTR-297 of Rocky
Mountain Forest & Range Exp. Station:
General Technical Reports (RM-GTR), pp.
206–211.
[28] P. Madejón, T. Marañón, J. M. Murillo, B.
Robinson, Environmental Pollution 132,
145 (2004).
[29] J. Laothawornkitkul, J. E. Taylor, N. D. Paul, C.
N. Hewitt, New Phytologist 183, 27 (2009).
[30] F. Pacifico, S. P. Harrison, C. D. Jones, S.
Sitch, Atmospheric Environment 43, 6121
(2009).
[31] J. Peñuelas, J. Llusià, Trends in Plant
Science 8, 105 (2015).
[32] F. M. R. Hughes, ed., The Flooded Forest:
Guidance for policy makers and river
managers in Europe on the restoration of
floodplain forests (FLOBAR2, Department
of Geography, University of Cambridge,
UK, 2003).
[33] T. Moss, J. Monstadt, Restoring Floodplains
in Europe: Policy Contexts and Project
Experiences (IWA Publishing, London, UK,
2008).
[34] G. Newcombe, The specificity of fungal
pathogens of Populus (NRC Research
Press, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 1996),
pp. 223–246.
[35] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[36] V. de Tillesse, L. Nef, J. Charles, A. Hopkin,
S. Augustin, Damaging poplar Insects
- Internationally important species
(International Poplar Commission, FAO,
Rome, 2007).
[37] Council of the European Union, Official
Journal of the European Union 35, 7
(1992).
[38] European Commission, Interpretation
Manual of European Union Habitats
- EUR28 version, Directorate-General
Environment, Brussels (2013).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Female catkins maturing after pollination.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Carpet of fluffy seeds on the grass under white poplars.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e010368. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Populus alba in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e010368+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 135

 Populus nigra
Populus nigra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
D. de Rigo, C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant,G. Caudullo
Black poplar (Populus nigra L.) is a pioneer deciduous wind-pollinated tree species, widely distributed across Europe, Asia
and northern Africa. In Europe it is considered as an important species of floodplain forests, but it is currently close to
extinction in several parts of its range.
Black poplar is a large, fast growing deciduous tree, reaching
heights of up to 40 m tall and trunk diameters of up to 200 cm1 .
The bark is dark brown or black, with numerous fissures. The
leaves are variable in size and shape, longer than wider, but
they usually have a cuneate base and serrated margins2 . The
flowers appear before the foliage develops3 , from specialised
buds containing preformed inflorescences4 . The fruits consist
of capsules grouped in catkins3 . It can be propagated both in
generative (by wind- and water-dispersed seeds) and vegetative
ways (by cuttings)1, 5 . There are a large number of clones, varieties
and hybrids, making classification difficult6-8 . Mature trees can
live for 100, occasionally 300-400 years8 .
Distribution
Black poplar has a wide natural distribution. In Europe, it
can be found as far north as the British Isles and down to the
Mediterranean coast. At the southern extreme of its range it can
be found in parts of northern Africa and the Middle East. To the
east its range extends as far as Kazakstan and China1, 7, 9 . It is
also cultivated in India between 26 and 29° N latitude and is
naturalised in both North and South America1 .
Habitat and Ecology
The black poplar is a tree species of floodplain forests5 ,
growing in riparian mixed forests together with white poplar
(Populus alba L.), willow (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), maple
(Acer spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.), and sometimes oak (Quercus spp.)7.
It is a pioneer tree species6, 10 , and does not tolerate drought or
shade1 . It is an opportunistic species able to colonise new sites
after disturbances, and has a good tolerance to high water levels
and high temperatures during summer8 . It can be managed easily
by coppicing1 .
Importance and Usage
Both tree breeders and conservationists are aware of the
importance of black poplar8 . It is a highly valuable tree species
from an economic point of view: it is used as a parent pool for
136 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
effectiveness of its cover-management on erosion rates18 . It is
often used as an ornamental tree, especially the narrow variety
Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra cv. Italica)1, 7. The wood has
many desirable qualities; although not particularly strong, it is
relatively fire-resistant and shockproof, and it has a soft, fine
texture. Traditionally it was used for clogs, carts, furniture and
Frequency also flooring near to open fireplaces19 . It is now used for pulp
< 25%
25% - 50% and paper production, and its fast growth rate makes it a suitable
50% - 75%
bioenergy crop8, 13, 20 . Extracts from the tree have been shown to
> 75%
Chorology have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects8, 21 . Black poplar
Native
belongs to the group of plants that remarkably emit isoprene,
which is one of the biogenic volatile organic compounds
affecting a complex chain of feedbacks between the terrestrial
biosphere and climate, with relevant although not yet completely
understood implications under the ongoing climate warming22-24 .
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Populus nigra.
Frequency of Populus nigra occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. nigra is derived after EUFORGEN32 .
several breeding programmes across Europe, especially for
obtaining the hybrid Populus x euramericana (P. deltoides x P.
nigra) 7, 10-12 . As other fast growing Salicaceae, this species may
have a multifunctional role for pollution mitigation , microclimate
regulation and improved structural and biological diversity in open
agricultural landscapes13 . The wide spatial distribution of black
poplar overlaps with many areas in Europe subject to high erosion
rates, including moist slopes with high drainage-area within
the European mountain systems14 . Here, this tree contributes
to relevant forest ecosystem services such as soil stabilisation
and watershed protection15 . It has also high ecological value in
riparian floodplain ecosystems, frequently used as a windbreak
or to control erosion along riverbanks1 . In Mediterranean areas
with high potential soil erosion16 , silvoarable agroforestry
with this species17 may be exploited even considering the
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Columnar form of black poplar in a garden park of Békés (East Hungary).
(Copyright László Szalai, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Male catkins with reddish anthers during pollination.
(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
 Populus nigra

Deep fissured bark of a mature tree.

(Copyright Botaurus stellaris, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

Isolated poplars with autumn foliage in the rural area near Torrestío (León, North-West Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

Female greenish flowers before pollination.

(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Triangular-shaped leaves with cuneate base and accuminate apex.

(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Fluffy seeds ripening from the capsules dispersed by the wind.
(Copyright Franco Giordana, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
References
[1] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
Threats and Diseases [2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
Black poplar is now one of the most threatened tree species and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
in Europe5 and is close to extinction in a large part of western [3] A. Vanden Broeck, K. Cox, P. Quataert, E.
Van Bockstaele, J. Van Slycken, Silvae
Europe7 because of several factors including habitat degradation, Genetica 52(5-6), 280 (2003).
demographic pressure and lack of genetic diversity1, 6, 25 . Gene [4] R. F. Stettler, H. D. Bradshaw, P. E. Heilman,
T. M. Hinckley, Biology of Populus and
flow from cultivated poplar plantations into the wild populations is its implications for management and
also a significant problem26, 27. Black poplar is susceptible to the conservation (NRC Research Press,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 1996).
rust disease Melampsora larici-populina28, 29 which, while causing [5] A. Vanden Broek, Technical guidelines for
only moderate levels of mortality, results in significant reduction in genetic conservation and use of European
Black Poplar (Populus nigra) (2003).
growth volume. This tree is susceptible to attacks from the Asian [6] OECD, Safety Assessment of Transgenic
longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and since it shows Organisms (OECD Publishing, 2006), vol. 2
of OECD Consensus Documents.
a remarkable resistance, it may potentially act as overwintering [7] L. Cagelli, F. Lefèvre, Forest Genetics pp.
reservoir of the beetle30, 31 . Porthetria obfuscate and the larvae of 135–144 (1995).
[8] B. Šiler, et al., Variability of european black
Trichiocampus viminalis are damaging defoliators; Phyllonorycter poplar (populus nigra l.) in the danube
basin, Tech. rep. (2014).
populifoliella mines the leaves of black poplar while insects of the
[9] E. Imbert, F. Lefèvre, Journal of Ecology
Phyllocnistis genus can skeletonise its leaves and those of the 91, 447 (2003).
hybrid P. deltoides x nigra, on trees of all ages31 . This poplar can be [10] F. Lefèvre, A. Légionnet, S. deVries, J.
Turok, Genetics Selection Evolution 30,
infestated by Leucoma salicis, although in central Europe numerous S181+ (1998).
natural enemies may mitigate outbreaks31 . Maturing fruits on catkins during leaf development.
[11] R. Monclus, et al., New Phytologist 169,
765 (2006).
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
[12] M.-T. Cervera, et al., Genetics 158, 787
(2001).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised [13] R. Tognetti, C. Cocozza, M. Marchetti,
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry 6,
37 (2013).
[14] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[16] D. de Rigo, C. Bosco, IFIP Advances
in Information and Communication
Technology 359, 310 (2011).
[17] Y. Reisner, R. de Filippi, F. Herzog, J. Palma,
Ecological Engineering 29, 401 (2007).
[18] M. López-Vicente, A. Navas, Soil Science
174, 272 (2009).
[19] J. Cottrell, Conservation of Black poplar
(Populus nigra L.) (Forestry Commission,
2004).
[20] F. P. Guerra, et al., New Phytologist 197,
162 (2013).
[21] I. Jerković, J. Mastelić, Phytochemistry 63,
109 (2003).
[22] J. Laothawornkitkul, J. E. Taylor, N. D.
Paul, C. N. Hewitt, New Phytologist 183,
27 (2009).
[23] F. Pacifico, S. P. Harrison, C. D. Jones, S.
Sitch, Atmospheric Environment 43, 6121
(2009).
[24] J. Peñuelas, J. Llusià, Trends in Plant
Science 8, 105 (2015).
[25] V. Storme, et al., TAG Theoretical and
Applied Genetics 108, 969 (2004).
[26] A. Vanden Broeck, M. Villar, E. Van
Bockstaele, J. VanSlycken, Annals of
Forest Science 62, 601 (2005).
[27] A. V. Broeck, et al., Annals of Forest
Science 63, 783 (2006).
[28] A. Legionnet, H. Muranty, F. Lefèvre,
Heredity 82, 318 (1999).
[29] J. Pinon, Silvae Genetica 41, 25 (1992)
[30] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[31] V. de Tillesse, L. Nef, J. Charles, A. Hopkin,
S. Augustin, Damaging poplar Insects
- Internationally important species
(International Poplar Commission, FAO,

System Science 15, 225 (2015).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[15] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Annual precipitation (mm)
Rome, 2007).
[32] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of black
poplar (Populus nigra) (2015).

Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer www.euforgen.org.

Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0182a4. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
de Rigo, D., Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T.,Caudullo, G., 2016. Populus
nigra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-
Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A.
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e0182a4+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 137

 Populus tremula
Populus tremula in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
The Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a fast-growing broadleaf tree that is native to the cooler temperate and
boreal regions of Europe and Asia. It has an extremely wide range, as a result of which there are numerous forms and
subspecies. It can tolerate a wide range of habitat conditions and typically colonises disturbed areas (for example after
fire, wind-throw, etc.). It is considered to be a keystone species because of its ecological importance for other species:
it has more host-specific species than any other boreal tree. The wood is mainly used for veneer and pulp for paper
production as it is light and not particularly strong, although it also has use as a biomass crop because of its fast growth.
A number of hybrids have been developed to maximise its vigour and growth rate.
Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a medium-size,
fast-growing tree, exceptionally reaching a height of 30 m1 . The
trunk is long and slender, rarely up to 1 m in diameter. The light
branches are rather perpendicular, giving to the crown a conic-
pyramidal shape. The leaves are 5-7 cm long, simple, round-
ovate, with big wave-shaped teeth2, 3 . They flutter in the slightest
breeze, constantly moving and rustling, so that trees can often be
heard but not seen. In spring the young leaves are coppery-brown
and turn to golden yellow in autumn, making it attractive in all
vegetative seasons1, 2 . The aspen is a dioecious tree. Flowers
are produced in February-March before the leaves appear2, 3 .
Male catkins are 5-10 cm long, grey-brown, yellowish in mid-
March when shedding pollen. Female catkins are green, 5-6 cm at
pollination, extending 10-12 cm long at maturity in early summer
to bear 50-80 capsules each containing numerous tiny seeds
embedded in downy fluff and dispersed by wind4 . The bark is
greenish-grey, smooth, wrinkled with diamond lenticels1, 2 .
Distribution
 This species is native to cool temperate and boreal regions
of Europe and Asia. It is the second most widely distributed tree
in the world, after Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Aspen’s range
extends from Iceland and Ireland to Kamchatka, and from north
of the Arctic Circle in Fennoscandia and Russia (growing at sea
level), to Spain, Turkey, North Korea and northern Japan (growing
up to 1900 m in the Pyrenees)5-9 . There are also isolated glacial-
relict populations on the highest elevations of the Atlas Mountains
in Algeria10 . Due to its wide distribution, many geographical races
have been differentiated morphologically, and some of these
forms are considered as sub-species8 .
Habitat and Ecology
 Eurasian aspen is a light-demanding, rapidly growing
broad-leaved tree. Its fast-growing habit continues until the
138 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Populus tremula.
Frequency of Populus tremula occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. tremula is derived after several sources5, 30, 31 .
age of about 20 years when crown competition increases. After
that, its growth increment is slower and culminates at about 30
years of age, and the average lifespan is 50-100 years8, 9, 11 .
The enormous wide natural range demonstrates its tolerance of
a high variety of climatic and habitat conditions, such as frost,
shade, waterlogging, wind and weed competition. It also grows
on a wide range of soils, from slightly dry to wet soils of poor
to rich nutrient status, although it favours moist soils with a high
organic matter content and wet conditions8, 11, 12 . Light is more
important than soil conditions, even if, unlike many other poplars, it
is sufficiently shade-tolerant to be a stable part of a mixed stand
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Young trees in Lapland, Finland..
(Copyright Mattivirtala, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
woodland, especially with species casting a relatively light shade,
such as Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and birches (Betula spp.)11 .
Eurasian aspen trees typically occur as scattered patches in the
midst of the conifer-dominated landscape. It is a disturbance-
adapted species and is a coloniser of clear disturbed areas such
as after fire, clear-cutting, wind-throw or defoliation. In such
cases it may form large and more continuous stands9, 13 . Though
Eurasian aspen may produce enormous numbers of viable seeds,
seedlings find it difficult to establish apart from under suitable
environmental conditions or after a forest fire14 . Aspen maintains
its existing populations mainly through vegetative replacement
and expansion. The vegetative reproduction is guaranteed by root
suckers, which are abundantly produced on the shallow lateral
roots after an individual has been damaged or destroyed, e.g. by
cutting, fire or diseases, leaving an open space exposed to sunlight.
The trees growing from the suckers form clones and mature stands
reproduce vigorously by this vegetative means. Clones may live
thousands of years if new suckers continuously arise from the
original rootstock4, 9 . Eurasian aspen hybridises naturally with
white poplar (Populus alba) forming the grey poplar (Populus x
canescens), which is intermediate morphologically, but more
vigorous than its parents8 . Artificial hybrids have been produced
with a number of other poplars. In particular Populus tremula x
tremuloides, the hybrid with the North American quaking aspen
(Populus tremuloides), is widely used for large-scale plantations
thanks to its stronger vigour and higher growth rates4, 15 .
Importance and Usage
Although its commercial importance is limited compared
with other tree species, aspen is often found to be a keystone
species due to its fundamental ecological importance for other
species; e.g. herbivorous, saprophytic invertebrates, fungi and
lichens, birds, etc. It has more host-specific species than any other
boreal tree and is one of the most significant contributors to total
epiphyte diversity in the boreal forest9, 11, 16 . It is an attractive
species for ornamental purposes thanks to the colouration of
foliage8, 11 . The wood is not dense, like other poplars, and it is
mainly used for veneer and pulp for paper production, also for
good quality charcoal and chip-wood8, 11 . It is used as a biomass
crop for energy production because of its rapid growth. As a
pioneer species Eurasian aspen is often used for afforestation of
barren or degraded lands, and it is also planted as a shelterbelt
species thanks to its wind resistance8 . As other fast growing
The foliage flutters in the breeze so the trees are often heard even when not seen.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
 Populus tremula

Salicaceae, this aspen is multi-functionally suited for pollution

mitigation , microclimate regulation and to enhance the structural
and biological diversity in open agricultural landscapes17. Its very
broad spatial distribution overlaps with many areas in Europe Uncertain, no-data
affected by high erosion rates, including European boreal areas Tundra, cold desert
and moist slopes with high drainage-area within the European
Negligible survivability
mountain systems18 . In many erosion-prone areas, Eurasian
aspen contributes to provide important ecosystem services Low survivability
such as watershed protection and soil stabilisation19 . It is also Mid-low survivability
exploited for phytoremediation with the hybrid aspens Populus
Medium survivability
tremula x alba and Populus alba x tremula20 . In the Nordic and
Baltic countries the hybrid Populus tremula x tremuloides is Mid-high survivability
planted for pulp fibre production. On the best sites it can produce High survivability
almost twice as much wood as native aspen9 . Eurasian aspen
is among the group of plants that significantly emit isoprene,
which is one of the biogenic volatile organic compounds
affecting a complex chain of feedbacks between the terrestrial
biosphere and climate, with relevant although not yet completely
understood implications under the ongoing climate warming21-23 .

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Autumn colours of the aspen.

(Copyright Budmac, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Threats and Diseases
A large number of herbivores graze aspen leaves for foraging.
Despite its fast growth, repeated browsing activity can limit the
successful establishment, especially of young trees. In boreal,
temperate, and mountain forests, aspen can be heavily defoliated
by moose and deer (Cervidae), livestock, rabbits (Leporidae), or
killed by bark stripping or fraying activities9, 14, 24 . In regions of
intensive agricultural and silvicultural land-use aspen has been
removed over centuries and restricted to marginal or abandoned
sites. In such regions it is now considered to be a threatened species
and the genetic variation is also reduced by the improving use of
hybrids, which pose a potential threat to the genetic integrity of
the native populations4 . Aspen is also affected by numerous fungi
and diseases, most of them part of the forest ecosystem and
not threating the host9 . Economic damage is caused principally
on stands for wood production. The fungi Neofabraea populi and
Entoleuca mammata, which have been imported into Europe and
Scandinavia from North America, can potentially cause severe
infections25, 26 . Like other poplars aspen can be attacked by
several species of leaf rusts of genus Melampsora. This fungus
causes decay spots on the leaves and kills the growing tips of new
shoots. Heavy infestation can result in defoliation11, 27. The species
Melampsora pinitorqua, which causes serious diseases on young
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Scots pine stands, has the aspen trees as an intermediate host, References
so that aspen has been eliminated from most managed forests [1] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
containing pine in Finland. The main agent responsible for the (Collins, 2006).
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
death of old and large tree is the stem white rot fungus Phellinus Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
tremulae. On plantations this disease can reduce considerably and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
the economic value of the wood14, 16 . The Eurasian aspen is a
[3] M. Goldstein, G. Simonetti, M. Watschinger,
Alberi d’Europa (A. Mondadori, 1995).
susceptible host for the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora [4] G. von Wühlisch, EUFORGEN Technical
glabripennis), despite showing noticeable resistance and thus
Guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula)
(Bioversity International, 2009).
potentially acting as overwintering reservoir of the beetle28, 29 .
The larvae of Trichiocampus viminalis may defoliate the Eurasian
[5] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
aspen29 . The lepidopteran Clostera anastomosis especially feeds Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer
Verlag Jena, 1978).
of this tree29 . The leaf-feeding beetles of Chrysomela tremulae [6] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
can damage young plantations of the hybrids Populus tremula x Europaeae: distribution of vascular
plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
tremuloides and P. tremula x alba29 . Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
[7] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of Cancer),
Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books, 1986).
[8] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[9] N. A. MacKenzie, Ecology, conservation and
management of Aspen A Literature Review
(Scottish Native Woods, Aberfeldy, UK, 2010).
[10] P. Quézel, Anales del Jardìn Botánico de
Madrid 37, 352 (1980).
[11] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[12] P. Quelch, The biodiversity and
management of aspen woodlands, P.
Cosgrove, A. Amphlett, eds., Proceedings
of a one-day conference held in Kingussie,
Scotland, on 25th May 2001 (The
Bark detail showing diamond pattern. Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright) 2002, Grantown-on-Spey, 2002).
[13] J. Kouki, Aspen in Scotland: biodiversity and
management, J. Parrott, N. MacKenzie, eds.
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised (Highland Aspen Group, 2009), pp. 1–6.
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
[14] T. Latva-Karjanmaa, R. Penttilä, J. Siitonen,
Canadian Journal of Forest Research 37,
1070 (2007).
[15] Q. Yu, P. Tigerstedt, M. Haapanen, Silva
[18] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[19] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[20] M. E. Dix, N. B. Klopfenstein, J. W. Zhang, S.
W. Workman, M. S. Kim, Micropropagation,
genetic engineering, and molecular biology
of Populus, N. B. Klopfenstein, et al., eds. (U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
1997), vol. RM-GTR-297 of Rocky Mountain
Forest & Range Exp. Station: General
Technical Reports (RM-GTR), pp. 206–211.
[21] J. Laothawornkitkul, J. E. Taylor, N. D. Paul, C.
N. Hewitt, New Phytologist 183, 27 (2009).
[22] F. Pacifico, S. P. Harrison, C. D. Jones, S. Sitch,
Atmospheric Environment 43, 6121 (2009).
[23] J. Peñuelas, J. Llusià, Trends in Plant
Science 8, 105 (2015).
[24] A. Turbé, et al., Disturbances of EU forests
caused by biotic agents - final report,
Tech. Rep. KH-32-13-151-EN-N (2011).
Final Report prepared for European
Commission (DG ENV).
[25] R. Kasanen, J. Hantula, T. Kurkela,
Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
17, 391 (2002).
[26] M. E. Ostry, N. A. Anderson, Forest Ecology
and Management 257, 390 (2009).
[27] E. Emmett, V. Emmett, The biodiversity
and management of aspen woodlands, P.
Cosgrove, A. Amphlett, eds., Proceedings
of a one-day conference held in Kingussie,
Scotland, on 25th May 2001 (The
Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan
2002, Grantown-on-Spey, 2002), pp. 12–15.
[28] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[29] V. de Tillesse, L. Nef, J. Charles, A. Hopkin,
S. Augustin, Damaging poplar Insects -
Internationally important species (International
Poplar Commission, FAO, Rome, 2007).
[30] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of aspen
(Populus tremula) (2009).
www.euforgen.org.

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Fennica 35 (2001).
[31] A. N. Afonin, S. L. Greene, N. I. Dzyubenko,
[16] J. Kouki, K. Arnold, P. Martikainen, Journal A. N. Frolov, eds., Interactive Agricultural
for Nature Conservation 12, 41 (2004). Ecological Atlas of Russia and Neighboring
Countries: Economic Plants and their
Annual precipitation (mm)

[17] R. Tognetti, C. Cocozza, M. Marchetti,

iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry 6, Diseases, Pests and Weeds [Online] (2008).
37 (2013). http://www.agroatlas.ru.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01f148. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Populus tremula in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01f148+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 139

 Prunus avium

Prunus avium in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

E. Welk, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Prunus avium (L.) L., known as wild cherry, is a medium sized, fast growing and rather short-lived deciduous tree. The
wild populations, described here, belong to the typical subspecies avium, whereas the cultivated forms are distinguished
as subsp. duracina and subsp. juliana. The early large white flowers are clustered on spur shoots and give rise to edible
purplish small drupes with a bitter-sweet taste. The main stem trunk is usually very straight with a characteristic grey-
reddish-brown “cherry-bark” that is shiny with large horizontal lenticels and horizontally peeling pattern. Wild cherry
occurs as a minor component in many types of temperate broadleaved and mixed forests. The wild form is a mainly
European species and served as the origin of all cultivated forms. It is a very popular ornamental fruit tree, and the hard,
reddish-brown timber is one of the most valuable in Europe.
Wild cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.) is a fast-growing but
short-lived (100-150 years), medium sized deciduous tree, which
Frequency
grows to 15-32 m height and with a stem diameter of up to 90- < 25%

120 cm1 . The species mostly develops single, straight trunks 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
with a thin, smooth purplish-grey bark that becomes grey-brown > 75%
Chorology
with horizontal fissuring and peeling when old. Young trees grow Native
with a strong apical control developing a straight trunk and an
erect-pyramidal “coniferous” crown shape, becoming broader
and rounded on single old trees or conical in individuals in forest
stands2, 3 . Young shoots are shiny, pale grey to purplish-brown,
and have large, reddish brown and protruding ovoid-ellipsoid,
glabrous winterbuds at the branch ends arranged in whorl-
like form. Stem wounds produce a resin-like, amber coloured
odourless gum4, 5 . The leaves change colour from light green
in spring over dark green in summer, and to yellow, orange-red,
scarlet or pink in autumn. They are alternate, pendulous, simple Cutivated cherry tree in orchard.
and elliptic-ovate to obovate acute in shape. The leaf margins (Copyright Tara2, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

are mildly serrated with slightly rounded teeth. There are

conspicuous pairs of dark-red glands at the 2-3.5 cm long petiole
below the lamina. Leaf size is approximately 5-15x3-8 cm. They
are usually dull, glabrous-rugose above and sometimes weakly
downy at the 8-15 pairs of secondary vein ribs beneath1, 2, 5 .
Wild cherry flowers are allogamous, actinomorphic, about
2-2.5 cm in diameter, white, hermaphroditic, insect pollinated,
and are arranged in racemose clusters of 2-5 flowers on short
spurs (brachyblasts) with multiple apical (inserted at tips) buds;
of which the distal (uppermost) bud is vegetative and continues
growth, while the others bear new inflorescences3 . Flowers are
pollinated mainly by honeybees, wild bees and bumblebees and
the trees are generally not self-fertile1, 2, 5 . Individual trees have
a relatively short life span of 100-120 years at maximum, and
can start fruiting when 10-15 years old 6. In Central Europe,
flowering starts earliest in late March and occurs until May, while
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Prunus avium.
Frequency of Prunus avium occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. aviumis derived after EUFORGEN19 .
individual trees are in flower for about one week1, 2, 5 . Fruits are
purplish black drupes, sub-globose to ovoid, 1-2 cm in diameter
with a smooth, fleshy, and bitter-sweet edible endocarp1, 2, 5 . Ripe
fruits occur from late spring until summer and are consumed and
dispersed mostly by birds such as pigeons, starlings, thrushes
and jays, but also by larger vertebrates like foxes, badgers or
wild boar2, 6 .
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Distribution
  Prunus avium occurs naturally throughout the temperate
forest regions of Europe, Anatolia, and adjacent regions of the
North African Maghreb, and western Asia1, 2, 5 . The distribution
area extends northwards to the British Islands and to southern
Scandinavia, where it is difficult to tell apart native from
naturalised populations. The northern natural range limit is
reached at about 55° north parallel1 . In the south the range
extends to North Africa, South Spain, central Italy, and the
Balkans. In these regions it is strictly confined to increasingly
scattered high altitude populations in humid situations1, 2 . The
easternmost parts of the natural range include the Caucasus and
the Elburs mountains of North Iran, where the species is reported
to occur up to elevations of 2 000 m. In the Alps it occurs up to
1 700 m and reaches 1 900 m in South-East France7. The general
altitudinal distribution stretches from the planar to submontane
altitudinal zone. In the highest, montane locations wild cherry
often grows only as a shrub7. Limiting factors for wild cherry
distribution are mainly related to rainfall in the summer period
in the south and colder conditions in north and east Europe8 .
Beside the circumscribed native distribution, this Prunus is widely
planted and naturalises successfully in deciduous forest habitats
and shrub land, especially in temperate regions of Northern Asia
and North America1, 2 .

Medium presence 30% - 50%

Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Reddish-brown bark with large horizontal lenticels in stripes.

(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Habitat and Ecology

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
 Wild cherry is a mesophytic, comparatively shallow-rooting,
light demanding species, which can grow in quite different soil types.
However, it favours deep fertile soils with a good water supply. The
tree does not tolerate heavy clays, waterlogged or poorly drained
sites and can be sensitive to drought1, 2, 5 . Main habitat type is
semi-shade, open deciduous woodland or scrubland especially at
edges, glades and clearings, where this tree essentially occurs as
a rare and scattered pioneer species1, 2 . The pioneer colonisation
strategy is realized as a first generation establishment via
seedling recruitment, potentially followed by sometimes extensive
vegetative growth via root suckering. With its ability for coppice

140 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Prunus avium

shooting and sucker formation as well as its rapid juvenile growth,

wild cherry possesses competitive advantages in early succession
stages. In natural forest stands the species is usually replaced by
climax tree species during ongoing succession9, 10 . In its European Uncertain, no-data
main distribution range it is a frequent element of several mixed Tundra, cold desert
deciduous forests type alliances of the class Querco-Fagetea, such
Negligible survivability
as ravine forests (Tilio-Acerion), oak-Hornbeam forests (Carpinion
betuli), lowland beech forests (Fagion), and riverine floodplain Low survivability
forests (Alno-Ulmion)11 . Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Flowers are arranged in clusters inserted at tips of buds.

(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Importance and Usage

Wild cherry fruits have been a source of food for humans
for several thousands of years1, 5 . Today it is cultivated as a fruit
tree in temperate regions all over the world. Beside human fruit
consumption in the cultivated subspecies, wild cherry is also
one of the most important European hardwood trees, with a
valuable solid and dense wood that is highly sought after for
panelling and cabinet-making, and also suitable for producing
parquet floors and musical instruments. Today, veneer production
is the main use of wild cherry timber6 . Beside its usage as an Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
ornamental landscape tree, this tree is also an important
food source for many species of songbirds and insects2, 5 . The References
[1] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of [9] S. P. Vaughan, J. E. Cottrell, D. J. Moodley,
distribution range of wild cherry, and even its suitable potential forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). T. Connolly, K. Russell, Forest Ecology and
range for silvoarable agroforestry12 , overlaps with many areas in [2] T. Schmid, Enzyklopädie der Management 242, 419 (2007).
Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der [10] A. M. Höltken, H.-R. Gregorius, BMC Ecology
Europe with high erosion rates such as the European mountain Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. 6, 1 (2006).
systems13 . Its adventitious roots are suitable to be exploited for Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch [11] W. Willner, Phytocoenologia 3, 337 (2002).
Verlag, Weinheim, 2006).
deep reinforcement and soil strength enhancement14 as well as [3] D. Barthélémy, Y. Caraglio, S. Sabatier,
[12] Y. Reisner, R. de Filippi, F. Herzog, J. Palma,
Ecological Engineering 29, 401 (2007).
for soil bioengineering to increase the stability of slopes and Valuable Broadleaved Forests in Europe,
[13] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
H. Spiecker, S. Hein, K. Makkonen-Spiecker,
mitigate erosion15 . M. Thies, eds. (Brill Academic Publishers, P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
Leiden, 2009), pp. 87-101 System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[14] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Threats and Diseases [4] A. Kurtto, Euro+Med Plantbase
- the information resource for Euro- Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Mediterranean plant diversity (2009). Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Prunus avium develops a rather shallow heart-shaped http://www.emplantbase.org. Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
root system with far reaching lateral roots in top soil horizons, Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[5] H. Scholz, I. Scholz, Gustav Hegi -
Illustrierte Flora von Mitteleuropa, Band 4, [15] F. Florineth, H. P. Rauch, H. Staffler,
rendering it quite vulnerable to wind-throw. Additionally it is Teil 2B: Rosaceae, H. Scholz, ed. (Blackwell Proceedings of the International Congress
relatively sensitive to environmental stresses and in unfavourable Wissenschafts-Verlag, Berlin, 1995), pp. INTERPRAEVENT 2002 in the Pacific Rim
446–510, second edn. (2002), vol. 2, pp. 827–837.
conditions, so that it can easily be attacked by a variety of pests [6] F. Ducci, B. De Cuyper, A. De Rogatis, J. [16] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
and diseases1, 2, 5 . Roots may be attacked by mice and voles, and Dufour, F. Santi, Forest Tree Breeding
in Europe, L. E. Pâques, ed. (Springer [17] H. Kutinkova, R. Andreev, Journal of Fruit
leaves by caterpillars of e.g. winter moth (Operophtera brumata), Netherlands, 2013), vol. 25 of Managing and Ornamental Plant Research 12, 41
Forest Ecosystems, pp. 463–511. (2004).
while the larvae of European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) [7] P. Schwab, Kirschbaum - Projekt Förderung [18] F. Nienhaus, J. D. Castello, Annual Review
and the bird-cherry weevil (Anthonomus rectirostris) feed on seltener Baumarten (Professur Waldbau of Phytopathology 27, 165 (1989).
ETHZ, 2001).
the fruits2, 5 . As most species of the genus Prunus, wild cherry is [8] K. Russell, EUFORGEN Technical Guidelines
[19] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of wild
cherry (Prunus avium) (2008).
vulnerable to the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)16, 17. Infectious for genetic conservation and use for www.euforgen.org.
wild cherry (Prunus avium) (Bioversity
diseases may be cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV), bacterial cankers International, 2003).
like Pseudomonas syringae or fireblight (Erwinia amylovora)18 .
Common foliar fungal pathogens are leaf scorch (Apiognomonia
erythrostoma) and leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapi)1 . Young wild
cherry trees are especially susceptible to browsing by ungulate
herbivores2, 5 . White flowers are insect pollinated.
(Copyright mornarsamotarsky, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Cherres are ripe from late spring until summer and are
dispersed principally by birds.
(Copyright Steven Gill, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01491d. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Welk, E., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Prunus avium in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e01491d+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 141

 Prunus cerasifera

Prunus cerasifera in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

I. Popescu, G. Caudullo
Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., known as cherry plum, is a small shrubby tree with intricate and occasionally spiny branches,
which produces plum-like edible fruits. This plant is native to Balkans extending its range to Black Sea and Asia Minor.
It is a frugal species, easily adaptable to a large variety of sites. It grows in the forest edges, open woodlands and
disturbed sites. It is principally cultivated as an ornamental plant with several different varieties in foliage and bud
colour, and secondly for fruit production. This species is resistant to several plum diseases and some varieties are used
as rootstock in grafting other fruit species and cultivars of genus Prunus. For the same reason it can become a potential
reservoir of diseases, such as Sharka or plum pox virus, affecting the production of stone fruits of more economic
importance (apricots, plums, peaches).
The cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a deciduous shrub or
small tree reaching 8-10 m tall. It has an erect and bushy habit,
with numerous intricate, fine, and occasionally spiny branches.
Young twigs are hairless and glossy. The bark is purple brown, with
thin scales, with horizontal orange lenticels, fissured with age. The
leaves are alternate, elliptical, ovate or obovate, 3-7 × 2-3.5 cm,
with crenate saw-toothed margins, hairless and glossy above,
hairy on the veins beneath. The flowers are hermaphrodite and
appear in March-May slightly before the leaves, usually solitary,
2-2.5 cm wide, on about 1.5 cm long pedicels. The sepals are 2.5-
5 mm long with finely glandular saw-toothed margins. The petals
are white, occasionally slightly reddish. The fruits are 2-3 cm
wide, plum-like drupes, globose, ripening to red or yellow with a
smooth endocarp1-4 .

Distribution
This plum tree is native to south-eastern Europe (Balkan
Peninsula, Crimea), western and middle Asia (Caucasus, Iran,
Iraq). It has been widely cultivated for its fruits in Asia Minor and
the Caucasus for millennia, spreading in the Mediterranean area
and Balkans since 200 BC and later in the rest of Europe. More
recently, it is present on all continents, naturalised widely outside
its native range throughout temperate areas1-7. In Australia
and in New Zealand it is considered a weed species8-10 . Due
to its high variability and easy hybridisation with other Prunus
species, different geographical subspecies have been described
and its taxonomic subdivision is rather confusing and still under
revision7, 11 .
Habitat and Ecology
This species has a broad area inside the temperate zone.
Natural populations are characterised by high variability in respect
of vigour, temperature tolerance, ripening time and disease
resistance, which makes it easily adaptable to a variety of sites12 .
The cherry plum is very hardy, with modest demands, except for
light. It can be found in open areas, such as forest margins, open
woodlands, riversides and disturbed sites1-3, 6 . This tough plant is
also frost and drought tolerant, and wind resistant. It thrives on
a wide range of soil types, including those that are gravelly and
sandy or poor in nutrients, but not compacted soils7, 13 .
Reddish fleshy cherries can be used for a variety of culinary purposes.
(Copyright Phil Sellens, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Importance and Usage
It is considered, probably together with the blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa), to be one of the ancestral lineages leading
to the cultivated European plum (Prunus domestica)5, 14 . Unripe
fruits are used in sour soups, ripe fruits are eaten fresh or used
to make non-alcoholic or fermented and distilled alcoholic
beverages3 . Anthocyanin composition, phenolic content and
antioxidant activities of wild red and purple varieties of the
cherry plum were tested and show potential for being developed
into a source of healthy fruit drinks due to their high antioxidant
activity. The fruit peel could be used as a resource to extract
natural pigments15 . This species is of great genetic importance
for horticultural breeding7. Genetic studies identified cherry plum
genotypes that are highly resistant to all root-knot nematodes
of the genus Meloidogyne16 . Furthermore, these genotypes are
resistant to the expression of root crown gall consecutive infection
White flowers blossoming in spring.
(Copyright Jevgēnijs Šlihto, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
by Agrobacterium tumefaciens17. For this reason, some varieties
are used as rootstock in grafting other fruit species and cultivars
of genus Prunus, such as plums, apricots and peaches3, 5, 6 . It
is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree for its colourful
leaves and numerous and delicate flowers. There are several
hybrids or varieties mainly with purple foliage: e.g. 'Pissardii’ with
pink flower buds, white flowers and purple leaves, 'Nigra’ smaller
plants with pink flowers and deep red-purple leaves18 .
Threats and Diseases
Together with other Prunus species, Cherry plum is an
overwintering host species for the damson hop aphid Phoradon
humuli, an important pest of hops Humulus lupulus19 . This plum
tree is also a natural host of plum pox virus, the causal agent
of Sharka disease, a serious economic threat for the production
of temperate stone fruits, such as apricots, plums and peaches.
Planted as an ornamental tree, it becomes a potential reservoir
of this virus20, 21 .

References
[1] D. A. Webb, Flora Europea. Volume 2.
Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin,
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press,
1968), pp. 77–80.
[2] O. Polunin, Flowers of Europe: A Field
Guide (Oxford University Press, 1969).
[3] T. Săvulescu, ed., Flora Republicii Populare
Romîne, vol 4 (Editura Academiei
Române, Bucureşti, 1956).
[4] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[5] A. Horvath, H. Christmann, F. Laigret,
Botany 86, 1311 (2008).
[6] B. G. Sutherland, R. Cerovič, T. P. Robbins,
K. R. Tobutt, Euphytica 166, 385 (2009).
[7] P. Hanelt, ed., Mansfeld’s Encyclopedia
of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops
(Springer, 2001).
[8] C. J. Webb, W. R. Sykes, P. J. Garnock-
Jones, Flora of New Zealand Vol. 4.
Naturalised Pteridophytes, gymnosperms,
dicotyledons (D.S.I.R., Christchurch, 1988).
[9] J. M. B. Smith, Telopea 3, 145 (1988).
[10] D. R. Given, New Zealand Journal of
Botany 20, 221 (1982).
[11] A. Horvath, H. Christmann, F. Laigret,
Botany 86, 1311 (2008).
[12] D. Nikolic, V. Rakonjac, Genetika 39, 333
(2007).
[13] P. Duchovskis, V. Stanys, A. Sasnauskas,
C. Bobinas, Acta Horticulturae 734, 299
(2007).
[14] B.-E. van Wyk, Food Plants of the World:
An Illustrated Guide (Timber Press, 2005).
[15] Y. Wang, X. Chen, Y. Zhang, X. Chen,
Journal of Food Science 77, C388 (2012).
[16] A. C. Lecouls, et al., Theoretical and
Applied Genetics 99, 328 (1999).
[17] M.-J. Rubio-Cabetas, J.-C. Minot, R. Voisin,
D. Esmenjaud, European Journal of Plant
Pathology 107, 433 (2001).
[18] G. Szekely, D. Vişoiu, Journal of
Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology
15, 169 (2011).
[19] S. P. Worner, G. M. Tatchell, I. P. Woiwod,
Journal of Applied Ecology 32, 17 (1995).
[20] Elibuyuk, Phytoparasitica 34, 347 (2006).
[21] J. Sochor, P. Babula, V. Adam, B. Krska, R.
Kizek, Viruses 4, 2853 (2012).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Cherry plum in the countryside near Rhine river (Hockenheim, Germany).
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01dfbb. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Popescu, I., Caudullo, G., 2016. Prunus cerasifera in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01dfbb+

142 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


Prunus mahaleb in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
I. Popescu, G. Caudullo
Prunus mahaleb L., commonly known as mahaleb cherry,
is a shrub or small tree with white flowers, producing dark
red edible plums. It is native to Central-South Europe and
North Africa, extending its range up to Central Asia. It is a
pioneer thermophilous plant, growing in open woodlands,
forest margins and riverbanks.
Mahaleb cherry has been used for centuries for its fruits
and its almond-tasting seeds inside the stone, especially in East
Europe and the Middle East. More recently this plant has been
used in horticulture as a frost-resistant rootstock for cherry
plants. The mahaleb cherry, or St. Lucie’s cherry, (Prunus mahaleb
L.) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching 10 m tall. The
bark is dark brown, smooth and glossy1-4 . The young twigs are
glandular with yellowish-grey hairs, becoming later brownish and
hairless1, 3 . The leaves are alternate, 4-7 cm long, broadly ovate,
pointed, base rounded to almost cordate, margins finely saw-
toothed, with marginal glands, glossy above and slightly hairy
along the midrib beneath. The leaf petioles are 1-2 cm long, and
have 1-2 nectaries. The small stipules fall off early5 . The flowers
are 1-1.5 cm wide, fragrant, white, on about 1 cm long pedicels,
arranged in upright corymb-like raceme inflorescences of 3-12
flowers, at the tips of short, lateral, leafy shoots1, 3 . The mahaleb
cherry is a gynodioecious tree with individuals with functional
hermaphrodite flowers and others with functional female flowers
(androsterile). Pollination is driven by bees and flies6, 7. The fruits
are round ovate drupes, about 0.8 cm wide, dark red, more or less
bitter but pleasantly tasty. The woody stone containing the seed
is smooth. This species flowers in March-June and the fruits ripen
in June-September3, 6, 8-10 .
Distribution
The natural range of the mahaleb cherry covers Central and
Southern Europe, extending to Spain, and through Gibraltar to the
tip of Northwest Africa, from the Balkans eastwards to Ukraine,
Western and Central Asia1, 2, 11 . It can be found from the lowlands
to above 1 000 m elevations in the South Carpathians, Caucasus,
and Tien Shan Mountains (Central Asia)5 . It has been introduced
and is considered potentially invasive in South America12 ,
introduced, naturalised, and invasive in North America12-14 , as
well as Australia15 , and New Zealand16, 17.
Habitat and Ecology
The mahaleb cherry is a thermophile and pioneer species,
growing on warm, sunlit and dry slopes at middle elevations.
It tolerates Mediterranean and temperate dry climates with
an annual precipitation of 500-600 mm. It is not sensitive to
frost. It grows better on calcareous soils with pH 5.5, in stony
and rocky sites1, 3, 5, 18 . It is slightly shade tolerant only at young
stages; when mature it is a high light-demanding species5 .
The fruit production is controlled and proximal flowers (first to
open) have advantages in maternal resource capture; the first
fruits to develop have an advantage over the later developing
fruits9, 10 . This species thrives in open woods, at the margins of
temperate oak forests, and also in bluffs and riverbanks. In the
Flowering shrub in spring in a hedgerow near San Lorenzo
(Trieste, North-West Italy).
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Prunus mahaleb
forest edge it creates a scrub vegetation community together
with other shrubby species of the genera Rosa, Rubus, Prunus
and Cornus, and other thermophile shrubs such as spindle tree
(Euonymus europaeus), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), wild
privet (Ligustrum vulgare), etc.5, 19, 20 .
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Ovate simple leaves with pointed tips and finely toothed margins.
(Copyright Andrey Zharkikh, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Threats and Diseases
The mahaleb cherry is susceptible to fungi such as bracket
fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) and witches’ broom (Taphrina cerasi)
on its trunk and branches. The rust fungus Tranzschelia discolor a
relatively common parasite on its leaves, or Taphrina minor which
causes shrinkage and reddish-brown discoloration of affected leaves,
and Phloeosporella padi causing leaf spots on infected leaves5.
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Prunus mahaleb.
Frequency of Prunus mahaleb occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. mahaleb is derived after several sources29-33 .
Importance and Usage
Known for its strong roots, it is used in horticulture as a frost
resistant rootstock for sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour
cherry (Prunus cerasus)11, 12, 21-23 . The wood is hard, heavy, with a
pleasant odour, used for carving small objects; e.g. tobacco pipes,
canes, cigarette holders3, 5, 11 . Its fruits are small, slightly bitter
and edible23 , from which a purple dye is obtained11 . The seeds are
used more. An aromatic spice is produced, having a taste similar
to almond seeds. This spice was used for centuries in the Middle
East and North Africa to flavour bread, cakes, cheese, cookies,
etc.5 . New studies show potential in using Prunus mahaleb seeds Hermaphrodite flowers arranged in corymbs with 5 white petals and 20 stamens.
(Copyright Roberto Verzo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
as a new edible oil source24, 25 , since its seed oil contains a high
level of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, especially the α-eleostearic References
acid, a conjugated fatty acid rarely found in vegetable oils, [1] D. A. Webb, Flora Europea. Volume 2. [18] C. M. Herrera, P. Jordano, Ecological
Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin, Monographs 51, 203 (1981).
with beneficial effects on human health24 . The bark, wood, and et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press, [19] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
seeds contain coumarin, making these plant parts important for 1968), pp. 77–80. Vegetation Europas; Map of the
[2] O. Polunin, Flowers of Europe: A Field Natural Vegetation of Europe
their potentially anti-inflammatory, sedative and vasodilation Guide (Oxford University Press, 1969). (Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
pharmaceutical properties11, 26 . As a pioneer species and due to [3] T. Săvulescu, ed., Flora Republicii Populare [20] M. Chytrý, ed., Vegetace České republiky
Române, vol 4 (Editura Academiei 4: Lesnì a křovinná vegetace - Vegetation
its extensive root system the mahaleb cherry can prevent erosion Române, Bucureşti, 1956). of the Czech Republic 4: Forest and scrub
and is suitable for wasteland reclamation and afforestation. It can [4] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide vegetation (Academia, Praha, 2013).
(Collins, 2006). [21] M. Abedian, M. Talebi, B.-E. Sayed-
also be used for hedging, as it tolerates cutting well5 . This species Tabatabei, C. Ghobadi, Journal of
[5] D. Bartha, Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse:
has an important ecological role: birds and mammals (foxes, Handbuch und Atlas der Dendrologie, A. Agricultural Science 4, 191 (2012).
Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. Lang, B. Stimm, P. [22] P. Jordano, J. A. Godoy, Molecular Ecology
badgers, etc.) are frequent consumers of its fruits, promoting Schutt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag, Weinheim, 9, 1293 (2000).
seed dispersion even over long distances6, 8, 12, 18, 22, 27, 28 . 1996), vol. 3. [23] P. Hanelt, ed., Mansfeld’s Encyclopedia
[6] C. Garcia, P. Jordano, J. A. Godoy, of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops
Molecular Ecology 16, 1947 (2007). (Springer, 2001).
[7] C. Garcia, J. M. Arroy, J. A. Godoy, P. [24] H. M. Sbihi, I. A. Nehdi, S. I. Al-Resayes,
Jordano, Molecular Ecology 14, 1821 Journal of Food Science 79, C795 (2014).
(2005). [25] S. Özgül Yücel, Journal of the American Oil
[8] P. Jordano, Ecology 76, 2627 (1995). Chemists’ Society 82, 893 (2005).
[9] J. Guitian, American Journal of Botany 81, [26] M. El-Dakhakhny, Journal of
1555 (1994). Pharmaceutical Sciences 59, 551 (1970).
[10] J. Guitian, American Journal of Botany 80, [27] P. Jordano, E. W. Schupp, Ecological
1305 (1993). Monographs 70, 591 (2000).
[11] V. L. Komarov, et al., Flora of the USSR [28] M. Fuentes, et al., Plant Ecology 157, 69
- Volume X: Rosaceae - Rosoideae, (2001).
Prunoideae, vol. 10 of Flora of the USSR [29] Anthos, Information System of the plants
(Keter Press, Jerusalem, 1970). of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -
[12] M. Amodeo, S. Zalba, Plant Ecology 214, Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
1299 (2013). http://www.anthos.es.
[13] USDA NRCS, The PLANTS database (2015). [30] P. H. Davis, Flora of Turkey and the
National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, East Aegean Islands, vol. 4 (Edinburgh
USA, http://plants.usda.gov. University Press, 1972).
[14] R. Spellenberg, C. J. Earle, G. Nelson, Trees [31] Bundesamtes für Naturschutz, ed.,
of Western North America (Princeton FloraWeb (2015). http://www.floraweb.de.
University Press, 2014). [32] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
[15] D. Bass, N. Crossman, S. Lawrie, M. On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2014).
Lethbridge, Euphytica 148, 97 (2006). http://www.flora-on.pt.
[16] C. J. Webb, W. R. Sykes, P. J. Garnock- [33] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
Jones, Flora of New Zealand Vol. 4. http://www.tela-botanica.org.
Naturalised Pteridophytes, gymnosperms,
dicotyledons (D.S.I.R., Christchurch, 1988).
[17] D. R. Given, New Zealand Journal of
Botany 20, 221 (1982).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e016531. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Bark is smooth grey-brown with horizontal strips that pull away. Popescu, I., Caudullo, G., 2016. Prunus mahaleb in Europe:
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e016531+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 143
 Prunus padus
Prunus padus in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo
Prunus padus L., commonly known as bird cherry or hackberry, is the most widely distributed of the Prunus species
and can be found across northern Europe and Asia. It is a small deciduous tree or shrub with decorative white flowers
and bitter edible berries that are sometimes used to flavour alcoholic drinks. As its name suggests, the berries are an
important food for some bird species.
Prunus padus L., or bird cherry, is a deciduous tree or large
shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is small (normally up to 14 m
in height) and conic in shape, becoming rounded with age. It is
short-lived, rarely reaching more than 60 years of age1 . The bark
is smooth and a dull grey-brown with an acrid odour, and the
leaves are obovate with fine serrations2, 3 . The white flowers
appear in late spring and are carried on long stalks at the ends
of shoots. A number of cultivars with different coloured flowers
have been bred4 . The blossoms are strongly scented and are
visited by a number of pollinating insects, particularly bees and
flies5 . The fruits are around 8 mm in size, shiny black when ripe
and bitter to taste. Most other parts of the plant, particularly the
bark and seeds, are toxic1, 6 .
Distribution
The bird cherry is the most widely distributed species of the
genus Prunus and can be found throughout northern Europe,
central Asia and as far east as Siberia, Northern China and
Japan1 . Its northern limit coincides broadly with the shores of the
Arctic Ocean, and in the south it has been recorded in Morocco5 .
Habitat and Ecology
The bird cherry is a hardy species (the most northerly distributed
of its genus) and in the southern part of its range it tends to be found
in the mountains. In the Alps it grows at a higher altitude than any
other deciduous tree and can be found at 2 000 m. However, it can
also survive hot summers5. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types4 .
It often regenerates from branches bent to the ground, and also by
means of basal shoots, resulting in dense thickets that may form as
far as 20 m from the mother tree1, 7. These properties mean that it
can become invasive in some regions8 . Seed dispersal is also aided
by birds who feed on the fruits.
Importance and Usage
The timber of the bird cherry has little economic importance,
although it is sometimes used by cabinet-makers4 . Given its
rapid growth and tendency to form thickets, it makes an effective
wind-break and sound-break7. The fruit is too bitter for human
taste but can be used to make jams or to flavour alcoholic drinks
such as brandy and wine. The fruits also form an important food
for some bird species. This species has been widely used as a
traditional medicine and methanolic extracts of the stem have
been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties9 .
144 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Prunus padus.
Frequency of Prunus padus occurrences within the field observations as
The white flowers arranged in pendulous racemes are insect pollinated.
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. padus is derived after several sources16-22 .
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
The distribution range of the bird cherry includes several
areas with high erosion rates such as the European mountain
systems10 . Its adventitious roots are very suitable to be exploited
for soil bioengineering to increase the stability of slopes and
mitigate erosion11 . It is also useful for deep reinforcement and
soil strength enhancement12 .
Threats and Diseases
Bird cherry does not suffer as much from insect pests as
some other species13 . It is the primary host of the bird cherry-
oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) and the bird cherry ermine moth
(Yponomeuta evonymella), both of which can cause widespread
damage to the tree 5 . As most species of the genus Prunus, wild
cherry is vulnerable to the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)14, 15 .
Shiny black fruits: these fleshy drupes have a bitter taste.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
References
[1] P. Schütt, U. M. Lang, Enzyklopädie der [13] S. R. Leather, Ecological Entomology 10,
Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der 43 (1985).
Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. [14] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch mri10a15+ (2016).
Verlag, Weinheim, 1998), vol. 3.
[15] A. M. Liebhold, et al., Suitability of north
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C. american tree species to gypsy moth: a
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain summary of field and laboratory tests,
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). Tech. Rep. NE-211, U. S. Department of
[3] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern
(Collins, 2006). Forest Experiment Station (1995).
[4] W. J. Bean, Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the [16] H. Meusel, E. Jager, eds., Vergleichende
British Isles Volume 3: N-Rh (John Murray, Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
1987), 8th edn. - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
[5] S. R. Leather, Journal of Ecology 84, 125 Jena, 1998).
(1996). [17] O. de Bolòs, J. Vigo, Flora dels països
[6] N. D. Sargison, D. S. Williamson, J. R. catalans, vol I-IV (Barcino, Barcelona,
Duncan, R. W. McCance, Veterinary record 1984-2001).
138 (1996). [18] S. M. Hennekens, Dutch Vegetation
[7] M. Uusitalo, European bird cherry (Prunus Database (LVD) (Alterra, Wageningen,
padus Linneaus) - a biodiverse wild plant NL, 2014).
for horticulture (MTT Agrifood Research [19] Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, BSBI
Finland, 2004). Big Database (2015). http://bsbidb.org.uk.
[8] D. A. Roon, M. S. Wipfli, T. L. Wurtz, [20] Anthos, Information System of the plants
Hydrobiologia 736, 17 (2014). of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -
[9] J. H. Choi, D. S. Cha, H. Jeon, Journal of Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
Ethnopharmacology 144, 379 (2012). http://www.anthos.es.
[10] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen, [21] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth http://www.tela-botanica.org
System Science 15, 225 (2015). [22] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
[11] F. Florineth, H. P. Rauch, H. Staffler, On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2014).
Proceedings of the International Congress http://www.flora-on.pt.
INTERPRAEVENT 2002 in the Pacific Rim
(2002), vol. 2, pp. 827–837.
[12] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e011e89. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., 2016. Prunus padus in Europe:
Bird cherry in the countryside near Rhine river (Hockenheim, Germany). distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e011e89+

Prunus spinosa in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
I. Popescu, G. Caudullo
The blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) is a spiny, deciduous shrub which produces small, purple, edible plums. This species
occurs mostly from south-central Europe up to southern Scandinavia, and eastwards to Asia Minor, growing in forest
margins and open woodlands as part of Mediterranean thermophilous plant communities. It is cultivated as an ornamental
plant and for fruit production, used to make jams, wine, vinegar and distillates. The blackthorn has no important threats,
but it can be a natural host and potential reservoir of diseases affecting production of economically important fruits,
such as apricots, plums, peaches and apples.
The blackthorn, or sloe, (Prunus spinosa L.) is a spiny,
deciduous shrub, growing 1-5 m tall. It forms a dense canopy with
intricate branches and numerous suckers1-4 . Secondary twigs
often transformed into a spine, initially velvety soft, reddish-
brown. The buds are globular oval, reddish-brown, more or less
hairy. The bark is dark grey to blackish, slightly grooved. The
leaves are alternate, 2-5 × 1-2 cm long, obovate to oblanceolate,
or elliptical, with margins finely toothed, dull green in colour and
hairless above, usually hairy on the veins underneath1, 3 . The
petioles are 0.2-1 cm long, often hairy. The stipules are elongate,
glandular, toothed, and usually longer than petioles3 . The flowers
are white, 1-1.7 cm wide, usually solitary, appearing before
leaves, numerous, on about 0.5 cm long pedicels1-3 . The sepals
are triangular-ovate, often glandular toothed. Petals have a short
claw (a thinner part at the base of the petal). The stamens are
usually 20, about 0.5 cm long. The anthers are yellow or red3 . The
fruit is 1-1.5 cm drupe, globose, purple covered with a frostlike
bloom, ripening bluish-black, pulp greenish, sour and astringent,
not easily detaching from the endocarp. This species flowers in
March-May. The fruits ripen in late summer and autumn, and are
sometimes persistent on the plant through winter1-3, 5 .
Distribution
This species occurs in most of South-Central Europe, except
the lower half of the Iberian Peninsula, extending northwards to
the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Eastwards it
reaches Asia Minor, Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. There are
also isolated populations in Tunisia and Algeria1, 6 . It has been
introduced and locally naturalised in North America7 and New
Zealand8 . It grows from lowlands to 1 600 m on Southern Alps
(Switzerland)6, 9 .
Spiny branches with fruits in autumn.
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)
Prunus spinosa
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Purple globose drupes covered with a frostlike bloom.
(Copyright Phil Sellens, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Prunus spinosa.
Frequency of Prunus spinosa occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for P. spinosa is derived after several sources6, 27-31 .
Habitat and Ecology
The blackthorn occurs in forest margins and openings,
on sunny, rocky slopes, ravines, river valleys, in meadows and
pastures from low elevations to the mountains1, 2, 10 . It is one
of the main species of scrub, a belt of shrubs adjacent to
the forest, in the ecotone between woodland and grassland
communities11, 12 . These Euro-Siberian and Mediterranean
thermophilous communities (class Rhamno-Prunetea) are
dominated by thorny and spiny, scrambling shrubs, developing
Hermaphrodite flowers appear in spring and have 5
in mesic to dry soils at the edges of oak and beech forests or on white petals with 20 stamens.
river banks with willows and poplars. Rarely are scrubs natural (Copyright Maja Dumat, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
and permanent, more commonly they are secondary vegetation
developing on disturbed sites or stages of secondary succession in References
abandoned meadows or pastures at the borders of the agricultural [1] D. A. Webb, Flora Europea. Volume 2. [16] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin, Vegetation Europas; Map of the
landscape. The blackthorn is commonly found with other shrub et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press, Natural Vegetation of Europe
1968), pp. 77–80. (Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
species of the genera Rosa, Rubus, Prunus and Cornus, as well
[2] O. Polunin, Flowers of Europe: A Field [17] M. B. Crane, W. J. Lawrence, The Genetics
as with spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus), hawthorn (Crataegus Guide (Oxford University Press, 1969). of Garden Plants (MacMillan & Company,
London, 1952), fourth edn.
monogyna), wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare), etc.10, 13-16 . [3] T. Săvulescu, ed., Flora Republicii Populare
RomiÌ‚ne, vol 4 (Editura Academiei [18] B. Marìa Ruiz-Rodrìguez, et al., Fruits 69,
Române, Bucureşti, 1956). 61 (2014).
Importance and Usage [4] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide [19] P. Freschi, et al., European Journal of
(Collins, 2006). Wildlife Research 60, 423 (2014).
As with most Prunus species, the blackthorn has a high
[5] B.-E. van Wyk, Food Plants of the World: [20] P. Freschi, et al., Mammalia 79, 51 (2015).
level of hybridisation and crossed with European plum (Prunus An Illustrated Guide (Timber Press, 2005). [21] F. W. M. Vera, Grazing Ecology and Forest
domestica) it forms the hybrid Prunus x fruticans. This species [6] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert, E.
Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
History (CABI, 2000).
[22] E. S. Bakker, et al., Journal of Applied
is considered one of the progenitors of the cultigen European Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer Ecology 41, 571 (2004).
Verlag Jena, 1978).
plum together with cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera)17. Fully ripe [7] USDA NRCS, The PLANTS database (2015).
[23] P. Salamon, L. Palkovics, European Journal
of Plant Pathology 108, 903 (2002).
fruits even though astringent are edible, and mainly used to National Plant Data Team, Greensboro,
USA, http://plants.usda.gov. [24] M. G. Rodrigues, A. Fonseca, International
make jams, jellies, preserves, wine, vinegar, and distilled alcoholic [8] P. B. Heenan, et al., New Zealand Journal
Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary
Microbiology 53, 607 (2003).
beverages, or as ingredients of various pastries. Flowers and of Botany 37, 629 (1999).
[25] H. İlbağı, A. Çıtır, H. Bostan, Acta
petals in particular are used medicinally as tea, syrup, fresh juice [9] V. L. Komarov, et al., Flora of the USSR Horticulturae 781, 33 (2008).
- Volume X: Rosaceae - Rosoideae,
or tincture to fight diarrhoea, anaemia, and other ailments3, 5 . Due Prunoideae, vol. 10 of Flora of the USSR [26] M. Rankovic, I. Dulic-Markovic, Acta
(Keter Press, Jerusalem, 1970). Horticulturae 309, 151 (1992).
to their vitamin C and the phenolic acids content, the fruits can [10] H. Ružičková, L. Halada, L. Jedlička, E. [27] A. A. Dönmez, c. Yildirimli, Turkish Journal
be a valuable source of natural antioxidants18 . The blackthorn is Kalivodová, Biotopy Slovenksa (Ústav of Botany 24, 187 (2000).
krajinnej ekológie SAV, Bratislava, 1996). [28] A. N. Afonin, S. L. Greene, N. I. Dzyubenko,
used as an ornamental tree, often as hedges3, 9, 10, 13 . It is also an [11] J. G. Kelcey, N. Müller, eds., Plants and A. N. Frolov, eds., Interactive Agricultural
important plant for wildlife, its early spring flowers provide nectar Habitats of European Cities (Springer- Ecological Atlas of Russia and Neighboring
Verlag, New York, 2011). Countries: Economic Plants and their
for early pollinators, its branches create a spiny thicket, providing [12] S. R. Mortimer, et al., The nature
Diseases, Pests and Weeds [Online] (2008).
http://www.agroatlas.ru.
secure nesting for birds and protection and food for small conservation value of scrub in Britain,
[29] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-
Tech. rep., Joint Nature Conservation
mammals13, 19, 20 . In temperate oak forests, its dense and thorny Committee (2000). N. 308. On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2014).
http://www.flora-on.pt.
canopy is difficult to penetrate by large herbivores. Together with [13] I. Žgančìková, T. Vereš, T. Baranec,
[30] Anthos, Information System of the plants
Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
other scrub species, thorny shrubs can protect young palatable 44, 233 (2012). of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -
Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).
seedlings, such as oak seedlings, against browsing along the [14] J. C. Costa, et al., Global Geobotany 2, 1 http://www.anthos.es.
(2012).
forest edges and clearings21, 22 . [15] M. Chytrý, ed., Vegetace České republiky
[31] Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, BSBI
Big Database (2015). http://bsbidb.org.uk.
4: Lesnì a křovinná vegetace - Vegetation
Threats and Diseases of the Czech Republic 4: Forest and scrub
vegetation (Academia, Praha, 2013).
Despite being a member of the Prunus genus, the blackthorn
has no important threats. It can be a natural host and potential This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
reservoir of diseases affecting production of economically this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e018f4e. The purpose of this
important fruits, such as apricots, plums, peaches and apples, summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
and tests have revealed that the presence of wild blackthorns This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
nearby could be the cause of increased presence of fruit viruses updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
(e.g. Sharka, dwarf virus, necrotic ring spot virus, chlorotic leaf Popescu, I., Caudullo, G., 2016. Prunus spinosa in Europe:
spot virus) and fungi (e.g. Taphrina pruni)23-26 . distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e018f4e+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 145
 Pseudotsuga menziesii
Pseudotsuga menziesii in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
F. Da Ronch, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) is a large conifer from North America that was brought to Europe
by David Douglas in the nineteenth century. Although it was initially planted as an ornamental tree it became a major
economic species because of its fast growth rate and good quality timber, and is now the most abundant non-native tree
species cultivated in Central European forests.
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) is a
large evergreen coniferous tree up to 60-80 m tall and with a
trunk of up to 2 m in diameter1 . Currently the second-tallest in
the world after the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), and
in its natural and optimal habitat in North western America can
grow exceptionally over 100 m in height and with a trunk up
to 4 m in diameter, living more than 1300 years1-3 . The bark is
coloured from reddish brown to greyish brown or even blackish,
thick, breaking up with age into scaly, broad, interlacing ridges
separated by deep furrows4 . The trunk is cylindrical, with short,
flat-topped crown, giving it a columnar shape1 . The leaves are
needle-like, 2-3.5 cm long, dark-bluish green above and with two
white-green stomatal bands below, spirally arranged around the
twigs, twisted to face the upper side5 . Douglas fir is a monoecious
unisexual species, commonly starting to produce cones at 12
to 15 years of age6 . Pollen cones are 10-20 mm long, yellowish
brown, and seeds cones are 4-9 cm long, green and erect before
maturity, yellowish brown to purplish brown and pendent when
ripening. The seed scales are flexible with a bract longer than
scales, pointed forward or sticking out. The seeds are 5-7 mm
with a 10-12 mm wing4 .
Distribution
Douglas fir is a native from North America with two sub-
species: the coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var.
menziesii) occurs from British Columbia southward along the
Pacific Coast to central California; and the Rocky Mountain
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) occurs from
central British Columbia along the Rocky Mountains into the
mountains of central Mexico4, 6 . The first seeds were introduced in
Europe by David Douglas in 1827 and then planted at Dropmore
Park (Buckinghamshire, UK), where there is a tree which is usually
considered the oldest Douglas fir of Europe7. Initially planted as
ornamental, Douglas fir started to be used as a forest species
by the end of the nineteenth century. This fir became a major
reforestation species in Western Europe after the Second World
War, mainly with the support of national or regional forest grants.
146 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Pseudotsuga menziesii.
Frequency of Pseudotsuga menziesii occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories.
In Europe, 80 % of the total Douglas fir area is to be found in
three countries: France (half of the European area), Germany
and United Kingdom. Outside Europe, Douglas fir has also been
introduced in several countries of the southern hemisphere
(South Africa, South America, New Zealand and Australia)8 .
Habitat and Ecology
Douglas fir in its native habitat occurs from 0 to 3 200 m,
altitudinal distribution increases from north to south, reflecting
the effect of climate on distribution of the species. It grows under
a wide variety of climatic conditions. The coastal region of the
Pacific Northwest has a maritime climate characterised by wet
winters and cool, relatively dry summers, while in the central
Rocky Mountains, the climate is continental, with long and severe
winters and hot and dry summers6 . This fir competes well on
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Straight columnar trunk of a Douglas fir reaching over 63 m in height in
Freiburg: the tallest tree in Germany.
(Copyright Manfred Gut, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
most parent materials, aspects and slopes9 . It also thrives on
a wide variety of soil textures, but best on well-aerated, deep
soils with a pH between 5 and 66 . In its natural range Douglas
fir grows in pure or mixed-species stands. It is a fast-growing,
pioneering tree species following fire, but also shade-tolerant
in secondary successions, so that it may be present in early,
mid and late forest stages as a major or minor component1 . In
Europe, Douglas fir is one of the fastest growing trees, thriving
on a wide range of soils, best when deep, moist, well-drained,
at mid-elevations and with an annual rainfall over 800 mm8 . It
shows a noticeable soil-acidifying ability10 .
Cone with trifurcate seed bract longer than the scale.
(Copyright benet2006, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Importance and Usage
Dougal fir is the most abundant non-native tree species
cultivated in Central European forests11 . High growth rates, high
reproduction capacity, great adaptation, good wood properties
and a low number of pests and diseases are factors that have
contributed to its success and spread in Europe, performing
much better than Norway spruce (Picea abies) on similar sites12 .
The wood is moderately heavy, hard and exceptionally strong,
with a marked contrast between sapwood (yellowish-white)
and heartwood (reddish-brown)1 . Heartwood is generally not
sensitive to insect damage. Douglas fir wood is suitable for many
uses. Its excellent mechanical properties make it very suitable
for wooden structures. It is increasingly used outside for wood
covering (heartwood only) and in joinery. It is also used for
veneer, fibres or particle panels and by the pulpwood industry8 .
Recently there has been growing economic interest in Douglas
fir, which is less vulnerable to drought than Norway spruce,
becoming a valid alternative on plantations at lower altitudes or
in response to climate change13-15 .
 Pseudotsuga menziesii

Spring shoot with new growth of needles.

(Copyright Tom Brandt, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Threats and Diseases

Douglas fir hosts hundreds of fungi, but relatively few of these
cause serious problems. This fir is less susceptible to the attacks
of annosum root rot (Heterobasidium annosum) than many other
conifers. The woolly aphid Adelges cooleyi causes yellowing and
deformity of the needles and can severely check growth when
the trees are young16 . The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis
L.) is among the most serious pests affecting young coniferous
forests in Europe17. Douglas fir coexists with the natural niche problematic than the introduction of Douglas fir itself, in case
of the large pine weevil, to which it is highly susceptible17-19 . of host jump affecting other native tree species12 . Douglas fir References
From an ecological point of view, cultivation of Douglas fir in is reported as an invasive species in New Zealand, in Argentina [1] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
Europe is likely to have significant impacts on forest ecosystems, and Chile in areas close to plantations. In Europe it also has the
[2] MonumentalTrees.com, Monumental trees
particularly in case of high density plantations over large areas. potential to become invasive in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and (2015).
However, ecological impacts are generally not as severe as those Great Britain, given the right circumstances23 . For this reason silver
[3] R. Stoltmann, Guide to the Record Trees
of British Columbia (Western Canada
of other exotic tree species: e.g. ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), fir (Abies alba) has been suggested as a sustainable European Wilderness Committee, 1993).
wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) and black locust (Robinia alternative to Douglas fir to substitute drought sensitive Norway
[4] A. Farjon, A handbook of the world’s
conifers (Brill, 2010).
pseudoacacia)12, 20-22 . Further introduction of exotic organisms spruce under global warming conditions24 . [5] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World:
associated with Douglas fir in its native range may be more The Complete Reference (Timber Press,
2009).
[6] R. K. Hermann, D. P. Lavender, Douglas-
Fir, Agriculture Handbook 654 (U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Washington, DC., 1990), pp. 527–540.
[7] H. J. Elwes, A. Henry, The Trees of Great
Britain and Ireland Vol. 4 (Privately
printed, Edinburgh, 1909).
[8] J.-C. Bastien, L. Sanchez, D. Michaud,
Forest Tree Breeding in Europe, L. E.
Pâques, ed. (Springer Netherlands, 2013),
vol. 25 of Managing Forest Ecosystems,
pp. 325–369.
[9] R. J. Uchytil, Pseudotsuga menziesii var.
menziesii. Fire Effects Information System
(1991). http://www.feis-crs.org/feis
[10] L. Augusto, J. Ranger, D. Binkley, A. Rothe,
Annals of Forest Science 59, 233 (2002).
[11] F. Essl, Phyton - Annales Rei Botanicae 45,
117 (2005).
Pendent mature cones ripening.
(Copyright Andrey Zharkikh, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
[12] M. Schmid, M. Pautasso, O. Holdenrieder,
European Journal of Forest Research 133,
13 (2014).
[13] M. Hanewinkel, D. A. Cullmann, M.-
J. Schelhaas, G.-J. Nabuurs, N. E.
Zimmermann, Nature Climate Change 3,
203 (2012).
[14] S. Hein, A. Weiskittel, U. Kohnle, European
Journal of Forest Research 127, 481
(2008).
[15] N. Nadezhdina, J. Urban, J. Čermák, V.
Nadezhdin, P. Kantor, Journal of Hydrology
and Hydromechanics 62, 1 (2014).
[16] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[17] J. I. Barredo, et al., EPPO Bulletin 45, 273
(2015).
[18] CABI, Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[19] K. Wallertz, H. Nordenhem, G. Nordlander,
Silva Fennica 48, 1188+ (2014).
[20] G. F. Peterken, Forest Ecology and
Management 141, 31 (2001).
[21] A. Carrillo-Gavilán, J. Espelta, M. Vilà,
Biological Invasions 14, 1279 (2012).
[22] A. Felton, J. Boberg, C. Björkman,
O. Widenfalk, Forest Ecology and
Management 307, 165 (2013).
[23] D. M. Richardson, M. Rejmánek, Diversity
and Distributions 17, 788 (2011).
[24] W. Tinner, et al., Ecological Monographs
83, 419 (2013).

Coastal Dougal fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) forest in Mount Tamalpais State Park (Marin County, California).
(Copyright Miguel Vieira, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Greyish-brown bark in a young tree.

(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01a4f5. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Da Ronch, F., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Pseudotsuga menziesii
in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01a4f5+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 147

 Quercus cerris
Quercus cerris in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
D. de Rigo, C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo
Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe and Asia Minor, and a dominant species in
the mixed forests of the Mediterranean basin. Turkey oak is a representative of section Cerris, a particular section within
the genus Quercus which includes species for which the maturation of acorns occurs in the second year.
Quercus cerris L., commonly known as Turkey oak, is a large
fast-growing deciduous tree species growing to 40 m tall with
a trunk up to 1.5-2 m diameter1 , with a well-developed root
system2 . It can live for around 120-150 years3 . The bark is
mauve-grey and deeply furrowed with reddish-brown or orange
bark fissures4, 5 . Compared with other common oak species, e.g.
sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and pedunculate oak (Quercus
robur), the wood is inferior, and only useful for rough work such
as shuttering or fuelwood1 . The leaves are dark green above and
grey-felted underneath6 ; they are variable in size and shape but
are normally 9-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, with 7-9 pairs of
triangular lobes6 . The leaves turn yellow to gold in late autumn
and drop off or persist in the crown until the next spring, especially
on young trees3 . The twigs are long and pubescent, grey or
olive-green, with lenticels. The buds, which are concentrated
on the tip of the twigs, are egg-shaped and hairy and, typically,
they are surrounded by long twisted whiskers6 . The flowers are
monoecious and wind-pollinated, appearing in April-May. The
fruit is a large acorn stalkless, 2-3.5(5) cm long and 2 cm broad.
The acorn cup is densely covered with bristles5 . Turkey oak acorns
mature over a two year period, but the acorn crop is abundant
and it germinates readily and can be easily propagated1, 3, 7.
Distribution
 The range of this species extends from southern Europe
to Asia Minor3 . Across its distribution range, it is particularly
present in the Balkan and Italian Peninsulas3 . The western
limit of its natural range is France and its northern limit is in
Germany, continuing eastward through Austria, Switzerland,
eastern Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary3 . It is one of 12
native oak species in Albania. In Bulgaria it occupies drier and
moderately rich habitats in the plain and hilly regions8 , where it
forms large forests with other oak species (e.g. Quercus frainetto,
Quercus pubescens) and other mixed broadleaves including field
maple (Acer campestre), elm (Ulmus minor) Oriental hornbeam
(Carpinus orientalis) and manna ash (Fraxinus ornus)9 . It is also
important in Hungary, where it forms over 11 % of the forested
area in the country10 . In Italy, it grows from sea level up to the
148 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Introduced
Large shade tree in agricultural area near Altamura (Bari, South Italy).
(Copyright Vito Buono, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
can grow in a wide range of soil types including weakly acid14 ,
pseudogley12 , or even shallow calcareous soils, as long as they
are not too dry1 . When established it devlops a taproot and deep
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Quercus cerris. lateral root branches, helping it to remain windfirm3 . It is light-
Frequency of Quercus cerris occurrences within the field observations as reported
by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial range for
demanding but can grow under a light woodland canopy1 . It has
Q. cerris is derived after Meusel and Jager; and Jalas and Suominen25, 26 . many pioneer characteristics, including good germination rates of
seeds and fast early growth. It also has a high resprouting capacity,
Apennines and covers around 280 000 ha over the peninsula, making it particularly suitable for coppicing and pollarding3 .
frequently occurring together with Hungarian oak (Q. frainetto)9 .
It is also widely distributed in Slovenia, most frequently in the
sub-mediterranean regions of Kras, Brkini and Tolminsko, but it
also grows on warm and dry steep slopes in the continental parts
of the country9 . In the case of a warming climate, the species
is expected to show a range shift North11 . Turkey oak has been
introduced in some other European countries including the UK
and France3 , and it is also planted in North America4 , Ukraine,
Argentina and New Zealand3 .
Habitat and Ecology
 Turkey oak has a good adaptability to a variety of different
site conditions. It is relatively tolerant to drought (more than the
other oak species of the same region)3, 12 , air pollution9, 13 and
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Forest dominated by Turkey oak in the Košutnjak Forest Park
Low presence 5% - 10% near Belgrade (Slovenia).
(Copyright Stefanst, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
Importance and Usage
 The wood of Turkey oak has relatively few uses due to
High presence 70% - 90% its tendency to crack and its lower technological quality1 . It is
Very-high presence > 90% frequently used as firewood, having almost the same calorific
value as hornbeam or beech12, 15 . In past years the wood was
used for railway sleepers9, and it is still used for timber production
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Dark-green leaves with 7-9 pairs of lobes.
(Copyright Enrico Romani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
 Quercus cerris

in the eastern part of its range, where the wood quality is at its
best3 . It has a useful role in soil conservation, erosion control
and reforestation of bare soils because of its ability to establish
and grow quickly in a range of soil types3 . Turkey oak is also Uncertain, no-data
often planted in urban areas as an ornamental tree as it is an Tundra, cold desert
attractive and well-formed tree1, 3 . The acorns and young coppice
Negligible survivability
shoots represent an important source of food for animals in
Mediterranean agro-silvopastoral systems3 . It is used in traditional Low survivability
Mediterranean medicine for numerous purposes, including anti- Mid-low survivability
infective treatments, and there is some evidence that it could be
Medium survivability
used against the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus16 .
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Red female flower with fleshy stigmas blossoming with new leaves in spring.
(Copyright Graziano Propetto, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Threats and Diseases

 The fungi Discula quercina, Hipparion mediterraneum
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
and Biscogniauxia mediterranea have been reported to cause
potentially severe infections to Turkey oak trees17-20 . Hypoxylon (P. cinnamomi, P. ramorum)23 . Furthermore, it is moderately
mediterraneum can contribute to oak decline in drought-stressed susceptible to Cryphonectria parasitica23 . In urban areas the oak
trees21 . The gypsy moth Lymantria dispar is one of the most processionary moth Traumatocampa processionea may affect
important leaf-chewing insects, attacking summer foliage3 . trees planted in green spaces24 . A number of bark beetle species
Turkey oak is one of the alternate hosts of the knopper gall wasp can cause economic damage by creating galleries in the timber3 .
Andricus quercuscalicis, which then goes on to infect pedunculate
oaks in the next part of its life cycle1, 22 . The gall aphid Phylloxera
quercus is also damaging in many European countries3 . Turkey
oak is vulnerable to root pathogens of the genus Phytophthora

Grey bark with long fissures showing pinkish-orange colours in the cracks.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Leaf gall caused by the wasp (Andricus quercuscalicis) on
pedunculate oak (Quercus robur): Turkey oak is the alternate
host completing the life cycle of this wasp.
(Copyright Somepics, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Stalkless acorns with cup covered by bristles.
(Copyright Graziano Propetto, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
References
[1] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[2] A. Di Iorio, B. Lasserre, G. S. Scippa,
D. Chiatante, Tree Physiology 27, 407 (2007).
[3] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[4] E. F. Gilman, D. G. Watson, Fact sheet ST-
544: Quercus cerris - turkey oak (1994).
[5] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[6] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[7] E. W. Jones, Journal of Ecology 47, 169
(1959).
[8] S. Yurukov, P. Zhelev, Schweizerische
Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen 152, 52 (2001).
[9] M. Bozzano, J. Turok, Mediterranean Oaks
Network : report of the second meeting,
2-4 May 2002 - Gozo, Malta (IPGRI, Rome,
Italy, 2003).
[10] R. Solymos, Annales des Sciences
Forestières 50, 607 (1993).
[11] T. Hlásny, J. Holuša, P. Štěpánek,
M. Turčáni, N. Polčák, Journal of Forest
Science 57, 422 (2011).
[15] F. Clinovschi, Dendrologie (Editura
Universitatii Suceava, 2005).
[16] G. H. Hobby, et al., Journal of
Ethnopharmacology 144, 812 (2012).
[17] E. Amorini, M. Biocca, M. C. Manetti,
E. Motta, Annals of Forest Science 53,
731 (1996).
[18] D. Jurc, N. Ogris, Plant Pathology 55, 299
(2006).
[19] S. Moricca, A. Ragazzi, Phytopathology 98,
380 (2008).
[20] A. Ragazzi, et al., Phytopathologia
Mediterranea 40, 165 (2001).
[21] A. Vannini, R. Valentini, Tree Physiology 14,
129 (1994).
[22] K. Schönrogge, et al., Galling Arthropods
and Their Associates, K. Ozaki, J. Yukawa,
T. Ohgushi, P. Price, eds. (Springer Japan,
2006), pp. 91–101.
[23] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[24] K. V. Tubby, J. F. Webber, Forestry 83, 451
(2010).
[25] H. Meusel, E. Jager, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[12] A. Majer, Folia Dendrologica 11, 331

(1984). [26] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
[13] N. Tzvetkova, D. Kolarov, Bulgarian Journal Europaeae: distribution of vascular
of Plant Physiology 22, 53 (1996). plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
Annual precipitation (mm)

Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping

[14] R. Popović, M. Kojić, B. Karadžić, Bocconea the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
5, 431 (1997). Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01b479. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
de Rigo, D., Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., 2016.
Quercus cerris in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01b479+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 149

 Quercus frainetto

Quercus frainetto in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

A. Mauri, C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Quercus frainetto is a species native to Balkan Peninsula, and also present in South Italy and North-West Turkey. Despite
being also known as Hungarian oak, its presence in Hungary is sporadic and mainly resulting from previous introduction.
This oak is an element of the sub-Mediterranean flora, and is usually associated in mixed groups (as well as hybrids) with
other oak species across its distribution range. It has been traditionally managed in coppiced forests for firewood and
timber production in combination with livestock grazing. As other oaks, it is suffering a period of decline, due to climate
change and human pressure although its future distribution is predicted to expand in response to expected warming.
Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto Ten.) is a large deciduous
tree, reaching heights of more than 30 m tall and very rarely Frequency
living more than 200 years1 . The trunk is slender, similar to sessile < 25%
25% - 50%
oak. The twigs are covered with hairs. The leaves are large and 50% - 75%

distinctive: up to 25 cm long, widest close to the apex, with many > 75%
Chorology
deep-cut lobes (more than any other oaks2). The base of the leaf Native

is usually ear-like and in some cases overlaps the petiole. On the

lower surface, the leaves are covered with dense hairs. The buds
are large, brown in colour and hairy. The flowers are monoecious

Leaves are the most deeply lobed of the oak species: here just
starting to show autumn colours.
(Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Dark grey bark formed by small plates.
(Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Quercus frainetto.
Frequency of Quercus frainetto occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for Q. frainetto is derived after Meusel and Jäger10 .
(individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can
be found on the same plant) and are wind-pollinated. The acorns
are up to 25 mm long and egg shaped. In common with other oak
species it has high fructification rates that occur around every
5-8 years3, 4 . The acorn cup is sessile and covered with long
overlapping scales and hairs5, 6 .
Distribution
Paleoecological evidence suggests that Hungarian oak was
already present in the Peloponnese more than 6 000 years ago7. It
is indeed considered native to south-eastern Europe8 as an element
of the sub-Mediterranean flora9, with its widest distribution in
the Balkan Peninsula. Despite its name, this oak is not native
to Hungary, although it is present sporadically as an introduced
species8 . It is also present in north-west Turkey and southern Italy10
in form of scattered patches along the pre-Apennine ridges11, 12 . As
a response to future expected warming its future distribution is
predicted to expand in Spain, France and Northern Italy13 .
Habitat and Ecology
Hungarian oak is a meso-xerophilous species, meaning
that it occupies a climate that is a transition between the typical
Mediterranean climate and a continental climate with hot
summers and harsh winters14 . It is light demanding and cannot
tolerate shading14 . It can grow in heavy acidic soils and tolerates
some water-logging15 . This species can form pure stands or more
frequently it occurs mixed with hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia),
oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), South European flowering
ash (Fraxinus ornus) and Turkey oak (Quercus cerris)8 . This tree has
a narrower ecological amplitude than that of Turkey oak in most
respects16 . It is more drought-tolerant than the Turkey oak but less
so than some other more Mediterranean oak species, such as holm
oak (Quercus ilex)17.

Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Dark green leaves are shiny and smooth on upper side,

while the lower one has dense hair.
(Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Importance and Usage

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
In Greece, it is an important timber tree and frequently
managed as coppice forest for both firewood and timber in
combination with grazing14, 18 . In the other countries in which it
grows, it is most often used for firewood, although the quality of
the wood is similar to sessile oak (Quercus petraea)12 . Because
of the rather high durability of its wood, Quercus frainetto
sometimes has been used as construction material in civil
engineering and mining8 . It was less suited for the manufacture
of barrels and furniture8 .

150 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Quercus frainetto

Mature acorn in scaled cup, which is hairy and sessile (stalkless) on twigs.
(Copyright Franco Caldararo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Trunk and crown near the top of the tree.

(Copyright Somepics, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Threats and Diseases

In common with several other oak species across Europe,
the Hungarian oak has suffered periods of decline, attributed
to a variety of interacting biotic and abiotic causes19 . It is
vulnerable to Lymantria dispar and to root pathogens of the
genus Phytophthora (P. cinnamomi, P. ramorum)20 . In particular,
Phytophthora cinnamomi is a significant factor in some areas21 .
Wood-boring beetles22 , aphids (e.g. Thelaxes suberi23), gall wasps
and fungi (e.g. Apiognomonia quercina24) can all cause damage.
Furthermore, the Hungarian oak is moderately susceptible
to Cryphonectria parasitica20 . Changes in rainfall distribution
and incidence of stress-induced pathogens, such as Hypoxylon
mediterraneum, are blamed for decline in old oak coppices in
central and southern Italy19 . In many parts of its natural range
the presence of Hungarian oak has reduced as a result human
pressure and the transformation of land (particularly the more
fertile sites) into agricultural use12 .

Barrels made from Hungarian oak wood for conserving and flavouring wine.
(Copyright Elin, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

References
[1] K. G. Kostadinov, Gorskostopanska Nauka
pp. 41–55 (1984).
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[3] V. L. Sork, Plant Ecology 107-108, 133
(1993).
[4] I. Jerković, Z. Marijanović, Molecules 15,
3744 (2010).
[5] F. Clinovschi, Dendrologie (Editura
Universitatii Suceava, 2005).
[6] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[7] S. Jahns 2, 187 (1993).
Forest dominated by Hungarian oak in protected area forest near Foloi in Polyphagous caterpillar of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar).
western Peloponnese peninsula (Elis, South Greece). (Copyright echoe69, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) [8] D. Bartha, Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse:
Handbuch und Atlas der Dendrologie,
(Copyright Huskarl, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang, B.
Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised Weinheim, 1998).
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. [9] L. Corcuera, J. J. Camarero, E. Gil-Pelegrìn,
Trees 16, 465 (2002).
[10] H. Meusel, E. J. Jäger, Plant Systematics
and Evolution 162, 315 (1989).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[13] A. Baselga, M. B. Araújo, Ecography 32,
55 (2009).
[14] G. Chatziphilippidis, G. Spyroglou,
Sustainable Forest Management, H.
Hasenauer, ed. (Springer Berlin Heidelberg,
2006), pp. 373–395.
[15] T. G. M. Sanders, R. Pitman, M. S. J.
Broadmeadow, iForest - Biogeosciences
and Forestry 7, 61 (2014).
[16] R. Popović, M. Kojić, B. Karadžić, Bocconea
5, 431 (1997).
[17] M. N. Fotelli, K. M. Radoglou, Constantinidou,
Tree Physiology 20, 1065 (2000).
[18] K. Kitikidou, E. Milios, E. Tsirekis, E. Pipinis,
A. Stampoulidis, iForest - Biogeosciences
and Forestry 8, 53 (2015).
[19] A. Vannini, R. Valentini, N. Luisi, Annales
des Sciences Forestières 53, 753 (1996).
[20] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[21] C. M. Brasier, Annales des Sciences
Forestières 53, 347 (1996).
[22] A. Sallé, L. M. Nageleisen, F. Lieutier, Forest

Ecology and Management 328, 79 (2014).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[11] G. Abbate, C. Blasi, B. Paura, A. Scoppola, F.

Spada, Vegetatio 90, 35 (1990). [23] Host Plant Catalog of Aphids (Springer
[12] M. Bozzano, J. Turok, Mediterranean Oaks Netherlands, 2009), pp. 7–651.
Network : report of the second meeting, [24] S. Moricca, A. Ragazzi, Phytopathology 98,
Annual precipitation (mm)

2-4 May 2002 - Gozo, Malta (IPGRI, Rome, 380 (2008).

Italy, 2003).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01de78. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Mauri, A., Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo,
G., 2016. Quercus frainetto in Europe: distribution, habitat,
usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01de78+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 151

 Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo Sea7, 8 . The altitudinal range is variable, growing from coastal
zones up to 1800 m in Southern Spain and 2900 m in Morocco
Quercus ilex L., known as holm oak or evergreen oak, is a broadleaved tree or shrub, which can grow up to 25 m. It is in the western part of the High Atlas7, 8 . Along its range two
characterised by coriaceous dark green leaves with a woolly lower side, and small acorns. It is native to the central- subspecies are recognised principally by differences in leaf shape:
western Mediterranean basin, where it represents the dominating species in woodlands and maquis vegetation. It is Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia (sometime referred as Quercus
a shade-tolerant species regenerating under the canopy cover, but it is also a vigorous root re-sprouting species. In ilex subsp. ballota or as separate species Quercus rotundifolia)
Europe it thrives in meso-Mediterranean bioclimates, where it is not too dry, forming well-structured forests rich in having more lanceolate leaves with 6-8 veins and occurring in
species. Managed principally as coppice forests, its hard wood has been used for the production of charcoal, firewood, Portugal, South and South-East Spain and Morocco; Quercus ilex
railway sleepers and small tools. In the Iberian Peninsula the holm oak woodlands are historically managed as pastures subsp. ilex having more ovate leaves with 8-9 veins and occurring
with large isolated trees where livestock feeding on the grass and acorns. Fungal pathogens can create severe damage throughout the remaining areas1, 2 . Under the same climate
especially to drought suffering trees. As other oaks it is also damaged by several defoliating lepidopterans. For millennia conditions on the eastern side of the Mediterranean basin, holm
Mediterranean holm oak forests have suffered for human activities, which have exploited, modified the species mixture oak is substituted by the Palestine oak (Quercus calliprinos)9 .
and in many cases replaced woodlands with agriculture and urban areas.
The holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) is an broadleaved evergreen
tree or shrub, which can grow up to 25 m and exceptionally 30 m
Frequency
with over 2 m of trunk diameter1, 2 . Its lifespan may reach more < 25%
than 1 000 years2-4 . The crown is broad, domed, with ascending 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
branches and often with low stems. The bark is brownish-black > 75%

and shallowly cracked into small, square, thin plates5 . The twigs Chorology
Native
and the buds are grey-tomentose1 . Very variable in the shape,
the leaf is generally lanceolate to oval, 3-7 cm long, thick but
not rigid, cuneate or rounded at the base, with 1-2 cm woolly
petioles. The margins are waved or sinuate, but they can be
dentate or in some case spinose on young trees or sprouts1, 5 .
They unfold in spring silvery-white then pale yellow, covered with
dense hairs. Soon leaves become rough and shiny blackish-green
on the upper side, grey and densely pubescent on the lower5 . Leaf
lifespan ranges from less than 1 year to 4 years, with turnover
rates changing according to leaf position and environmental
factors6 . This is species is monoecious, blossoming in May-
June with new leaf growth6 . After dry summers new leaves in
autumn can appear2 . The male flowers are in dense pendulous
catkins 4-7 cm long, pale green, then opening in a mass of yellow Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Quercus ilex.
Frequency of Quercus ilex occurrences within the field observations as
stamens very visible the against silvery-grey leaves. The female reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
flowers are minute, 2-3 on short and erect peduncles at the axil spatial range for Q. ilex is derived after Meusel and Jager7.
on one leaf, green-grey and pubescent 2, 5 . The fruit is an acorn
ripening in the first year, brown in colour, 1.5-2 cm long, one third
to half enclosed in a light green cupule with appressed scales, and Distribution
hanged on short peduncles2, 5 . Mature acorns fall in November-  The natural distribution of holm oak occurs principally in the
January with high productions every 4-6 years6 . central-western part of the Mediterranean basin, covering from
Portugal and Morocco, to the Aegean Islands and western Turkey, Male catkins with yellow stamens producing pollen.
expanding also northward up to northern Italy and France. It also (Copyright Franco Giordana, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

occurs in a few localities in Anatolia on the coast of the Black

Habitat and Ecology

 The holm oak is a tree able to grow well on a wide variety of
soils under different Mediterranean climates, which range from
Uncertain, no-data semi-arid to very humid for precipitation and from warm to very
Marginal/no presence < 5% cold at high altitudes (only if associated with low precipitations)
for temperature8 . Its leaves are small and coriaceous and the
Low presence 5% - 10%
lower side is covered by white hairs. These characteristics are
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% typical of sclerophyllous species, making it possible to reduce
Medium presence 30% - 50% transpiration and to improve their resistance to drought. However,
holm oak is less adapted to extreme drought in comparison with
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
other evergreen Mediterranean tree species, carob (Ceratonia
High presence 70% - 90% siliqua), wild olive (Olea oleaster) and cork oak (Quercus suber)6 .
Very-high presence > 90% This oak is also able to suspend the vegetative activities during
drought periods and reactivate them when the water is again
available10 . On the other hand, unlike other sclerophyllous

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Acorns half covered by the light green cupule.
(Copyright Giancarlo Pasquali, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

152 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


species, this oak resists quite low temperatures, surviving up to
-24 °C in winter for short periods 11 . One of the primary limitations
to its distribution is the intense competition of other broadleaved
trees, principally due to water availability. In fact, in the Atlas
Mountains in Morocco, where forests are simpler (counting
fewer species), its ecological amplitude is more evident, forming
thick forest from 900 to 2 500 m, while elsewhere from North
Africa and the Iberian Peninsula this oak is able to develop only
in more limited elevation ranges8 . Holm oak is a slow-growing
shade-tolerant tree and is able to dominate in late successional
stages6 . Its regeneration develops under the canopy, while in
case of disturbances most of the regeneration comes vigorously
from root re-sprouts6, 12 . It can form pure or mixed stands in
less optimal sites, often concentrating in the more favourable
areas. The vegetation communities where Quercus ilex is found
are generally three. One is matorral vegetation, where holm oak
develops in cold and semi-arid climates at high altitudes (North
Africa, Spain) and is associated with Spanish juniper (Juniperus
thurifera), belonging to the alliance Junipero thuriferae-Quercion.
Another is matorral or arboreal pre-forest where holm oak is
present and isolated or in clumps and it is often associated with
conifers, typically Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), belonging to the
alliance Rhamno-Quercion cocciferae. The first two vegetation
communities are mostly transitional structures in a dynamic
evolution towards more covered and structured formations.
Finally, there are sclerophyllous woods and maquis vegetation
where holm oak dominates, belonging to the order Quercetalia
ilicis8 . This community represents the most widespread evergreen
woodland in the Mediterranean Region, even if few examples of
fully developed forests remain, as most of them are managed
as coppice often degraded by pasture activities or fires13 . These
forests occur in the thermo-Mediterranean bioclimate, typically
found in the Iberian Peninsula, and are principally associated with
olive (Olea europea ssp. sylvestris), carob (Ceratonia siliqua), cork
oak (Quercus suber), and in the undergrowth with strawberry
tree (Arbutus unedo), mock privet (Phillyrea angustifolia),
Mediterranean buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) and terebinth
(Pistacia terebinthus)8, 14, 15 . Holm oak forests are also common
in the meso-Mediterranean bioclimates, growing in more humid
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Flowering dehesas pasture in Spain with isolated holm oaks.
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
areas of the north Mediterranean region ranging from Spain to
Greece. These forests are rich in species with a presence of other
evergreen trees such as laurel (Laurus nobilis), Mediterranean
buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus), strawberry tree (Arbutus
unedo), tree heath (Erica arborea) and privet (Phillyrea spp.)14-16 .
Finally holm oak can also be found on the supra-Mediterranean
bioclimates (France, Corsica, Sardinia and South Italy) with the
presence (and the competition) of deciduous trees, such as
manna ash (Fraxinus ornus), hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia),
Montpellier maple (Acer monspessulanum), bordering other
deciduous broadleaved forests dominated by downy oak (Quercus
pubescens), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) and even beech (Fagus
sylvatica)10, 15 .
Importance and Usage
 The wood of holm oak is dense, very hard and difficult to
dry and carve. It can be used for making only small tools which
undergo heavy usage, for example carpentry tools, handles, gear
teeth, etc. and in the past it has been used for the production
of charcoal, railway sleepers and stakes, and the bark of young
shoots for the extraction of tannins2, 6 . The capability of suspending
vegetative activities during drought periods creates an irregular
wood growth and more than one ring can be produced in a year17.
Actually holm oak woods are managed as coppices principally
for the production of firewood6 , while the more structured high
forests have more protective and recreational functions2 . In
the Iberian Peninsula the holm oak woodlands are historically
managed as savannah-like ecosystems, with large, isolated
trees emerging from a grassland18 . These formations, known as
dehesas in Spain and montados in Portugal, provide trees for
shading livestock, firewood from pruning and refuge and breeding
sites for a large number of vertebrates, whereas the grassland is
used by cows and sheep for milk and meat production, and acorns
for feeding pigs. The sustainable and ecological ecosystems are
managed by preventing woody plants from invading grasslands
through grazing, disking and hand weeding, with a high labour
effort. Its Mediterranean geographical distribution includes
areas with worrying current and potential erosion. This is due
to precipitation regimes characterised by intense rainstorm
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Quercus ilex
events between droughts; and due to the vulnerability of typical
Mediterranean soils, often very thin19-22 . Silvoarable agroforestry
with this species23 may be exploited in Mediterranean areas with
high potential soil erosion, also considering the effectiveness of
its cover-management on erosion rates20, 24 . In the past the sweet
acorns were used also for human use, so holm oak in dehesas
can be considered as a semi-domesticated fruit tree6 . Holm oak
is also used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks, where it
can reach large sizes2 .
Threats and Diseases
 The holm oak under water stress conditions is highly
vulnerable to the fungal pathogens Phytophthora quercina and
other Phytophthora species, such as Phytophthora cinnamomi,
Phytophthora ramorum, and cankers caused by Cryphonectria
parasitica2, 25 . Phytophthora cinnamomi is a biotic factor
associated with holm oak decline26 , which may affect holm oak
as a synergistic negative combination with abiotic factors27. In
particular, severe periods of drought with increasing occurrence
of dry years and the co-occurrence of pathogens (either fungi
or insects) may induce the decline27. Air pollution and soil
contamination27, in particular nitrogen excess26 , have been
reported as possible negative co-factors in combination with
drought stress. Therefore, in drier conditions predicted in the
Mediterranean area in the frame of climate change, a reduction
of more mesic holm oak substituted by more drought-tolerant
species is expected28, 29 . Among defoliating pests, damage has
been reported caused by polyphagous lepidopterans such as the
nun moth Lymantria monacha, gypsy moth Lymantria dispar,
green oak moth Tortrix viridana and lackey moth Malacosoma
neustria2, 25 . Mediterranean forests dominated by the holm oak
have been strongly influenced by human activities during the
last millennia by means of wood exploitation, species mixture
modifications or substitution (e.g. Aleppo pine), livestock grazing
and fires. All these disturbances have led to a degradation, and in
many cases holm oak forests have been completely replaced by
agriculture and urban settlements6, 30 .
References
[1] O. Schwarz, Flora Europaea, Volume 1
- Psilotaceae to Platanaceae, T. G. Tutin,
[14] C. E. Davies, D. Moss, M. O. Hill, EUNIS
habitat classification - revised, Tech. rep.,
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press, European Environment Agency, European
1993), pp. 72–76, second edn. Topic Centre on Nature Protection and
[2] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Paris (2004).
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). [15] European Commission, CORINE Biotopes
manual - Habitat of the European
[3] G. Gea-Izquierdo, P. Cherubini, I. Cañellas,
Forest Ecology and Management 262, Community: Data Specifications - Part
1807 (2011). 2 (Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities: EUR 12587/3 EN,
[4] E. Tendero, et al., Árboles Monumentales Brussels, 1991).
de España - Comunidades Autónomas
(Compañìa Logìstica de Hidrocarburos [16] E. Biondi, et al., Manuale italiano di
CLH, Madrid, Spain, 2005). interpretazione degli habitat (Direttiva
92/43/CEE) (Ministero dell’Ambiente e
[5] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C. della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare,
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain Direzione per la Protezione della Natura,
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). Roma, 2010).
[6] J. Terradas, Ecology of Mediterranean [17] C. Gené, J. M. Espelta, M. Gràcia, J. Retana,
Evergreen Oak Forests, F. Rodà, J. Retana, Orsis 8, 127 (1993).
C. Gracia, J. Bellot, eds. (Springer Berlin
[18] A. M. Vicente, R. F. Alés, Agroforestry
Heidelberg, 1999), vol. 137 of Ecological
Systems 67, 19 (2006).
Studies, pp. 3–14.
[7] H. Meusel, E. Jager, eds., Vergleichende [19] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
System Science 15, 225 (2015).
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998). [20] D. de Rigo, C. Bosco, IFIP Advances
in Information and Communication
[8] M. Barbero, R. Loisel, P. Quézel, Quercus
Technology 359, 310 (2011).
ilex L. ecosystems: function, dynamics
and management, F. Romane, J. Terradas, [21] O. Cerdan, et al., Geomorphology 122,
eds. (Springer Netherlands, 1992), vol. 167 (2010).
13 of Advances in vegetation science, [22] A. Ceballos, A. Cerdà, S. Schnabel,
pp. 19–34. Geographical Review 92, 333 (2002).
[9] J. Blondel, J. Aronson, Biology and Wildlife
of the Mediterranean Region (Oxford
[23] Y. Reisner, R. de Filippi, F. Herzog, J. Palma,
Ecological Engineering 29, 401 (2007).
University Press, 1999).
[24] M. López-Vicente, A. Navas, Soil Science
[10] R. Del Favero, I boschi delle regioni
meridionali e insulari d’Italia (Cleup,
174, 272 (2009).
Padova, 2008). [25] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[11] H. E. Knopf, Enzyklopädie der
Holzgewächse: Handbuch und Atlas der [26] F. M. Thomas, R. Blank, G. Hartmann,
Dendrologie, A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Forest Pathology 32, 277 (2002).
Lang, B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch [27] R. Siwkcki, K. Ufnalski, Forest Pathology
Verlag, Weinheim, 2002). 28, 99 (1998).
[12] J. M. Espelta, J. Retana, A. Habrouk, Forest [28] R. Ogaya, J. Peñuelas, Environmental and
Ecology and Management 179, 401 Experimental Botany 50, 137 (2003).
(2003).
[29] M. Lindner, et al., Impacts of climate
[13] A. Barbati, P. Corona, M. Marchetti, change on European forests and options
European forest types: Categories and for adaptation, European Commission
types for sustainable forest management Directorate-General for Agriculture and
reporting and policy (European Rural Development, Brussels (2008).
Environment Agency, Copenhagen, 2007),
second edn. [30] J. Ortego, R. Bonal, A. Muñoz, Journal of
Heredity 101, 717 (2010).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e014bcd. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Quercus ilex in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e014bcd+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 153
 Quercus palustris

Quercus palustris in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant
Quercus palustris Muenchh. is commonly known as pin oak, Spanish oak or swamp oak. The epithet palustris means
“swampy”, as pin oak is primarily found on wet sites. It is native to the eastern United States, but has also been
introduced into Europe in the last centuries.
Pin oak is a fast-growing deciduous tree reaching 25 (40) m
tall, usually with a straight and undivided trunk1, 2 . Unlike many
oaks, it develops a shallow, fibrous root system3 . The bark is
greyish-brown with fissures on surface higher up the trunk2 . The
trunk usually has many small drooping branches that persist for
a long time after dying and form small “pin” knots in the wood4 .
The twigs are reddish-brown and smooth1 and the buds are small
(3 mm), dull brown and almost hairless5 . The leaves are alternate,
ranging from 8 to 15 cm long, with five or seven lobes, and deep
sinuses between the lobes. They are bright green above and
shiny pale green below, with characteristic brown tufts of hair in
the vein-axils2 . In the autumn they turn a rich scarlet-brown5 and
often stay on the tree into the winter3 . Flowering occurs in April
or May. The dark-brown acorns are about 1 cm long with a very
shallow cup on a short stalk2, 5 . It is not particularly long-lived and
Deep-lobed leaves turning to scarlet in autumn.
reaches physiological maturity at 80 to 100 years4 . (Copyright Tracy Houston Durrant: CC-BY)

Distribution Importance and Usage

The natural distribution of pin oak is the north-central and
eastern United States4 . It was introduced in Europe at the end of
the seventeenth century, primarily as an ornamental, but it has
some potential as a forestry species6 .
Habitat and Ecology
Pin oak occurs primarily along major rivers, in wet soils along
swamps and streams4 . It is tolerant of moist soil conditions and
can grow on poorly drained and seasonally (winter) flooded sites6 .
It prefers moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils7. It is intolerant of
Dark brown maturing acorn with shallow cup on short stalk.
(Photographer Emily Mason; Copyright Bruce Kirchoff, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
shade7 and it is unable to perform properly in soils with high pH,
when it develops significant iron chlorosis problems4, 8 . It grows
well in full sun3 but it prefers a humid climate4 and is sensitive to
summer drought6 .
The wood of pin oak has an inferior quality in comparison
with other red oak species especially due to its many small
knots4 . Its wood is hard and heavy, and is generally used for
fuel wood, wood pulp, and railway sleepers4 . Thanks to its crown
architecture, fast growing rate, tolerance for urban stresses8 and
its autumn foliar display, it is frequently used in urban landscapes
and streets4 . The acorns provide food for migrating mallards and
wood ducks8 , and are an important food source for a number of
other animals including deer, squirrels, turkeys, woodpeckers, and
blue jays4 .

Threats and Diseases

Pin oak has thin bark and is particularly susceptible to fire8 and
to decay associated with fire damage7. It is susceptible to most of
the diseases of oak including the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum9,
10
as well as oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum)8 and several insect
species including the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)4 .

Greyish-brown bark of the pin oak.

(Copyright Bri Weldon, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

References
[1] F. Clinovschi, Dendrologie (Editura
Universitatii Suceava, 2005).
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, C.
Darter, A field guide to the trees of Britain
and northern Europe (Collins, 1974).
[3] E. F. Gilman, D. G. Watson, Fact sheet ST-
555: Quercus palustris - pin oak (1994).
[4] R. A. McQuilkin, Quercus palustris
Muenchh. Pin Oak, Agriculture Handbook
654 (U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Washington, DC., 1990), pp.
1366–1377.
[5] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[6] T. G. M. Sanders, R. Pitman, M. S. J.
Broadmeadow, iForest - Biogeosciences
and Forestry 7, 61 (2014).
[7] L. S. Minckler, Silvical Characteristics of Pin
Oak, USDA Forest Service (1957).
[8] J. H. Carey, Quercus palustris. Fire Effects
Information System (1992). http://www.
feis-crs.org/feis
[9] D. M. Rizzo, M. Garbelotto, J. M. Davidson,
G. W. Slaughter, S. T. Koike, Phytophthora
ramorum and sudden oak death in
california: I. host relationships, Tech. rep.
(2002).
[10] C. Brasier, J. Rose, S. Kirk, S. Denman,
J. Webber, Comparative host range and
aggressiveness of phytophthora ramorum
and phytophthora kernoviae sp. nov. on
north american and european trees, Tech.
rep. (2005).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Pin oak in Marburg Botanic Garden (Hessen, Germany).
(Copyright Willow, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01ec81. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., 2016. Quercus palustris in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01ec81+

154 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

Bumblebee on the white flowers of the Briançon apricot (Prunus brigantina).
(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Low valley crops in the mountain region near Graz (Styria, Austria).
(Copyright Christinamari, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Spring bluebell understorey in a mixed broadleaved wood of the

Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire, England).
(Copyright Stewart Black, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) crop near a broadleaved mixed

forest in Neu-Ulm (Bavaria, southern Germany).
(Copyright scenerynut, pixabay.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 155

 Quercus pubescens

Quercus pubescens in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

S. Pasta, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo in the Caucasian area (Daghestan, Georgia and Azerbaijan17, 18),
Quercus congesta (incl. Quercus leptobalanos) for Sardinia, Sicily
Quercus pubescens Willd., the downy or pubescent oak, is a middle-sized deciduous or semi-deciduous tree. Frequent and South Italy14 , Quercus dalechampii for South Italy19, and
hybridisation with other oaks, the complex sequence of survival and migration events during Pleistocene glaciations and Quercus ichnusae for Sardinia20 . Only rigorous statistical methods
the fragmentation of its populations due to long-lasting human impact are responsible for the remarkable variability applied to morphological traits make it possible to distinguish
of downy oaks. They have a wide distribution range, occupying almost all of central and southern Europe from western some of these taxa21, 22 , while genetic analyses still fail to point out
Spain to Ukraine and Anatolia with some isolated populations in the Caucasian area. Downy oaks are able to stand both any clear differences among them23, 24 . Supported also by the most
moderate summer drought stress and low winter temperatures. On the other hand, they are poor re-sprouters and fare authoritative key to European oaks25, all the above mentioned
badly after intense anthropogenic disturbance. Forests dominated by this oak are quite common in southern Europe, species and sub-species are clumped within a single species. In this
while they are confined to warm microclimatic conditions in central Europe. Its wood is mainly used as firewood. Downy way Quercus pubescens sensu lato has a wide range occupying
oaks are among the most frequent hosts of all the economically important truffles. almost all central and southern Europe from Western Spain26, 27
Quercus pubescens Willd., known as downy or pubescent oak, to the Balkan area, Black Sea and Caucasus. Considering its wide
is a middle-sized (15-20 m, rarely 25 m tall) deciduous or semi- ecological niche it is possible that downy oak woods covered very
Frequency
deciduous tree. Its alternate leaves are mostly ovate-oblongate, < 25% extensive surfaces all over Europe before being destroyed to make
(3)5-10 cm long, bear a short petiole (5 to 20 mm), with 5-6 more 25% - 50% room for cereal fields, vineyards and olive groves.
50% - 75%
or less deep lobes1 . Leaves are densely pubescent (the reason for > 75%
Chorology
its common names) and green-greyish when they start developing; Native
soon after all the hairs of their upper side fall down and leaves
become leathery and dark green2 . Male flowers have 6-10 stamens
and are grouped to form pubescent catkins which grow up along
with new leaves at the base of new shoots. The short stalked
female flowers have greenish stigmata and develop on the axil of
distal leaves. The fruits - often grouped in clusters of 3-4 acorns -
have a short hairy petiole, are mostly elliptic (2-3.5 cm long) and
enclosed for ¼ to ½ of their total length by cupules which are
covered by imbricate triangular hairy scales. Flowering season
(from March to May) varies along with altitude. The huge acorns
ripen from September to November and are able to germinate
immediately and to develop vigorous roots in very short time3 . The
bark of downy oaks is characterised by deep furrows and rough
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Quercus pubescens.
and thick plates which represent an effective protection against
Frequency of Quercus pubescens occurrences within the field observations
grazing fires. as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
Acorns are covered up to half of their length by the hairy scaled cupule.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
spatial range for Q. pubescens is derived after Wellstein and Spada58 .
Distribution
Species concept is particularly hard to be applied to downy oak, and genetic drift due to habitat fragmentation) explain most of Habitat and Ecology
primarily because of frequent hybridisation with other sympatric the high morphological variability of its populations. Hence, many Downy oaks show a very wide altitudinal range, especially
deciduous oaks such as Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) eco-morphotypes living in South European peninsulas and/or in in the southern countries. Although they are more common on
and Portuguese oak (Quercus faginea)4, 5, sessile oak (Quercus the main Mediterranean islands are treated as narrow endemics, hillsides between 200 and 800 m, they grow from coastal plains up
petraea) and Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto)6-8; secondly like Quercus virgiliana (incl. Quercus amplifolia) reported for to 1 200-1 300 m. Indifferent to pH, they prefer lime-rich and well
the complex history of its climate-driven survival and migration the Balkan-Pontian area, Sicily and South Italy14-16 , Quercus drained soils in the northern part of their range, while they may also
during Pleistocene glaciations9-13; and finally the fragmentation brachyphylla for South Greece, Crete and South-western Anatolia, be common on acidic soils in the warmer countries (e.g. Sicily and
and isolation of its populations due to millennia of deforestation. Quercus pubescens subsp. crispata (syn. subsp. anatolica) for Crete). It behaves as a heliophilous and thermophilous species
These counteracting mechanisms (hybridisation vs. inbreeding central and Western Anatolia and with a few isolated populations and is perfectly adapted to stand both moderate summer drought
stress and low winter temperatures, although avoiding continental
locations subject to most frequent frost and/or drought events28 . As
this oak is a very poor re-sprouter29, it may be outcompeted by more
resilient tree species under intense and frequent anthropogenic
Uncertain, no-data disturbance regimes (e.g. cutting, wildfires, overgrazing, etc.). On the
Marginal/no presence < 5% other hand, it may perform rapid colonisation through seed dispersal
after disturbance removal30, 31 . Quercus pubescens-dominated
Low presence 5% - 10%
forests are quite common in South Europe, while they are confined
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% to warm microclimatic conditions in central Europe. Vegetation
Medium presence 30% - 50% surveys concerning these communities are available for Germany32 ,
Bulgaria33, Czech Republic34, Italy35, Austria36, Slovakia37, Hungary38,
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
Greece39 and former Yugoslavia40. Downy oaks often co-occur with
High presence 70% - 90% other deciduous trees of South-Eastern Europe and South-Western
Very-high presence > 90% Asia, such as Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), nettle trees
(Celtis spp.), manna ash (Fraxinus ornus) and hop hornbeam (Ostrya
carpinifolia). A West-East gradient in the composition of species-
assemblages has been recorded in the Balkan Peninsula40, while
evergreen species cover and diversity values increase significantly
along a North-South gradient in the Italian Peninsula41 . Several
authors classify downy oak forests in the vegetation communities
at the level of order (Quercetalia pubescentis) within the class

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Leaves can persist on the tree during winter.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

156 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Quercus pubescens

Querco-Fagetea (European temperate summer-green deciduous

forests)42-44, while others45, 46 prefer to treat them as a separate
class (Quercetea pubescentis) and provide a list of species which
actually put downy oak woods in sub-Mediterranean contexts. On Uncertain, no-data
Mediterranean islands the downy oak often co-occurs with holm oak Tundra, cold desert
(Quercus ilex) and cork oak (Quercus suber) (Corsica, Sardinia and
Negligible survivability
Sicily) or even with kermes oak (Quercus coccifera) (Crete). As the
undergrowth of insular downy oak woods is also poorly differentiated Low survivability
from that of evergreen forest communities, most of them have Mid-low survivability
been included within the class Quercetalia ilicis47-49. On the other
Medium survivability
hand, ongoing monitoring activities on forest dynamics suggest that
the ceasing or reduction of disturbance may allow downy oaks to Mid-high survivability
become the dominant species of ‘final’ Northern Mediterranean High survivability
forest communities, outcompeting Quercus ilex, which will be
confined to more disturbed places on shallow and poor soils50.

Importance and Usage

Almost pure downy oak forests cover 8 760 and 8 500 km2
in France and Italy, respectively51, 52 . Notwithstanding the lack
of quantitative data, pure and mixed stands are also very
common in Balkan countries. Due to its irregular fibre distribution
and the crookedness of the trunks, the wood of downy oak is
scarcely considered as industrial lumber, and it is mainly used
as firewood. In the past, it was largely employed for railway
sleepers, while nowadays it is occasionally used for carpentry,
boat-building, or packaging53 . Downy oaks are among the most
frequent hosts of all the economically important truffles (Tuber
aestivum, T. macrosporum, T. magnatum, T. melanosporum, T.
uncinatum). Considering the remarkable increase of tree ring size
experienced by the downy oak in response to the augmentation
of atmospheric CO2 during the last century54 , its increased use in
Southern European afforestations could be a very effective tool
in order to combat the greenhouse effect.

Threats and Diseases

Several species of Oomycetes belonging to the genus
Phytophthora are responsible for the so-called ‘oak decline’
which affects downy oak forests more and more frequently,
especially those of the Mediterranean countries which are
subject to more severe climatic stress and increasing frequency
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ramorum and highly vulnerable to Phytophthora quercina57. This A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang,
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Leaves are 5-10 cm long and densely pubescent when they start developing.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[15] D. Bartha, Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse:
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Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

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Annual precipitation (mm)

Publishing, 2015), pp. 153–163.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e019e5c. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Pasta, S., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Quercus pubescens in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e019e5c+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 157

 Quercus pyrenaica

Quercus pyrenaica in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

P. Nieto Quintano, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.) is a medium-sized oak with an irregular crown, growing up to 20-25 m. It is a
deciduous species but the hairy leaves are shed only in spring, an adaptation to hot climates. It is distributed throughout
the western Atlantic-Mediterranean regions (West France, Portugal, Spain and North Morocco) through a wide range
of altitudes, from sea level to over 2 000 m. This oak is an intermediate tree between temperate and Mediterranean
species, growing prevalently in mid mountain areas on siliceous soils. It is a dominant and key species of the forest
formations it occupies, with stands that tend to be closed. It is a major tree in Iberian Peninsula silviculture, but these
forests have now seriously deteriorated, principally due to historical human actions and wild fires.
Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd., syn. Quercus toza
Bosc) is a medium-sized oak up to 20 m, rarely exceeding 25 m.
It has a straight and slender trunk with a thick and cracked grey- Frequency
< 25%
brown bark. The crown is wide, lobed and irregular, with many 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
ramifications. The main branches are flexuose and develop > 75%
quite high1, 2 . The root system is strong, equipped with numerous Chorology
Native
shallow, spreading, stoloniferous secondary roots, and reaches
a depth of 50 cm2, 3 . It has also a deep tap root, which allows the
trees to reach deep soil water content4 . This oak is a deciduous
and mercescent tree5 . The leaves are simple and alternate,
with deeply, pronounced, irregular lobes (4 to 8 pairs) and are Crimson foliage in winter: leaves shed in spring when new leaves emerge.
(Copyright Miquel Llop, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
velvety downy with stellate hairs on sides, conferring an ashen
colour and aiding in resistance to periodic drought1, 2, 6, 7. They refuge in moist and cool montane areas11, 12 . It has a short
are very variable in size, measuring 7-20 cm in length and 4 to growing season, which may determine its distribution3 . It grows
10 cm in width. The colour is shiny green on the top side and paler with a minimum summer precipitation of 100 mm and average
underneath2, 8, 9 . Commonly galls developed by parasite insects annual rainfall around 600 mm. Summer drought is one of its
are present over the leaves. The stalk is green or cream green, limiting factors, and it avoids the driest areas13 . Its water and soil
densely pubescent and up to 22 mm in length. The buds are requirements are intermediate between those of pure Atlantic
ovoid-conic 4 to 9 mm in length and are tilted and clustered at and pure Mediterranean oaks14 . This oak withstands cold and
the ends of the small branches2 . This tree species is monoecious. Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Quercus pyrenaica. heat, but requires a certain amount of moisture2 . It prefers the
Frequency of Quercus pyrenaica occurrences within the field observations
The female flowers are arranged agglomerated or grouped in as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native shade, to moderate its transpiration2 . It appears mainly on the
small clusters, blooming in spring2, 5 . The golden pendent male spatial range for Q. pyrenaica is derived after several sources26-29 . mountainside and foot of siliceous mountains, rarely in limestone
catkins appear early summer and are wind pollinated5, 8 . Acorns and dolomites, and prefers loose soils and a sandy texture6 .
are about 4 cm in length and 1 to 2.5 cm wide, oblong, ripened in level to 2 100 m in Sierra Nevada1 . Both the scientific and common Like most oaks, it does not form a persistent seed bank in the
autumn and dispersed principally by birds and micro-mammals2, 5 . name of this oak refer to the Pyrenees although it is almost non- soil5 . Owing to the wide distribution of Pyrenean oak, there is
It has an average longevity of 300 years2 . existent in those mountains. The German botanist Karl Ludwig von great variability among stands of this species in Spain in terms
Willdenow named it on the basis of dry samples received with a of silvicultural and ecological conditions5 . Throughout its natural
Distribution wrong sticker that described its origin in the Pyrenees6 . range, it is usually the key species of the forest formations it
Pyrenean oak is characterised by an Atlantic-Mediterranean occupies, although towards the limit of its northern distribution it
distribution: from western and south-western France, to the Iberian Habitat and Ecology is mixed with species of more Atlantic habits, such as pedunculate
Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and northern Morocco7. Spain and This oak is a typical sub-Mediterranean mountainous species, oak (Quercus robur) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea)15, and
Portugal represent about 95 % of its natural distribution area, so occupying transitional areas between sub-humid temperate towards the south with sclerophyllous Mediterranean species,
the species can almost be considered as endemic to the Iberian and Mediterranean semi-arid conditions3, 7. It is less commonly such as evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) or even cork oak (Quercus
Peninsula10 . This oak is found at a wide range of altitudes, from sea found towards the southern limit of its distribution area, taking suber)4 . Their formations tend to be closed, although depending
on the level of management their overall appearance can range
from extremely closed forest to different degrees of openness,
including dehesa, the traditional agro-silvo-pastoral open
wood for livestock raising13 . The current characteristics of these
Uncertain, no-data ecosystems are associated with their historic use for humans or
Marginal/no presence < 5% with disturbances linked to these uses, such as fire, which forms
part of the traditional management of these areas10, 16 .
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% Importance and Usage
Medium presence 30% - 50% Thanks its high resprouting capability, the Pyrenean oak
forests have been widely managed as coppice with silvo-pastoral
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
uses, such as firewood, livestock grazing and charcoal production.
High presence 70% - 90% Currently, in many of these oak coppices the extraction of fuel
Very-high presence > 90%

Isolated tree with new leaves in spring in Montesinho Natural Park

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. (Bragança, northeastern Portugal).
(Copyright Miguel Vieira, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

158 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Quercus pyrenaica

Deeply lobed leaf with velvety stallate hairs on both sides giving an
ashy-green colour.
(Copyright Juan Ignacio García Viñas: CC-BY)

wood is neglected and grazing is the prevalent use17. Its wood is

of worse quality than the pedunculate and sessile oak and is less
usable because its trunk is not very thick and is more irregular.
It is used mainly for poles and railway sleepers. The bark is rich
in tannins, so it has been used in leather industries6 . Its wood
presents structural characteristics (grain, porosity, permeability)
Grazed forest dominated by Pyrenean oak near Canencia (Madrid, Spain).
ideal for barrel manufacturing18 . This oak is also cultivated as an (Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
ornamental tree, often described as ‘Pendula’ form for its weeping
outer shoots even if there no distinctive cultivars6, 9 . The Pyrenean
oak forests have a great landscape importance in Iberian Peninsula,
forming forest ecosystems rich in species. For these reasons they
are actually protected by European legislation13 .

Threats and Diseases

The Pyrenean oak forests have seriously deteriorated as a
result of historical human actions, ceding a great part of their
cover to agriculture, pastures, intense charcoal felling and the
favouring of other tree species of major silvicultural interest
such as pines16, 19, 20 . Habitat fragmentation has gradually
Apple-shaped gall formed by a the oak gall wasp Andricus quercustozae
reduced the quality and extent of these scattered forests, due where its larvae feed and develop.
also to recurrent fires, which have seen an enormous increase (Copyright Miquel Llop, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

in frequency over the recent decades and now representing the

main disturbance10, 16 . After perturbations, degraded Pyrenean References
oak forest may be replaced by sclerophyllous oaks, such as [1] J. do Amaral Franco, Flora Iberica: plantas
vasculares de la Peninsula Ibérica e
the evergreen oak and the cork oak, which are better adapted to Islas Baleares, Volume 2: Platanaceae -
Plumbaginaceae (partim), S. Castroviejo,
the poorer soils and the drier conditions19 . While root and stem et al., eds. (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC,
Madrid, 1991), pp. 15–36.
resprouting is vigorous, its natural regeneration, particularly
[2] A. López Lillo, A. López Santalla, Árboles
at southern locations, is poor due to low and scattered acorn Grey-brown bark with longitudinal cracks and covered by lichens. madrileños: guìa para reconocimiento
(Copyright Xemenendura, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY) de árboles y arbustos arboriformes de
production, high rates of acorn predation by several animals and la ciudad de Madrid (Obra Social Caja
frequent seedling damage by diverse herbivores. Plantations of Madrid, 2007).
[3] V. Hernández-Santana, J. Martìnez-Fernández,
Pyrenean oak often suffer heavy losses, primarily from summer C. Morán, A. Cano, European Journal of Forest
drought19, 21 . Pest outbreaks are recorded principally for insect Research 127, 369 (2008).
[4] M. Costa, C. Morla, H. Sainz, eds., Los
defoliators. Pyrenean oaks, like other oaks, can be seriously bosques ibéricos: una interpretación
damaged by the green oak leaf roller moth (Tortrix viridana) and geobotánica (Ed. Planeta, Barcelona, 1997).
[5] J. M. Gómez, D. Garcia, R. Zamora, Forest
the gypsy moth (Limantria dispar), this latter able to feed several Ecology and Management 180, 125 (2003).
on tree species but preferring oaks. Forest defoliations can also [6] G. A. López González, Guìa de los árboles
y arbustos de la Penìnsula Ibérica y
be caused by the brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoe), an Baleares (Mundi-Prensa, 2007), third edn.
invasive and generalist tree pest20 . As for the other oaks, Pyrenean [7] J. Lorite, C. Salazar, J. Peñast, F. Valle, Acta
Botanica Gallica 155, 219 (2008).
oak is vulnerable to root pathogens of the genus Phytophthora
[8] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(P. cinnamomi, P. ramorum)22 . Furthermore, it is moderately (Collins, 2006).
susceptible to Cryphonectria parasitica22 . The powdery mildew [9] W. J. Bean, Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the
British Isles Volume 3: N-Rh (John Murray,
(Erysiphe quercicola) is a fungus which may have significant 1987), 8th edn.
[10] E. Luis Calabuig, R. Tarrega, L. Calvo,
impacts on regeneration or on mature oaks in decline23 . The E. Marcos, L. Valbuena, Life and
bacteria Brenneria quercina has been identified in central Spain, Environment in the Mediterranean,
L. Trabaud, ed. (WIT Press, Southampton,
which is the causal agent of bark cankers and associated, among 2000), vol. 3 of Advances in Ecological
other factors, with the oak decline syndrome affecting Spanish Sciences, pp. 43–86.
Oblong green acorns covered by scaled cups from ⅓ to ½ of their length. [11] R. Gavilán, F. Fernández-González, Journal
oak forests24, 25 . of Vegetation Science 8, 377 (1997).
(Copyright Nuno Lavrador: CC-BY)
[12] R. Gavilán, F. Fernández-González, C. Blasi,
Plant Ecology 139, 1 (1998).
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe [13] P. Velasco Aguirre, Comprehensive
field observations from forest plots. study of Quercus pyrenaica Willd.
forests at Iberian Peninsula: indicator
species, bioclimatic, and syntaxonomical
characteristics, Ph.D. thesis, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid, Spain (2014).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
J.-M. Géhu, eds. (Lubrecht & Cramer
Ltd, Berlin, 1988), vol. 14 of Colloques
Phytosociologiques, pp. 133–166.
[16] L. Calvo, R. Tárrega, E. de Luis, Annals of
Forest Science 56, 441 (1999).
[17] V. Núñez, A. Hernando, J. Velázquez,
R. Tejera, Journal for Nature Conservation
20, 1 (2012).
[18] E. Cadahìa, B. Fernández de Simón,
P. Poveda, M. Sanz, Utilización de Quercus
pyrenaica Willd. de Castilla y León en el
envejecimiento de vinos. Comparación con
roble francés y americano, vol. 18 of INIA
Monographs: Forestry (Instituto Nacional
de Investigación y Tecnologìa Agraria y
Alimentaria, Madrid, 2008).
[19] J. Castro, R. Zamora, J. A. Hódar, Applied
Vegetation Science 9, 137 (2009).
[20] S. Soria Carreras, Lepidopteros
defoliadores de Quercus pyrenaica,
Willdenow, 1805, vol. 7 of Boletin
de sanidad vegetal FS (Ministerio de
Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentacion, 1987).
[21] E. Baraza, J. M. Gómez, J. A. Hódar,
R. Zamora, Canadian Journal of Botany
82, 357 (2004).
[22] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[23] B. Marçais, M.-L. Desprez-Loustau, Annals
of Forest Science 71, 633 (2014).
[24] E. G. Biosca, et al., Phytopathology 93,
485 (2003).
[25] C. Poza-Carrión, et al., Plant Pathology 57,
308 (2008).
[26] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Europaeae: distribution of vascular
plants in Europe Vol. 3 Salicaceae to
Balanophoraceae (Committee for Mapping
the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanario, Helsinki, 1976).
[27] R. Alìa Miranda, et al., Regiones de
procedencia de especies forestales en
España (Organismo Autónomo Parques
Nacionales, Madrid, 2009).

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[28] Sociedade Portuguesa de Botânica, Flora-

[14] J. Castaño Santamarìa, M. Barrio-Anta, On: Flora de portugal interactiva (2014).
P. Álvarez Álvarez, iForest - Biogeosciences http://www.flora-on.pt.
and Forestry 6, 113 (2013). [29] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
Annual precipitation (mm)

[15] J. Timbal, Phytosociologie et forêsterie, Actes http://www.tela-botanica.org.

du colloque de Nancy 1985, J. C. Rameau,

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01f807. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Nieto Quintano, P., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Quercus
pyrenaica in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats.
In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01f807+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 159

 Quercus robur and Quercus petraea

Quercus robur and Quercus petraea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
E. Eaton, G. Caudullo, S. Oliveira, D. de Rigo these oaks can mix, compete and naturally hybridise with other
Mediterranean oaks, such as Quercus pubescens and Quercus
Quercus robur L., (pedunculate oak) and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., (sessile oak) are common broadleaved tree frainetto, even if at relatively low rates12 . Both oaks occur at
species in Europe, found from Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula. The two species are quite similar in appearance and higher elevations in southern regions: Q. robur is recorded to grow
have a broadly overlapping range. Oak trees have cultural significance for people throughout Europe and the trees or up to 1300 m in the Alps13, while Q. petraea is more montane
leaves are frequently used in national or regional symbols. Oak trees can live for more than 1 000 years and grow to and in southern Turkey can reach over 2 000 m4, 14, 15 . Due to the
be 30 to 40 m in height. The wood from oaks is hard and durable and has been valued for centuries. It is favoured for substantial human interest and usage of the species over many
construction and for wine and spirit barrels; historically it was a major source of ship timbers. Recently, concerns have centuries, there is widespread disturbance in their distribution, and
arisen about the fate of oaks in the face of Acute Oak Decline, a little understood syndrome. the structure of their original forests is highly uncertain16 . Q. robur
Quercus robur L., known as pedunculate or English oak, and has been introduced into the United States for timber production
Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., known as sessile oak, are large, and in some areas it has naturalised; more recently they have been
rugged, deciduous broadleaved trees, native to most of Europe. Frequency
< 25%
exported into other continents as ornamental trees17, 18 .
Individuals can be very long-lived (over 1 000 years in some cases) 25% - 50%

and become large (over 40 m tall), attaining diameters of three to

four metres1-3 . More usually, these oaks achieve a height of 30 m
and diameters of up to 1 m4 . These two tree species, as well as
other oaks, are very variable morphologically, and can naturally
hybridise, generating individuals showing intermediate traits or
the prevalence of one, so that it can be difficult to characterise
them unequivocally by observations alone5, 6 . The main trunk of
Q. robur tends to disappear in the crown, developing irregular
boughs with twisting branches, while Q. petraea usually develops
a main stem with boughs gradually deceasing in size7. The barks
are grey, fissured, forming rectangular elongate blocks, which
are thicker in Q. robur, while those of Q. petraea often tend to
exfoliate7. The leaves are simple, obovate-oblong and deeply and
irregularly lobed, with a short stalk (2-7 mm) in Q. robur and a
long stalk (13-25 mm) in Q. petraea. These oaks are monoecious
and wind-pollinated, with drooping male flowers in yellow catkins
about 5 cm long and inconspicuous globular female flowers of
1 mm at terminal shots, which appear just after the first leaves
have flushed8 . The fruits are the acorns, which are often in pairs
and sit in scaly cups on the ends of long stalks in Q. robur and
on short or absent stalks in Q. petraea, giving rise to its common
name “sessile”, meaning “stalkless”. The acorns are very variable
in size and shape, but those of Q. robur are usually smaller
and rounded with olive-green longitudinal stripes visible when
fresh7. Mammals and birds are important for the seed dispersal,
especially the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) which can be
considered the primary propagator9, 10 .
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1-A: Plot distribution map (Q. robur).
Frequency of Quercus robur occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for Q. robur is derived after EUFORGEN45 .
Distribution
Both oaks occur widely across most of Europe, reaching
northwards to southern Norway and Sweden, and southwards to
the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, South Italy, the Balkan
Peninsula and Turkey. They are sympatric in many parts of their
range. Q. robur has a more extended distribution, reaching more
northerly ranges on the Norwegian coast and in northern Scotland;
in Mediterranean areas it is also present in Portugal, Greece and
South Turkey, and eastwards into continental central Russia, up to
the Urals7, 11 . The southerly range limits are difficult to define, as
Habitat and Ecology
Q. robur and Q. petraea co-occur at many sites as a main
component of temperate deciduous mixed forests, and they
share several common characteristics. These oaks are vigorous
trees with a large ecological amplitude, although they prefer
fertile and moist soils, and are able to dominate forests in
number and size at low-mid elevations19 . Both are able to behave
as pioneer trees, the acorns possessing large reserves and
able to survive amongst grasses whilst developing sufficiently
deep roots to allow rapid shoot growth2, 10 . As these trees do
not come into leaf until relatively late in the year (late April
to early May), late frost damage is rarely a problem, unless
the temperatures reach -3 °C killing new foliage2, 10 . Sustained
temperatures below -6 °C in winter can kill acorns, despite the
epicotyl requiring some chilling to break its dormancy10 . Both
oaks have a good re-sprouting aptitude, so they coppice and
pollard easily2, 7. Their deep and penetrating taproots (more
developed in Q. petraea) give them structural stability against
windthrow and allow them to withstand moderate droughts by
accessing deeper water2, 10 . However, in conditions far from their
optimum, they show ecological differences. The tendency is for
Q. robur to grow on heavier soils in more continental climates, in
wet lowlands and damp areas by streams and rivers, tolerating
periodic flooding. The more drought tolerant Q. petraea prefers
to grow in more Atlantic climates on light and well-drained, often
rocky, soils (hence the specific Latin name petraea = of rocky
places), generally occurring on slopes and hill tops, and preferring
a more acid soil pH2, 7, 10, 15, 20 . They are both light-demanding
trees (Q. robur more so than Q. petraea)2, 10 , and their canopies
permit a good deal of light to pass through to the undergrowth,
promoting the regeneration of many tree species and enriching

Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%

Stalkless acorns of sessile oak (Quercus petraea).

(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Map 2-A: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence for Quercus robur. Acorn of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) with long stalk.
(Copyright Graham Calow, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)

160 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


forest diversity19 . These oaks rarely form pure forests under
natural conditions. Their substantial competitor is represented
by beech (Fagus sylvatica) and in a minor way other shade or
half-shade trees, in the presence of which the oaks are unable
to predominate as they are at a disadvantage. Typically, oaks
dominate in damp to wet and nutrient-rich soils, where they
occur principally with hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and other
deciduous tree species such as ash (Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus
angustifolia), maple (Acer campestre, Acer platanoides) and
small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata). In these oak-hornbeam forest
communities, assigned to the Carpinion betuli alliance, beech is
out of its range, or replaced as the soils are relatively dry and
warm or too wet. On warmer dry sites in sub-Mediterranean
regions, Q. petraea tends to mix with Q. pubescens and with other
drought-tolerant tree species, forming communities belonging to
the order of Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae. In poor and acid
soils, where beech is unable to regenerate, oaks form mixed
forests belonging to Quercetea robori-petraea communities,
which are relatively small and scattered inside the beech range.
Oaks are also present in many other forest types as secondary
species, principally in beech forests at low elevations, where soils
and climate conditions are still favourable to oaks19, 21, 22 .
Importance and Usage
Since the earliest times, these oaks have held an important
role in human culture in Europe, providing wood for fuel, acorns
for livestock, bark for tanning, and timber for construction. From
the Greeks to the Germans, Slavs and Celts, the oak was a sacred
tree15 and this is why oak is frequently a national or regional
symbol, e.g. it has appeared on German, Croatian and British
coins, and in the coat of arms of Bulgaria. The increasing demand
for oak wood products and the reduction of natural forests have
influenced the development of modern silviculture23 . Due to their
capacity to produce large volumes of valuable timber, oak stands
Large pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) in Dunkeld Hilton park (Scotland).
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Quercus robur and Quercus petraea
are frequently managed either as high forest or as coppice with
standards23-27. Pedunculate and sessile oaks are amongst the
most economically important deciduous forest trees in Europe,
providing high quality hardwood for construction and furniture
manufacture2 . Q. petraea wood is largely indistinguishable from
that of Q. robur and is particularly appreciated for its straight
grain, its durability thanks to its hardness, and its high tannin
content, which makes it resistant to insect and fungal attacks28, 29 .
Oaks have traditionally been used in timber-framed buildings,
as well as for fencing, gates and mining timber, and in the past
it was the most important wood used in the manufacture of
wooden sailing vessels7. Furniture, floor-boards, panelling, joinery
and veneer are also important uses of the wood10 . As the wood
is resistant to liquids, it has been used for barrels for wines and
spirits, where the flavour imparted by the wood is often much
desired13, 30 . The most valuable oak wood has narrow rings and is
produced in high mixed forests on fertile sites with long economic
rotations (about 160 years of age for Q. petraea, about 130
years for Q. robur)2 . Successful oak silviculture requires particular
attention, selecting the proper deciduous tree species mixture,
proportion and density, which strongly influence the wood quality
with regard to tree diameters, ring widths and the presence of
wood knots formed by lateral epicormic shoots. Choice of site
and management is also important to minimise the number of
trees with ‘shake’ (the development of circular or radial cracks
through the timber, which substantially reduces its value and
which is influenced by a number of factors including soil type and
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field
Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Quercus robur.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability for Quercus robur.
mechanical stresses)10, 31, 32 . Furthermore promoting an abundant
and uniform natural regeneration is also crucial10, 15, 20, 33, 34 .
In coppices, oaks provide a valuable source of firewood and
charcoal, and in the past the bark has been much used in the
tanning of leather10 . Several cultivars have been selected for
ornamental purposes, especially from Q. robur, and exported
all over the world. Oaks are particularly appreciated as park or
roadside trees for their size and shade. Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’
is one of the most common cultivars, large in size and with a
columnar cypress-like habit; Quercus petraea ‘Laciniata’ has
long narrow and deeply incised leaves4 . These tree species also
have an important ecological role, as they support many species
of insects such as moths, wood-boring beetles and gall-forming
hymenoptera, and the acorns provide a valuable food source for
many birds and mammals, such as jays, mice, squirrels and pigs10 .
Bud of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) in late winter.
(Copyright Sten Porse, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Threats and Diseases
Defoliation of the first flush of leaves is common by
several caterpillars, e.g. Tortrix viridana, Lymantria dispar,
Operophtera brumata2 . A second leaf crop (known as ’St John’s’
or ’Lammas’ growth, depending on its timing) is usual. As a result
of particularly heavy infestations, especially when combined
with oak mildew (Erysiphe alphitoides syn. Microsphaera
alphitoides), an oak’s productivity can be seriously limited, as
the mildew covers the remaining leaf surfaces, preventing light
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 161
 Quercus robur and Quercus petraea
reaching them7, 10 . In recent years, oak processionary moth
(Thaumetopoea processionea) has spread from its native
habitat in southern Europe further north35 . This caterpillar
defoliates oaks and sheds micro hairs that are a serious irritant
to the human respiratory system, eyes and skin. Knopper gall
wasps (Andricus quercuscalicis) cause some damage to acorn
crops36 . Young oak trees often have their bark stripped by grey
Maturing catkins of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) in spring.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1-B: Plot distribution map (Quercus petraea).
Frequency of Quercus petraea occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for Q. petraea is derived after EUFORGEN46 .
162 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
oaks, and this has become a more widely recognised problem in
recent years. It is characterised by a decrease in the density of
the crown, the appearance of dark oozing wounds (’bleeds’) on
the trunk, and in most cases the presence of the jewel beetle
Agrilus biguttatus. This syndrome can kill trees over the course
of a number of years39 . Whilst not yet fully understood, it may
be the consequence of an assemblage of contributing human,
environmental and biotic factors, such as lowering ground water
table or absence of flooding, air and water pollution, non-adapted
silvicultural practices, and climate change (e.g. 40-44).
300 year old sessile oak (Quercus petraea) in Rigney (eastern France).
(Copyright Arnaud 25, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
squirrels10 . Pedunculate and sessile oaks are vulnerable to
Lymantria dispar and moderately susceptible to Cryphonectria
parasitica37. They both suffer because of root pathogens of the
oomycete genus Phytophthora (P. cinnamomi, P. ramorum, P.
quercina)37. Phytophthora ramorum has been known to cause
extensive damage and mortality in North America, known as
Sudden Oak Death. Although this pathogen has been detected
in Europe, it has not yet had a substantial effect on native
European oaks and it is under observation38 . Acute Oak Decline Bark of a sessile oak (Quercus petraea).
is a new syndrome affecting principally pedunculate and sessile (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2-B: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence for Quercus petraea.
 Quercus robur and Quercus petraea

Leaves of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) in autumn.

(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)

Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
References
[1] MonumentalTrees.com, Monumental trees
(2015).
[2] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
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(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY) Press, 2009), fourth edn.
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Observed presences in Europe A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang,
observations from forest plots for Quercus petraea. B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag,
Weinheim, 2012), vol. 3.
[21] European Environment Agency, European
forest types. categories and types for
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Forestières 50, 583 (1993).
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Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

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and policy, Tech. rep. (2007). oak (Quercus petraea) (2008).
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Vegetation Europas; Map of the
Annual precipitation (mm)

Natural Vegetation of Europe

(Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01c6df. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Eaton, E., Caudullo, G., Oliveira, S., de Rigo, D., 2016. Quercus robur
and Quercus petraea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage
and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01c6df+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 163

 Quercus suber
Quercus suber in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Quercus suber L., known as cork oak, is an evergreen broadleaved tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is most
noted for its thick bark which can be harvested every 9-12 years to be used for wine stoppers and a wide variety of other
products. The bark is an adaptation to living in hot dry regions, as it can protect the tree and enable it to survive forest
fires. Cork oak savannas are biologically very diverse landscapes with a high conservation and aesthetic value.
Quercus suber L. or cork oak is a medium-sized broadleaved
tree. It is slow-growing and long-lived (about 200 years or more)
and usually grows to 20 m in height, but can reach 25 m and a
diameter of 1.5 m in good conditions1, 2 . It has a tendency to form
branches at low levels (cultivated trees are frequently pruned
to prevent this and to maximise cork production2). Cork oak is a
monoecious wind-pollinated species. The flowers appear from
April onwards throughout the summer, and can give rise to both
annual and biennial acorns. The number of acorns varies widely
from year to year, with occasional very highly productive years
followed by others with little or no production3 . Acorns are 2-3 cm
in length in a fairly deep cup with elongated scales. The leaves
are sclerophyllous, evergreen and oval in shape, 4-7 cm in
length, dark green above and pale greyish colour below. The bark
is thick and fissured; if it is stripped to use the cork the underlying
trunk is a rich red colour.
Distribution
Worldwide, cork oak forests cover about 2.2 million hectares,
almost all of which is in the Mediterranean countries of Algeria,
France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia4 . The most
extensive forests are on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula1 .
Quercus suber forests cover almost 1.5 million ha in Europe
and 700 000 ha in North Africa. Its distribution is fragmented,
suggesting that it is mainly relictual5 . The species has also been
introduced to other countries outside the Mediterranean region in
the twentieth century, either in order to produce cork or simply as
an ornamental tree, and limited numbers can be found in Bulgaria,
California, Chile, New Zealand, southern Australia and Turkey4 .
Habitat and Ecology
Cork oak is normally found in forests or open woodlands
as the main tree species, or together with other Mediterranean
trees such as maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and other deciduous
oak species5 . Coverage is usually sparse - around 30-60 trees
per hectare6 . It frequently occurs in managed open woodland
systems known variously as dehesas in Spain and montados
164 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Quercus suber.
Frequency of Quercus suber occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for Q. suber is derived after EUFORGEN18 .
in Portugal, in which scattered mature trees coexist with an
understorey composed of grassland for livestock, cereal crops
and shrubland3 . It needs an average temperature of around
15 °C to thrive and cannot tolerate very low temperatures (below
-10 °C), which limits its northern and altitudinal range (most
cork oak forests are found below 800 m in elevation3). Apart
from this it can survive in a variety of conditions and soil types,
although it prefers sandy and lightly structured soils. It has a
number of adaptations for growing in a warm and dry climate: it
has an extensive and deep root system allowing it to cope well
with drought, and it can also close the stomata on its leaves to
restrict water loss3 . However, it can also grow in areas of high
rainfall (for example in some north-west areas of Portugal which
have an average annual rainfall of 2400 mm)1 . In Mediterranean
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Maturing acorns covered up to ½ of the length by cups with elongated scales.
(Copyright Xemenendura, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
regions, fire is an ever-present hazard. Cork oak is well adapted
to cope with fire, as its thick bark protects the tree enabling it to
re-sprout from the stem after fire damage - the only European
tree species with this capability7.
Importance and Usage
This species is best known for its thick corky bark, which can
be harvested in late spring or early summer every 9-12 years
without killing the tree. Cork is a remarkable material. light,
waterproof, rot-proof, flexible, chemically stable and a natural
fire-retardant. It has been used by Man for at least 2 000
years8 and is the sixth-most important non-wood forest product
globally4 . It has many uses, including flooring, insulation and
industrial products, although nearly 80 % of the total value of
the cork crop is for wine stoppers. Cork based agglomerates are
an ideal core material for components of lightweight structures,
and have even been used in aerospace applications9 . Cork also
has a place in scientific history: the seventeenth-century scientist
Robert Hooke first described and coined the term “cell” after
looking at cork cells through a microscope10 . The open structure
of cork oak forest landscapes are biologically very diverse and
have high conservation value6 , providing a broad range of goods
and services apart from the cork harvest; these include woodfuel,
pasture, herbs, mushrooms, beekeeping and leisure activities4 .
Many cork oak savannas are protected ecosystems in Europe11 .
The exterior of Apollo’s Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter was
covered by a thin layer of cork painted white to minimize thermal
stresses during launch and ascent.
(Copyright NASA, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Detail of the thick cork bark as extracted from the oak.
(Copyright Sallyofmayflower, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
 Quercus suber

Debarking operations for cork production in a plantation near Dehesa with oaks managed for cork production in Navalcán (Toledo, Central Spain).
Jimena de la Frontera (Andalucia, Spain). (Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)

Threats and Diseases

In the past, cork oak was not particularly seriously affected
by pests or diseases, apart from occasional attacks by defoliator
insects. However in recent decades there has been a rise in its
vulnerability across the Mediterranean and there is now concern
about its decline12 . A 4-year European Commission-funded
research programme “CREOAK” was set up in 2002 to address these
concerns and to try to understand the scientific and management
obstacles impeding the restoration and management of cork
oak woodlands3 . Its main threats come from changing use of the
land and decline in management or abandonment of traditional
practices in Europe, with the rising use of plastic stoppers for wine
contributing to this decline. Wildfires and droughts contribute to
conversion of cork forests to shrubland13 . Once this has happened,
it is difficult for new seedlings to re-establish the forest cover as
the acorns are eaten by a variety of animals14 . In contrast, in parts
of North Africa the main problem is overexploitation4, 6 . Cork oak
is vulnerable to root pathogens of the genus Phytophthora (P.
cinnamomi, P. ramorum) and to Lymantria dispar15 . P. cinnamomi
is a biotic factor associated with cork oak decline16, 17. Furthermore,
it is moderately susceptible to Cryphonectria parasitica15 .

References
[1] L. Gil, M. C. Varela, EUFORGEN Technical
Guidelines for genetic conservation
and use for cork oak (Quercus suber)
(Bioversity International, 2008).
[2] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[3] J. Aronson, J. S. Pereira, J. G. Pausas, Cork
Oak Woodlands on the Edge: Ecology,
Adaptive Management, and Restoration,
The Science and Practice of Ecological
Restoration Series (Island Press, 2012).
Grazing bulls in a dehesa with cork oaks near Casas Alcobaza (Extremadura, West Spain).
(Copyright Pablo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
[4] G. Allard, et al., State of Mediterranean
forests 2013 (FAO, 2013). 177 pp.
[5] D. Magri, et al., Molecular Ecology 16,
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised 5259 (2007).
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
[6] M. N. Bugalho, M. C. Caldeira, J. a. S.
Pereira, J. Aronson, J. G. Pausas, Frontiers
in Ecology and the Environment 9, 278
(2011).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[9] L. Gil, Materials 2, 776 (2009).
[10] A. Chapman, England’s Leonardo: Robert
Hooke and the Seventeenth-Century
Scientific Revolution (CRC Press, 2004).
[11] Council of the European Union, Official
Journal of the European Union 35, 7
(1992).
[12] A. Costa, H. Pereira, M. Madeira, Annals of
Forest Science 67, 204 (2010).
[13] V. Acácio, M. Holmgren, F. Rego, F. Moreira,
G. M. J. Mohren, Agroforestry Systems 76,
389 (2009).
[14] J. Herrera, Forest Ecology and
Management 76, 197 (1995).
[15] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[16] C. M. Brasier, Annales des Sciences
Forestières 53, 347 (1996).

[17] F. M. Thomas, R. Blank, G. Hartmann,

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[7] J. G. Pausas, Journal of Vegetation Science

8, 703 (1997). Forest Pathology 32, 277 (2002).
[8] L. J. Gibson, K. E. Easterling, M. F. Ashby, [18] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of cork oak
Proceedings of the Royal Society of (Quercus suber) (2009). www.euforgen.org
Annual precipitation (mm)

London A: Mathematical, Physical and

Engineering Sciences 377, 99 (1981).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01ff11. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Quercus
suber in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e01ff11+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 165

 Robinia pseudoacacia

Robinia pseudoacacia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

T. Sitzia, A. Cierjacks, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo Biodiversity concerns
Robinia pseudoacacia L., commonly known as black locust, is a tree native to North America and is one of the most
Black locust invasion has been proven to have an impact on biodiversity
important and widespread broadleaved alien trees in Europe. It is a medium-sized, deciduous, fast-growing thorny tree
when compared with the native habitats. This applies to both plant34-36 ,
with high suckering capacity. It has been extensively planted in Europe and now it is naturalised in practically the whole
bird37 and lichen38 communities. These effects depend on the stand
continent. Growing on a wide range of soil types, this tree species only avoids wet or compacted conditions. It is mainly
age and the landscape type. For example, the presence of black locust
distributed in sub-Mediterranean to warm continental climates and requires a rather high heat-sum. As a light-demanding
in recent secondary stands in rural landscapes does not seem to play
pioneer species, it rapidly colonises grasslands, semi-natural woodlands and urban habitats, where it can persist for a long
a major role in shaping the diversity of the understory plant groups
time. Owing to the capacity of fixing di-nitrogen through symbiotic rhizobia in root nodules, black locust can add high rates
compared to native stands39 . In urban areas, it seems to have the
of nitrogen to soil which becomes available to other plants. The wood of black locust is durable and rot-resistant, making
ability to homogenize processes at the plant community level36 . Further
it adequate for multiple purposes such as fire and pulp wood, for fences, construction and furniture. In several parts of
research is needed to elucidate the effect of different management
Europe, black locust is considered an invasive alien plant, because of shading and its ability to change soil conditions.
techniques on the ability of black locust to invade adjacent forest and
The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a medium-sized semi-natural habitats30 .
deciduous tree that commonly reaches 20 m as a single tree and
Frequency
30 m within stands1, 2 , but capable of attaining heights up to 35 m < 25%

in some locations3 . It has a typical life span of about 60-100
years4 , although the current longevity record in Europe is for more
than 300 years5 . The tree is usually bent-stemmed with greyish-
brown to dark brown bark, becoming longitudinally fissured with
age. The leaves are composed, pinnate, 10-30 cm long, usually
with a pair of spines at the base which persist on young shoots.
The leaflets are commonly in 2-12 pairs, usually opposite, with an
additional one at the end of the rachis. Leaf blades are oblong,
elliptic or ovate, 2-5 × 1.5-2.5 cm, with entire margin. Black locust is
a monoecious species: the hermaphrodite scented flowers have a
white to cream corolla with yellow spots inside, up to 2 cm long and
grouped in pendent, many-flowered, axillary racemes 10-20 cm
long6 . Black locust is a monoecious species: the hermaphrodite,
white and fragrant flowers are arranged in pendulous racemes 10-
20 cm long6 . The fruit is a legume, 5-10 cm long dark brown pods
hanging in winter and containing 4-10 seeds, mainly dispersed by
gravity and wind7. Fruiting takes place once or twice per year at a
tree age from 6 to 30-40 years8 .
Distribution
Black locust is widespread across Europe, occurring from Sicily
in Italy to South Norway and longitudinally from the Portugal littoral
regions up to the Caucasus9-11 . Core areas in the alien range of this
species are in sub-Mediterranean to warm continental climates, where
a rather high heat-sum is available7 and prolonged drought is rare12 . It
can be found from sea level up to 1 640 m in the Southern Alps (Prosser
F., pers. comm., July 1, 2015). The species was introduced in Europe in
the early 17th century. Linnaeus dedicated the genus name to Jean
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
Habitat and Ecology
> 75% Black locust is a light-demanding pioneer species and
grows either as an upright, single- or multi-stemmed tree or, in
harsh environments, as a multi-stemmed shrub. It tolerates a
remarkably diverse range of soil conditions, being only limited by
low soil aeration and waterlogging. On steep slopes, black locust
is usually less vigorous19. The tree is easily damaged by extreme
frosts in winter and presents low adaptability to arid conditions6, 20.
Climate warming is expected to favour its further expansion21 . Its
reproduction is primary asexual through horizontal root elongation22 .
It is able to produces a high number of root suckers and therefore
exhibits the capacity for clonal growth, up to an area of 100 square
metres23. Disturbance favours clonal growth and causes an increase
in the number of suckers19. The invasion of black locust is well
documented in early succession habitats, like abandoned gravel-
sand pits and landfills, brownfields, secondary forests, coppiced
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Robinia pseudoacacia.
Frequency of Robinia pseudoacacia occurrences within the field observations
forests, lowland pastures, roadsides, and burned sites6 . As with
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. other species of the Fabaceae (syn. Leguminosae) family, the roots
of black locust host rhizobia bacteria in symbiotic relationship within
Robin, who, with his son Vespasien, was among the first arborists to structures called root nodules. These bacteria have the capacity to
introduce and cultivate this tree in Europe5. In the late 18th and early take di-nitrogen gas (N2) out of the air and convert it to a form usable
19th century extensive planting of black locust trees started in Central to the host plant (nitrogen fixation). This process makes nitrogen
Europe. Currently it occurs in 42 European countries and is naturalised available to other plants, mainly through mineralization of leaf litter,
in 3213, covering with pure and mixed stands, for example, 400 000 ha and improves the quality of the soils. Black locust can add between
in Hungary14, 200 000 ha in France15, 250 000 ha in Romania16 and 23 and 300 kg of nitrogen in a hectare every year6 . So stands of
230 000 ha in Italy17. Although accounted among the 100 most black locust may generate substantial soil alterations, increasing the
invasive alien species in Europe11, only a few countries have policies total soil nitrogen, the litter and the organic carbon, also changing
and initiatives to tackle it18. soil pH and decreasing the total phosphorus6 . Its adaptability and
the capacity of transforming ecosystem processes are the reason
for its adverse effects on biodiversity. However, inferior competitive
ability in later successional stages is reported where stands have
been left unmanaged for a sufficient time24 . Black locust commonly
Uncertain, no-data contributes to the composition of deciduous woodlands, mainly oak
Marginal/no presence < 5% and riparian woods, which are the most frequently invaded12 . Stands
dominated by black locust are cultural forest communities, which
Low presence 5% - 10%
can totally differ from native forest vegetation25. As such, they have
Mid-low presence 10% - 30% been either classified within the phytosociological separate class
Medium presence 30% - 50% Robinietea or included in other units, as a derivative community26 .
Several associations have been described in Central Europe, among
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
which Balloto-Robinietum (diagnostic species include Ballota
High presence 70% - 90% nigra, Bromus sterilis, Dactylis glomerata) on poor aeolian sandy
Very-high presence > 90% soils, Solidagino-Robinietum (diagnostic species include Solidago

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence. Black locust in Berlin, Germany.
(Copyright Giovanni Trentanovi: CC-BY)

166 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Robinia pseudoacacia

gigantea) on river valley soils, Chelidonio-Robinietum on slightly

humid soils rich in humus, characterised by an understorey with the
greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) and other species (Sambucus
nigra, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Geranium robertianum), and Uncertain, no-data
Poo nemoralis-Robinietum, with herb layer dominated by Poa Tundra, cold desert
nemoralis, on slopes with acid bedrock26 .
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Fragrant white flowers clustered in a long raceme.

(Mezzana, Northern Italy).
(Copyright Giulia Corradini: CC-BY: CC-BY)

Importance and Usage

Black locust has been strongly encouraged as a forestry tree
in Europe. The yellow and greenish wood is durable, resistant to
stem rot and insect damage, with a marked contrasted colour
between young and mature wood. Black locust is appreciated
as firewood because of its high calorific potential and the
high suckering capacity which makes coppicing the most cost-
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.
effective management system. The mechanical properties of the
wood is moderate to high, but shrinkage has been observed6, 27.
The potential uses include fence posts, boatbuilding, flooring,
Threats and Diseases [13] K. Rédei, I. Csiha, Z. Keserü, A. K. Végh, [25] M. Vítková, J. Kolbek, Phytocoenologia 40,
J. Győri, South-East European Forestry 2, 205 (2010).
furniture, mine timbers, railway sleepers, turned objects, and Large herbivores cause only minor damage to black 101 (2011). [26] C. Pollet, C. Verheyen, J. Hébert, B. Jourez,
veneer. Moreover, it is a promising fast-growing tree species for locust trees in Europe. Until now, exclusively one gall midge [14] Service de l’Inventaire Forestier et Canadian Journal of Forest Research 42,
Statistique, Inventaire forestiere: tableaux 831 (2012).
biomass production28 . Finally, black locust produces a fruity and (Obolodiplosis robiniae) and two moths (Phyllonorycter robiniella personnalises, Tech. rep. (2012). Institut [27] H. Grünewald, et al., BioEnergy Research 2,
National de l’Information Géographique
fragrant honey29 , and its blossoms are used for cooking. However, and Parectopa robiniella) are known to cause some damage31, 32 . et Forestière.
123 (2009).
Many lignicolous fungal species have been detected in the alien [28] D. Kenjeric, M. Mandic, L. Primorac,
all these uses should consider the risk of further expansion of [15] C. M. Enescu, A. D. Ănescu, Bulletin of the D. Bubalo, A. Perl, Food Chemistry 102,
Transilvania University of Braşov Series II:
black locust in adjacent threatened habitats30 . range, of which more than 40 are parasitic. Moreover, 11 mildews Forestry, Wood Industry, Agricultural Food
683 (2007).
Engineering 6, 23 (2013). [29] T. Sitzia, The Forestry Chronicle 90, 486
and leaf-spot diseases have been recorded in Germany6 . Finally, (2014).
[16] G. Tabacchi, et al., Inventario Nazionale
some viruses, potentially pathogenic to crops, are known from delle Foreste e dei Serbatoi Forestali di [30] C. Duso, M. Skuhravá, Frustula
Carbonio: Le stime di superficie 2005 Entomologica 25, 117 (2004).
the alien range33 . In general, threats for black locust in Europe are - Prima parte (MiPAF, Corpo Forestale [31] E. Fodor, O. Hâruţa, Research Journal of
much fewer and of lower intensity than those in its native range6 . dello Stato, Ispettorato Generale; CRA, Agricultural Science 41, 261 (2009).
Istituto Sperimentale per l’Assestamento
Forestale e per l’Alpicoltura, Trento, 2005). [32] N. Borodynko, B. Hasiów, M. Figlerowicz,
H. Pospieszny, Journal of Phytopathology
References [17] European Commission, Commission Staff
Working Document 2013, 7pp (2013).
155, 738 (2007).
[1] H. Gams, Illustrierte Flora von Mitteleuropa, [8] L. Gederaas, T. L. Moen, S. Skjelseth, L.-K. [33] G. Matus, B. Tóthmérész, M. Papp, Applied
[18] M. Vìtková, J. Tonika, J. Müllerová, Science Vegetation Science 6, 169 (2003).
Band 4, Teil 3, G. Hegi, ed. (Lehmanns, Larsen, eds., Alien species in Norway of The Total Environment 505, 315 (2015).
München, 1924), pp. 1390–1402. - with the Norwegian Black List 2012 [34] R. Benesperi, et al., Biodiversity and
(The Norwegian Biodiversity Information [19] T. Jin, G. Liu, B. Fu, X. Ding, L. Yang, Chinese Conservation 21, 3555 (2012).
[2] J. C. Huntley, Black Locust (Robinia Geographical Science 21, 290 (2011).
pseudoacacia L.), Agriculture Handbook Centre, Norway, 2012). [35] G. Trentanovi, et al., Diversity and
654 (U.S. Department of Agriculture, [9] A. A. Fedorov, Flora of Russia: The [20] I. Kleinbauer, S. Dullinger, J. Peterseil, F. Essl, Distributions 19, 738 (2013).
Forest Service, Washington, DC., 1990). European Part and Bordering Regions - Biological Conservation 143, 382 (2010).
[36] P. Laiolo, E. Caprio, A. Rolando, Forest
[3] B. Keresztesi, Forest Ecology and Volume 6 (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, [21] I. Kowarik, Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft Ecology and Management 179, 441
Management 6, 217 (1983). USA, 2001). für Ökologie 26, 173 (1996). (2003).
[4] C. Loehle, Canadian Journal of Forest [10] M. Vilà, et al., Handbook of Alien Species in [22] C.-S. Chang, B. Bongarten, J. Hamrick, [37] J. Nascimbene, L. Marini, Science of The
Research 18, 209 (1988). Europe, DAISIE, ed. (Springer Netherlands, Journal of Plant Research 111, 17 (1998). Total Environment 408, 5506 (2010).
2009), vol. 3 of Invading Nature - Springer
[5] F. J. Peabody, Castanea 47, 99 Series in Invasion Ecology, pp. 269–374. [23] R. Motta, P. Nola, R. Berretti, Annals of [38] T. Sitzia, T. Campagnaro, M. Dainese,
(1982).A. Cierjacks, et al., Journal of Forest Science 66, 410 (2009). A. Cierjacks, Forest Ecology and
Ecology 101, 1623 (2013). [11] D. Ubaldi, Le vegetazioni erbacee e gli Management 285, 85 (2012).
arbusteti italiani - Tipologie fitosociologiche [24] E. Hadač, J. Sofron, Folia Geobotanica et
[6] I. Kowarik, Biologische Invasionen: ed ecologia (Aracne, Roma, 2013). Phytotaxonomica 15, 245 (1980).
Neophyten und Neozoen in Mitteleuropa
(Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart, Germany, [12] P. Pyšek, et al., Handbook of Alien
Long legume which can contain 4-10 seeds. 2010), second edn. Species in Europe, DAISIE, ed. (Springer
(Copyright Marinella Zepigi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Netherlands, 2009), vol. 3 of Invading
[7] K. Masaka, et al., Forest Ecology and Nature - Springer Series in Invasion
Management 260, 780 (2010). Ecology, pp. 43–61.

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

A stand with a dense carpet of celandines (Chelidonium majus) (Berlin, Germany).

(Copyright Giovanni Trentanovi: CC-BY)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e014e79. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Sitzia, T., Cierjacks, A., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Robinia
pseudoacacia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e014e79+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 167

 Salix alba
Salix alba in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Salix alba L., known as white willow, is one of the largest and most well-known willows. Its common name comes from
its distinctive pale silvery leaves. It is one of the species of willows cultivated as osiers, characterised by having pliable
branches and narrow-leaves. It has a wide distribution, ranging from Europe through central Russia up to the Chinese
borders. This fast-growing willow occurs in temperate climates, and tolerates a wide variety of soils, provided roots have
access to water.
Salix alba L. (white willow) is a fast-growing dioecious
broadleaved tree. It is one of the largest of the willow species
and can reach heights of up to 30 m and a diameter of 1 m or
more1 . It is not long lived: usually surviving only 20-30 years2 .
The deeply fissured bark is dark grey with corky ridges. The leaves
are long and narrow (lanceolate), silver-grey on the top side and
with dense silky white hairs on the underside, giving the tree a
distinctive pale appearance3, 4 . The yellow male catkins are up
to 5 cm long; the female ones are shorter and greenish-yellow,
becoming fluffy white, and attract pollinating insects3, 3 .
Silver-grey lanceolate leaves with hairy upper side.
(Copyright Rosendahl, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Distribution
The white willow is widely distributed throughout Europe
except in the northern regions, though Asia Minor and central
Russia to Chinese borders. In the west at its southernmost extent
it can be found around the Mediterranean basin, including North
Africa (Morocco and Algeria). In the north its range includes the
British Isles, the Netherlands and the eastern Baltic coast (Latvia
and Lithuania). Its natural range is difficult to determine as it has
been extensively cultivated1, 2 .
168 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Salix alba.
Frequency of Salix alba occurrences within the field observations as reported
by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native spatial range
White willow in a riparian forest near Bingen (Rhineland-Palatinate,
for S. alba is derived after Meusel and Jäger, and Skvortsov20, 21 .
West Germany).
(Copyright Willow, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Habitat and Ecology areas in Europe with high erosion rates, in particular in moist
The white willow is a riparian species of temperate climates, slopes with high drainage-area within the European mountain
with mild winters, warm summers with short drought periods1 . It systems9 . In these critical areas, the white willow contributes to
typically grows near water on the banks of rivers and lakes or by mitigate erosion, and more generally it is also useful for erosion
ponds, streams, wet hollows and ditches5 . It occurs from sea level control and stabilising the banks of waterways, as well as for
to 2 400 m in the most southerly parts of its range1 . It tolerates a ecosystem restoration and phytoremediation10-12 .
wide variety of soil types, preferring sandy, silty or calcareous soils,
but the roots need access to water. It is strongly light-demanding
Threats and Diseases
and does not tolerate shade. It can be pollarded or coppiced and can This species is particularly susceptible to watermark disease,
readily reproduce from suckers or from adventitious roots6 . Adults caused by the bacterium Erwinia salicis13, 14 . Diseased trees suffer
of white willow are noticeably tolerant to inundation, performing from wilting, withering, and browning of leaves and tips of new
better even in comparison with flood-tolerant taxa such as Ulmus shoots, followed by die-back of affected branches and eventually
laevis, Ulmus minor and Quercus robur7. the death of the tree. Wood from affected trees becomes brittle
and unsuitable for use. The white willow is also attacked by the
Importance and Usage Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), despite
The timber of white willow has a number of commercial uses. showing noticeable resistance and thus potentially acting
These include wooden kitchen utensils, archery bows, hoops, wicker as overwintering reservoir of the beetle15-17. It suffers from
baskets, canoes, and some construction use (e.g. log cabins)1 . The occasional but severe outbreaks of the gypsy moth (Lymantria
variety Salix alba var. caerulea is known as cricket bat willow, dispar)15, 18, 19 . Furthermore, it is susceptible to Phytobia barnesi,
as its timber is particularly suited for this purpose8 . There are a which impairs the wood quality, and to the defoliators Porthetria
number of non-wood products, including tannin from the bark and obfuscate and Yponomeuta rorella17.
salycin (from which aspirin was produced), but these generally
have little commercial importance now2 . A number of cultivars References
with attractive stem colours have been bred for ornamental [1] J. G. Isebrands, J. Richardson, Poplars [14] J. G. Turner, J. M. L. Davis, K. Guven,
and willows: trees for society and the Proceedings of the Royal Society of
purposes. The white willow distribution range overlaps with many environment (CABI ; FAO, 2014). Edinburgh. Section B. Biological Sciences
[2] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of 98, 105 (1992).
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013). [15] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
[3] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen, mri10a15+ (2016).
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of [16] M. Faccoli, R. Favaro, M. T. Smith, J. Wu,
Britain and northern Europe (Collins, 1974). Agricultural and Forest Entomology 17,
[4] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide 188 (2015).
(Collins, 2006). [17] V. de Tillesse, L. Nef, J. Charles, A. Hopkin,
[5] R. V. Lansdown, The IUCN Red List S. Augustin, Damaging poplar Insects
of Threatened Species (2014), pp. - Internationally important species
203465/0+. (International Poplar Commission, FAO,
Rome, 2007).
[6] H. Koop, Vegetatio 72, 103 (1987).
[18] G. Camerini, Bulletin of Insectology 62,
[7] A. Schnitzler, The Botanical Review 63, 21 (2009).
40 (1997).
[19] M. J. Lechowicz, Y. Mauffette, Revue
[8] J. Wilkinson, Annals of Botany 5 (1941). d’Entomologie du Quebec 31, 43 (1986).
[9] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen, [20] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
System Science 15, 225 (2015). - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
[10] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in Jena, 1998).
British forestry (CABI, 2013). [21] A. K. Skvortsov, Willows of Russia and
[11] Y. Kuzovkina, M. Quigley, Water, Air, and Adjacent Countries: Taxonomical and
Soil Pollution 162, 183 (2005). Geographical Revision (English translation
of 1968 Russian edition) (University of
[12] J. Ball, J. Carle, A. Del Lungo, Unasylva 56, Joensuu, Finland, 1999).
3 (2005).
[13] W. R. Day, The watermark disease of the
cricket bat Willow (Salix caerulea), Oxford
Forestry Memoirs n. 3 (Clarendon Press,
Oxford, 1924).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01153e. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Salix alba in
Male catkins with yellow stamens in spring. Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01153e+
 Mediterranean vegetation on the coasts of the Fethiye Gulf (Muğla, Turkey).
(Copyright Jorge Franganillo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Sclerophyllous evergreen forest of the Gutturu Mannu mountain area in the

Sulcis Regional Park (south Sardinia, Italy).
(Copyright Niki.L, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Limestone cliffs of the Praia da Marinha near Lagoa (Algarve, South Portugal).
(Copyright Miguel Vieira, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 169

 Salix caprea
Salix caprea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Salix caprea L., commonly known as goat willow, is a pioneer and a fast-growing plant, which has a wide distributional
area across Europe and Asia in the boreal and temperate zones. The scientific name caprea means goat, which probably
derives from the fact that its leaves were used as goat fodder. Due to its wide distribution range and its high ecological
amplitude, goat willow represents a very valuable multi-purpose species, used principally for biomass plantation and for
gardening and hedges.
The goat willow (Salix caprea L.) is a deciduous small to
medium-size tree or shrub with heights up to 10 m1, 2 , reaching
only exceptionally 15 m3. It has a far-reaching and especially
well-developed fibrous root system1 . The trunks are small,
occasionally reaching a diameter of 40 cm4 . The bark is smooth
at the beginning, forming a thin rhytidome, irregularly cracked2 .
The twigs are greenish, thick and with grey hairs. The leaves are
alternate, broadly elliptic and up to 5-12 cm long. The upper side
of the leaf is green and glossy, while the underside is covered
by densely and softy white-downy hairs1, 5 . The goat willow is a
dioecious species and catkins appear in early spring (usually in
March or April, depending on the site conditions). Male catkins have
spreading yellow stamens, while female catkins are greenish and
insect-pollinated. The catkins are erect, with approximately 100-
200 flowers in each female catkin and 200-300 flowers in each
male catkin, respectively. Catkins are produced abundantly and
they appear before the leaves3 . This willow naturally hybridises
with a number of other Salix species, producing fertile descendants
with intermediate characteristics. Hence, this makes it difficult
to determinate taxonomical limits and to assign individuals to a
particular species within the Salix genus6, 7.
Distribution
This species is native to cool temperate and boreal regions
of Europe and Asia, occurring in a large range of habitats across
Europe and Asia8 . Its wide distribution spreads from Spain to
China, from Turkey and northern Iran to Fennoscandia and
Siberia reaching up to 70° north latitude1, 9-11 . It has been also
introduced in eastern North America and is now naturalised12 .
Habitat and Ecology
The goat willow is a pioneer13 and a fast-growing plant14 ,
tolerating a wide variety of edaphic and climatic conditions1 . It
shows a high adaptability to different habitat conditions15 , such
as dry or wet sites16 , usually growing in mesic to moist stands4 .
It prefers the calcareous sites, but it grows on almost all soil
170 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Salix caprea.
Frequency of Salix caprea occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for S. caprea is derived after several sources9, 52-56 .
types17. Compared with other willow species, the goat willow is
more sensitive to continuous flooding18 , avoiding the saturated
soils of wetlands19 . Regarding its demand for light, it is a very
shade intolerant species, occurring in open areas with full sun1 ,
but it is one of the few willow species able to grow in forest
understories8 . Unlike almost all other willows, the goat willow can
only occasionally be propagated vegetatively by cuttings8, 20 .
In boreal forests, it is found in the dominant Norway spruce
(Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and birch (Betula spp.)
forests, in admixture with other deciduous species such as aspen
(Populus tremula) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)21, 22 , favoured
by disturbances which create open areas23 . In temperate forests
dominated by oaks (Quercus spp.), European beech (Fagus
Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90%
Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
sylvatica) and Norway spruce, it is present with other understory
species such as hazel (Corylus avellana), elder (Sambucus nigra)
and bramble shrubs of the genus Rubus, occurring principally in
forest clearings and open areas24-26 .
Goat Willow in Hesse, Germany.
(Copyright Willow, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
Importance and Usage
This species has a wide variety of uses. The scientific name
caprea actually means goat, which probably derives from the
fact that its leaves are used as fodder27. In northern Europe, it
is a common species in the agricultural landscape, used as a
windbreak and hedge28 , and its foliage is used as fodder for cattle
and goats29, 30 . In traditional medicine, goat willow extracts are
used as a painkiller, astringent, antiseptic, eye tonic28 , or even to
treat malaria, gout, neuralgia and intestinal diseases31 . As is also
the case with other willows, a good charcoal can be obtained from
its burnt wood, which in the past was used for gunpowder and
for drawing pencils32, 33 . The goat willow is particularly valuable
for its high biomass production in short rotation plantations and
its role in landscape restoration34, as it is able to tolerate even
polluted land35. Worldwide, this willow is also used for its ability
to extract heavy metals, such as Cd and Zn, (i.e. phyto-extraction
strategy) from polluted sites34-36 . During spring holidays, in
several places across Europe, its flowering branches are in high
demand37. It is also appreciated as a melliferous plant species38,
39
, supplying a honey production of 150-200 kg/ha40 . The goat
willow distribution range overlaps with many areas in Europe with
high erosion rates, including European boreal areas and moist
slopes with high drainage-area within the European mountain
systems41 . In these critically erosion-prone areas, it contributes
to key ecosystem services such as watershed protection and soil
stabilisation42 . As for other willows and poplars, it is also useful
for ecosystem restoration and phytoremediation 43,44 .
Finally, the goat willow plays an important role in maintaining
species diversity, by being the host of several lichen species4, 37.
Male catkins turn yellow when the pollen is ready for release.
(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
 Salix caprea

This willow is among the first flowering plants in the spring,

the catkins providing a high quantity of pollen and nectar as a
food source, to bees, insects or birds, such as Eurasian blue tits
(Cyanistes caeruleus)3 . Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Female catkins are insect pollinated.

(Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)

Threats and Diseases

The goat willow is a short-living plant and has no severe
threatening diseases in its natural habitats. Pests are reported
to result in economic loss only in biomass coppice plantations.
The fungus Rhytisma salicinum, the leaf-galler sawfly Pontania
pedunculi and the leaf-folder sawfly of genus Phyllocolpa may Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

cause damage to individuals, by affecting the leaves45 . The rust

gardening plants46, 47. The goat willow is susceptible to attacks
fungus Melampsora capaearum may infect the goat willow and
from the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis),
its hybrids, raising dusty orange spots or pustules on the leaves,
despite showing noticeable resistance and thus potentially acting
resulting in lower photosynthetic performance and eventually
as overwintering reservoir of the beetle48, 49 . It is also vulnerable
defoliating the trees. Breeding programmes have been promoted
to the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)48, 50, 51 . Nematus miliaris
for selecting rust resistant willows in biomass plantations and
can completely defoliate the goat willow, which in Poland has
been reported to be preferentially attacked (along with Salix
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[10] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
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[26] T. Degen, F. Devillez, A.-L. Jacquemart,
Annals of Forest Science 62, 429 (2005).
[27] J. E. Smith, The English Flora Vol. 4
(Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green,
London, 1830), second edn.
[28] A. Ahmed, W. A. Shah, S. Akbar,
M. Younis, D. Kumar, International
Journal of Research in Phytochemistry &
Pharmacology 1, 17 (2011).
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(2013).
[30] J. Smith, The History of Temperate
Agroforestry (The Organic Research
Centre, Elm Farm, Newbury, Berkshire,
UK, 2010).
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Research 4, 1067 (2011).
[32] F. P. Porcher, Resources of the southern
fields and forests, medical, economical,
and agricultural (Walker, Evans &
Cogswell, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.,
1869).
[33] W. Withering, A botanical arrangement
of all the vegetables naturally growing in
Great Britain, vol. 2 (Cadel and Elmsley,
London, 1776).
[34] M. Vaculìk, et al., Environmental Pollution
163, 117 (2012).
[35] C. Varga, M. Marian, L. Mihaly-Cozmuta,
A. Mihaly-Cozmuta, L. Mihalescu, Analele
Universităţii din Oradea, Fascicula Biologie
16, 141 (2009).
[36] M. Kuffner, et al., Journal of Applied
Microbiology 108, 1471 (2010).
[39] A. C. Băloi, I. Csosz, S. C. Martin, A. Bogluţ,
Lucrări Ştiinţifice. Management Agricol 15,
241 (2013).
[40] D. C. Popovici, E. Crăiniceanu, D. S.
Bistrean, O. Colibar, Lucrări Ştiinţifice
Medicină Veterinară 40, 46 (2007).
[41] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[42] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[43] Y. Kuzovkina, M. Quigley, Water, Air, and
Soil Pollution 162, 183 (2005).
[44] J. Ball, J. Carle, A. Del Lungo, Unasylva 56,
3 (2005).
[45] J. Hjältén, L. Ericson, H. Roininen,
Ecoscience 7, 51 (2000).
[46] B. Bubner, et al., Fungal Biology 118, 910
(2014).
[47] M. H. Pei, T. Hunter, D. J. Royle, New
Phytologist 141, 155 (1999).
[48] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[49] V. de Tillesse, L. Nef, J. Charles, A. Hopkin,
S. Augustin, Damaging poplar Insects
- Internationally important species
(International Poplar Commission, FAO,
Rome, 2007).
[50] M. J. Lechowicz, Y. Mauffette, Revue
d’Entomologie du Quebec 31, 43 (1986).
[51] E. M. Andreeva, Russian Journal of Ecology
33, 342 (2002).
[52] Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, BSBI
big database (2015). http://bsbidb.org.uk
[53] B. Jonsell, ed., Flora Nordica, Vol 1:
Lycopodiaceae - polygonaceae (The Royal
Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm,
2000).
[54] A. K. Skvortsov, Willows of Russia and
Adjacent Countries: Taxonomical and
Geographical Revision (English translation
of 1968 Russian edition) (University of
Joensuu, Finland, 1999).
[55] Anthos, Information System of the plants
of Spain (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC -

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

[37] W.-D. Gu, M. Kuusinen, T. Konttinen, Fundación Biodiversidad, 2015).

I. Hanski, Ecography 24, 139 (2001). http://www.anthos.es.
[38] N. Ion, International Scientific Symposium [56] Tela Botanica, eFlore (2015).
Annual precipitation (mm)

(University of Agronomical Sciences and http://www.tela-botanica.org

Veterinary Medicine of Iaşi, Romania, 2008).

elegantissima), compared with other willows49 .

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01322d. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016.
Salix caprea in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01322d+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 171

 Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. M. Enescu, T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo
The elder (Sambucus nigra L.) is a deciduous shrub characterized by large white and scented inflorescences and glossy
dark purple-black berries. It is common in Europe from Mediterranean regions to South Scandinavia. It is able to grow in a
wide range of site conditions, generally on forest edges and open woodlands often associated to disturbed and eutrophic
areas, but avoiding drought and salty soils. It is cultivated worldwide for its berries, which are used for both culinary and
medical purposes.
Sambucus nigra L., also known as black elderberry, common
elder or European elder, is usually a 4-5 m tall shrub or rarely
a small tree, up to 10 m in height, with vigorous erect shoots,
arching branches and brownish-grey and deeply furrowed bark1, 2 . Frequency
It is short-lived, rarely surviving more than 35 years3 . Twigs are < 25%
25% - 50%
greyish, with porous-white pith and prominent lenticels1 . Leaves 50% - 75%

are in opposite pairs with 3-(5-7)-9 leaflets, which are usually > 75%
Chorology
ovate, acuminate and with serrate margins1, 2 . The leaves are Native

mildly poisonous1 . Flowers appear in late spring to mid-summer

after leafing, usually in the third or fourth year, occasionally in the
second producing flat clusters of strongly scented white or cream
flowers of up to 10-20 cm in diameter1, 4 . The fruit is a glossy
dark purple-black berry, 3-5 mm in diameter, which ripens during
August and September1, 4 . Fruit and viable seed production is high
every year, and the species may be propagated from seeds or
cuttings. It also re-sprouts readily from stumps1, 3, 5 .

Distribution
The elder is common in western and central Europe. Its
northern limit is Scotland and southern Scandinavia, and it can
be found as far south as Sicily and mainland Greece. It can also
be found in Asia and North Africa (probably through cultivation),
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Sambucus nigra.
Frequency of Sambucus nigra occurrences within the field observations as Pedunculate inflorescence with white flowers arranged in umbel.
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native (Copyright Tracy Houston Durrant: CC-BY)
spatial range for S. nigra is derived after Meusel and Jäger11 .

and has become naturalised in North America1 .

Habitat and Ecology

Elder is capable of growing in a broad variety of site
conditions, including both wet and dry fertile soils, primarily
in sunny locations and generally in the open or on woodland
edges1-3 . It is not drought tolerant, but it can cope with shade
and it can also grow in relatively poor soil conditions, except in
salty soils3, 6 . It is associated with disturbed and eutrophic soils
and can be found in floodplains, coastal scrub, on forest margins
and in forest gaps, abandoned fields, in urban areas or in the
underbrush layer in forests2, 6 .

Importance and Usage

The wood of the elder is white, close grained and easily
worked, and is suitable for making small objects such as skewers,
combs and mathematical instruments. In past years it was
valued by watchmakers who would use small sticks (“pegwood”)
as well as the pith to manipulate the delicate working parts2, 5 .
Leaves, flowers and berries can all be used to produce dyes3 .
Elder is also a well-recognised medicinally important species2, 3, 7.
Its flowers and berries are used in treating several diseases such
as diabetes, colic, diarrhoea, fever, coughs, colds, congestion,
bronchitis, influenza, allergies, rheumatism, swollen limbs, burns,
inflamed mucous membranes2, 3, 8 . The ripe berries can be used
for making juice, jellies or wine and the flowers are used to
flavour drinks2, 3, 9 . The fruit is also an important food source for
birds and other animals3, 7. This species is sometimes planted to
control soil erosion2 or as an ornamental shrub10,7.

Threats and Diseases

Around 19 species of phytophagous insects are associated
with elder: a relatively small number. The larvae of a number
of moths including Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Choristoneura Black elder in the Burgwald Mountains near Wetter-Unterrosphe (Hesse, Germany).
hebenstreitella and Phlyctaenia coronata feed in spun or rolled (Copyright Willow, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
leaves and may defoliate the plant. Leaf spots are produced by
the fungus Cercospora depazeoides. A number of viruses cause
References
[1] M. D. Atkinson, E. Atkinson, Journal of
leaf roll or chlorotic patches1, 3 . Ecology 90, 895 (2002).
[2] T. K. Lim, Edible Medicinal and Non-
Medicinal Plants (Springer Netherlands,
2012), pp. 30–44.
[3] D. Charlebois, P. L. Byers, C. E. Finn, A. L.
Thomas, Horticultural Reviews, J. Janick,
ed., no. 37 in Horticultural Reviews (Wiley,
2010).
[4] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[5] C. R. Metcalfe, Kew Bulletin 3, 163 (1948).
[6] F. Clinovschi, Dendrologie (Editura
Universitatii Suceava, 2005).
[7] C. Cumo, Encyclopedia of Cultivated Plants:
From Acacia to Zinnia (ABC-CLIO, 2013).
[8] A. M. Gray, Y. H. A. Abdel-Wahab, P. R. Flatt,
The Journal of Nutrition 130, 15 (2000).
[9] V. Schmitzer, R. Veberic, A. Slatnar,
F. Stampar, Journal of Agricultural and
Food Chemistry 58, 10143 (2010). PMID:
20735034.
[10] C. E. Finn, A. L. Thomas, P. L. Byers,
S. Serçe, HortScience 43, 1385 (2008).
[11] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Scented flowers have 5 white petals and 5 yellow stamens.
(Copyright Marinella Zepigi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Mature glossy dark-blue berries ripen at the end of September.
(Copyright Gary Houston, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e013c0f. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., 2016. Sambucus
nigra in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In:
San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e013c0f+

172 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

Mixed spruce/beech stands in Cansiglio Forest (North-East Italy).
(Copyright Umberto Salvagnin, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Coloured beech leaves in autumn.

(Copyright claude05alleva, pixabay.com: CC0)

Beech forest with autumnal foliage in Romania.

(Copyright valiunic, pixabay.com: CC0)

Vinyards along Danube River near Dürnstein (Krems-Land, Austria).

(Copyright Chris De Wit, unsplash.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 173

 Sorbus aria

Sorbus aria in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

E. Welk, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz or common whitebeam (syn. Aria nivea) is a medium sized deciduous tree or shrub, characterised
by white small flowers arranged in inflorescences, which develop lenticel-speckled reddish pomes. It is a mountain
species of southern, western and central Europe, occurring mainly in openings and at the edges of European limestone
beech forests. It is part of a larger and relatively recent evolving species complex arising from crossing-events between
taxa and populations of the Sorbus species, which covers a wider distribution reaching Central Asia. It is quite a popular
ornamental tree, although its practical use is comparatively low.
Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz (syn. Aria nivea) or common whitebeam
is a slow-growing, small to medium sized deciduous tree or shrub
that grows up to 5-15 m tall, rarely up to 20 m and 40 cm in
diameter1 . The species often develops multiple, slender trunks
with a smooth to shallowly fissured, yellowish-grey bark that
becomes grey-black with vertical cracks when old. Younger shoots
are shiny olive or yellowish- to reddish-brown, usually densely
tomentose and have large, conspicuously hairy terminal buds1, 2 .
The leaves change colour from light green in spring to dark green
in summer, and then to yellow in autumn. They are alternate,
simple and variable in shape, from ovate, elliptical to circular,
with double-serrate toothed margins, sometimes indented into
shallow lobes. Their size is approximately 6-12 cm long and
4-8 cm wide. They are usually densely white haired beneath
with around 10-15 pairs of veins2 . Whitebeam is a monoceous
hermaphrodite species with flowers of about 1.5 cm in diameter
and white in colour that are arranged in corymbs of 5-10 cm in
diameter. Flowers are insect pollinated and self-incompatible in
the diploid sexual species3 . The trees have a typical lifespan of
around 100-200 years, and start fruiting when 10-20 years old.
Flowering lasts from May to June and single flowers are open
for about a week1 . Fruits are orange to scarlet globose pomes
8-15 mm in diameter with many lenticels on the skin. They are
eaten and dispersed mostly by birds2 . They ripen from September
to October and often stay on the twigs during winter1 .
Distribution
The taxonomy of the genus Sorbus is very complex, as
like most species of this genus, they can not only hybridise,
but also duplicate their genome from diploid, i.e. the species
sensu stricto (s.str.), to polyploid forms, which display different
morpho-ecological characters and are described as different
species. Sorbus is classified into five subgenera, grouping
morphologically similar forms and hybrids arising from crossing-
to basic (alkaline) fertile, lime-rich soils. Its deep root system
makes it also resistant to drought1 . It is a light-demanding tree,
which normally occurs in semi-shade habitats, open deciduous
woodlands or scrublands, where this species is often recorded on
the edges and only rarely occurs in deep shade1 . The diploid species
is generally distributed as a sub-Mediterranean floral element in
the mountain zones throughout almost all of Southern Europe. It is
a stable element of xero-thermophile beech forest types (alliance
Cephalanthero-Fagion), often on shallow calcareous soils on steep
slopes and relatively dry and warm sites, dominated by beech
(Fagus sylvatica) commonly with limes (Tilia spp.), hornbeam
Frequency (Carpinus betulus) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea), in the shrub
< 25%
layer with common privet (Ligustrum vulgare), barberry (Berberis
25% - 50%
50% - 75% vulgaris) and cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)7-9 .
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Sorbus aria.
Frequency of Sorbus aria occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for S. aria is derived after Meusel and Jager15 .
Middle East, while the diploid Sorbus aria s.str. has a restricted
range, which covers almost all mountainous and hilly regions of
southern Europe from the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Italy
eastwards to the Balkans and Carpathian Mountains1, 2 . In the
Alps it is found mainly up to 1600 m, but reaches 2 155 m in
the Wallis region of Switzerland1 . Occurrences in West Ireland
and South England are isolated, since the species is virtually
absent from the coastal provinces of West France3 , from where
it reaches to South Germany, South Poland and East Hungary.
Beside the typical subspecies, an accepted local subspecies is
described as Sorbus aria subsp. lanifera (A.Kern.) Jáv.5 , which is Pale underside of young whitebeam leaves.
reported to occur as a local endemic in lower montane fir-beech (Copyright Graham Calow, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)

events between taxa and populations. Within the subgenus Aria,
the section Aria, i.e. the Sorbus aria sensu lato (s.l.), includes
primary diploid species, its subspecies, their apomictic triploid
and tetraploid forms and their hybrids3, 4 . This species complex
occurs in a wide range across western, central and southern
Europe, in North-western Africa in mountains of Morocco, Algeria
and Tunisia, eastwards to Turkey, Lebanon, Caucasus and the
forests in Croatia6 .
Habitat and Ecology
Whitebeam is a mesophile species that can grow in different
soil types. However, it occurs relatively rarely in very acid and very
alkaline soils or in habitats with light and sandy soils, as well as in
heavy clay soils. Usually it prefers moist but well-drained, neutral
Importance and Usage
Whitebeam is quite a popular ornamental tree but its
practical use is comparatively low. There are many garden
forms and the wood was used for furniture and various items of
household equipment in history. The frozen or cooked fruits are
edible but not tasty. In former times the fruits, leaves and twigs
were used as livestock-fodder and the mealy fruit substance was
processed into a type of meal or flour, which was used to extend
regular bread flour (German name “Mehlbeere = Flour Berry”)1 .
Planting material can be propagated by seed and inoculation.

Whitebeam is a slow-growing species that may have a shrub form. Bark is smooth in young plants.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) (Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

174 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Sorbus aria

Uncertain, no-data
Tundra, cold desert
Negligible survivability
Low survivability
Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Fruits are orange to scarlet and are eaten and dispersed mostly by birds.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Leaves are elliptical-ovate with toothed margins. References

(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP) [1] H. Kutzelnigg, Gustav Hegi - Illustrierte
Flora von Mitteleuropa, Band 4, Teil
Threats and Diseases 2B: Rosaceae, H. Scholz, ed. (Blackwell
Wissenschafts-Verlag, Berlin, 1995), pp.
328–385.
Older whitebeam trees can reach root-depth of 1–2 m,
[2] J. J. Aldasoro, C. Aedo, F. M. Garmendia,
rendering them quite resistant to wind-throw, but sensitive to C. Navarro, Revision of Sorbus subgenera
aria and torminaria (Rosaceae-Maloideae),
industrial smoke emissions1 . Roots may be attacked by aphids vol. 69 of Systematic Botany Monographs
(Aphis sorbi) and leaves by caterpillars of e.g. Argyresthia (American Society of Plant Taxonomists,
2004).
conjugella, while the larvae of the wasp Megastigmus [3] S. Ludwig, et al., Annals of Botany 111,
brevicaudus feed on seeds1, 10 . Infectious diseases may be apple 563 (2013).
[4] E. Nelson-Jones, D. Briggs, A. Smith,
canker (Neonectria ditissima), and fireblight (Erwinia amylovora). Theoretical and Applied Genetics 105,
953 (2002).
In common with several other woody plants, the whitebeam
[5] A. Kurtto, Euro+Med Plantbase
is vulnerable to attack by Heterobasidion annosum, which is - the information resource for Euro-
Mediterranean plant diversity (2009).
potentially subject to expansion in the European boreal and http://www.emplantbase.org.
temperate continental ecological zones11, 12 . A common fungal [6] T. Nikolic, The IUCN Red List of Threatened
pathogen is the rust Ochropsora ariae13, 14 . Young whitebeam Species (1998), pp. 34729/0+.
[7] W. Willner, Phytocoenologia 32, 337
trees are especially susceptible to browsing and many generalist (2002).
herbivore arthropods are known to feed on the species1 . White flowers are arranged in large 5-10 cm clusters.
(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
[8] U. Bohn, et al., Karte der natürlichen
Vegetation Europas; Map of the
Natural Vegetation of Europe
(Landwirtschaftsverlag, 2000).
[9] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of
Central Europe (Cambridge University
Press, 2009), fourth edn.
[10] A. Roques, M. Skrzypczyńska, Journal of
Natural History 37, 127 (2003).
[11] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[12] CABI, Heterobasidion annosum (2015).
Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[13] Y. Ono, Mycoscience 47, 145 (2006).
[14] H. Y. Yun, Anemone-Rosaceae rust -
Ochropsora ariae (2010). Invasive and
Emerging Fungal Pathogens - Diagnostic
Fact Sheets. Systematic Mycology and
Microbiology Laboratory, Agricultural
Research Service, US Department of
Agriculture. http://nt.ars-grin.gov/sbmlweb/
fungi/index.cfm Accessed 2015-05.
[15] H. Meusel, E. Jager, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).

Buds are hairy on the tips of younger shoots.

(Copyright Silvano Radivo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Fruits can persist on the plant during the winter becoming important food for many birds.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01e816. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Welk, E., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Sorbus aria in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01e816+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 175

 Sorbus aucuparia

Sorbus aucuparia in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

M. Räty, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo

The rowan or mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.) is a widely spread deciduous tree species, which is only missing from
the southernmost parts of Europe and large islands. It can survive in various growing conditions, but in poorer conditions
it remains as a bush. A rowan can reach a height of 15-20 metres. It is known for its red fruit which is an important food
source for birds particularly during the winter. Rowan and its varieties are popular planted trees in gardens and cities. A
changing climate has already enhanced its spread to higher altitudes and further to the north, but in future it is expected
to lose its presence in south, central and eastern Europe.
The rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) is a slender deciduous tree
that can reach a height of 15-20 metres on good growing sites, Frequency
but may remain a bush on poorer sites1-3 . The bark is greyish < 25%
25% - 50%
and the crown narrow. The roots are tough and fibrous1 and form 50% - 75%

an anchoring root system, with a morphogenesis limited by > 75%

Chorology
groundwater table, prevailing direction of wind and slope4 . The Native

leaves are odd pinnate, 10-25 cm, consisting of 9-19 (usually
15) pairs of 2-6 cm leaflets, which are oblong, sessile, with
acute apex, serrate margins, dark green in colour becoming
orange in autumn5, 6 . This species is monoecious with numerous
hermaphrodite white flowers arranged in dense and woolly
inflorescences1, 2 , flowering from May to June3 , or as late as July
in northern Europe2 . It is insect pollinated3 and starts to produce
seed at an age of 15 years1 . The fruits are scarlet round pomes
of about 1 cm6, 7, and its yield is usually good with alternating
better and poorer years1 . The fruits stay attached to the tree
during the winter and therefore offer food for birds7, which
disperse the seeds1, 3 . The tree is usually not expected to reach
an age of 100 years7.
Distribution
The genus Sorbus has a complex taxonomy, as their species
can create not only hybrids, but also duplicate their genome
resulting in different morpho-ecological characters that are
classified as different species. The diploid form of Sorbus
aucuparia belongs to subgenus Sorbus; furthermore apomictic
triploid and tetraploid species, as a result of hybridisation with
the members of subgenus Aria, are grouped in the subgenus
Soraria8-10 . This tree is widespread across Europe, from extreme
northern regions (Iceland, Fennoscandia, Russia) to southern
Europe (Spain, Italy, Balkans), where it is found only at higher
elevations, and eastwards the species extends into Asia Minor
(Caucasus) and Northern Asia (Siberia, North China). It can
be found from sea-level in northern latitudes, up to 2 400 m in
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Sorbus aucuparia.
Frequency of Sorbus aucuparia occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for S. aucuparia is derived after Meusel and Jager11 .
Tyrol1, 11, 12 . It has also been introduced in the United States and
Canada as an ornamental tree and has become naturalised in
some northern regions13 .
Habitat and Ecology
Rowan is a tree species adapted for a short growing season
and it can tolerate high summer temperatures, if the temperature is
not accompanied by high water stress. In other words, its spread is
limited rather by a combination of poor drought tolerance, adaption
to a short growing season and a cold requirement for bud burst
than by high temperature1 . It is a stress-tolerant competitor14 , cold
Scarlet fruits of 1 cm in diameter; these pomes stay
attached to the tree during the winter.
(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
hardy and frost tolerant1, 3 . It is absent from wetlands, bare soil
sites, clays and soft limestones1, 3 . Otherwise, it is one of the least
site-demanding trees3 . Rowan and birch (Betula spp.) have quite
similar site requirements for growth with respect to acidity (up to
pH 7.0) and non-waterlogged conditions, but rowan is more shade
tolerant and can persist at higher elevations14, 15 . It is widespread as
a minor component of several vegetation communities, occurring
from the lowlands to rocky mountain slopes and cliffs. Typical sites
for rowan are forest edges, glades, rocky and stony sites, riverbank
bluffs and undergrowth with several forest types and tree species1,
2
. Often it occurs as a pioneer tree in open habitants and also in
forests, as it is able to geminate and establish successfully on thick
layers of raw humus in dense forest stands of spruce (Picea abies)
particularly, and tolerates competition from herbs16 . Dominant
well developed trees regenerate principally by seeds, while pioneer
trees spread laterally, developing clones by roots1, 14-16 . It has been
shown that the genetic variation has remained relatively high even
in quite fragmented populations, and there are no clear indications
of inbreeding, which is a good sign for forest restoration17.

Uncertain, no-data
Marginal/no presence < 5%
Low presence 5% - 10%
Mid-low presence 10% - 30%
Medium presence 30% - 50%
Mid-high presence 50% - 70%
High presence 70% - 90%
Very-high presence > 90% Hermaphrodite white flowers arranged in corymbs
formed of numerous individuals.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)

Importance and Usage

Map 2: High resolution distribution map estimating the relative probability of presence.
Rowan is among the most widely distributed species in
Europe, including several areas with high erosion rates such as
the European mountain systems18 . Its adventitious roots are very
suitable to be exploited for soil bioengineering to increase the
stability of slopes and mitigate erosion19 . It is also useful for
deep reinforcement and soil strength enhancement20 .
The wood is strong, hard and tough, but not durable
outdoors3 . It has been used for tool handles, turnery, furniture
and craftwork1-3 . The fruits are rich in vitamins (especially vitamin
C) and antioxidants21, 22 and have been used as a medicine, for
example for scurvy and kidney stones7. Fruits have been also
used to flavour vodka and to make juice and jams1, 7. Rowan is
known for its ornamental value and therefore it is cultivated in
gardens and cities2, 3, 7. It was believed to have magical powers
like mistletoe, and a branch could be used as a divining rod to
find treasures7. The Celts called it ‘wizard's tree’ and in Ireland it
plays an important role in popular magic; e.g. protection against
the spirits, especially the dead23 . Fruits are particularly important
for bird nutrition, especially in northern Europe where the size of
rowan crop can affect the overwintering survival or the amount
of migrating population1 .

176 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Sorbus aucuparia

Threats and Diseases

The rowan supports a relatively species-poor insect fauna24 .
The apple fruit miner Argyresthia conjugella uses the rowan as
Uncertain, no-data
a host and its caterpillars eat the fruit25 . The periodic masting of
rowan could be a defence to reduce the numbers of this insect25, 26 . Tundra, cold desert
Ringspots and variegation are very common on the leaves27, 28 . Deer Negligible survivability
and moose are reported to browse the seedlings intensively, causing
Low survivability
in same cases multi-stemmed trees or the complete absence of
rowan from the tree layer1, 3 . Ever since the 1950s rowan has Mid-low survivability
advanced in the Swedish Scandes, due to a warming climate29 . On Medium survivability
the other hand, for the same reasons, rowan distribution has been
Mid-high survivability
estimated to lose its presence first in southern Europe and later in
central and Eastern Europe30 . As several woody plants, the rowan High survivability
is susceptible to be attacked by the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)
and by the nun moth (Lymantria monacha)31-33 . Both moths have
the potential to expand their virulence, due to climate change, in
the European boreal and temperate oceanic ecological zones31 .
Heterobasidion annosum is also able to affect the rowan along
with a variety of woody plants, and this pest is potentially subject
to expansion in the European boreal and temperate continental
ecological zones1, 31, 34 .

Smooth grey-brown bark in a young tree.

(Copyright Aldo De Bastiani, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

References
[1] O. Raspé, C. Findlay, A.-L. Jacquemart,
Journal of Ecology 88, 910 (2000).
[2] V. L. Komarov, et al., Flora of the USSR
- Volume IX: Rosales and Sarraceniales,
vol. 9 of Flora of the USSR (Keter Press,
Jerusalem, 1970).
[3] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[4] O. Mauer, E. Palátová, Journal of Forest
Science 48, 342 (2002).
[5] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins,
1974).
[6] O. Johnson, D. More, Collins tree guide
(Collins, 2006).
[7] A. Anderberg, A. L. Anderberg, Den
virtuella floran (Elektronisk publikation,
Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Stockholm,
1996). Http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora.
[8] E. Nelson-Jones, D. Briggs, A. Smith,
Theoretical and Applied Genetics 105,
953 (2002).
[9] A. Robertson, et al., Molecular Ecology 19,
1675 (2010).
[10] J. J. Aldasoro, C. Aedo, C. Navarro, F. M.
Garmendia, Systematic Botany 23, 189
(1998).
[11] H. Meusel, E. Jager, S. Rauschert,
E. Weinert, Vergleichende Chorologie der
Zentraleuropäischen Flora (Gustav Fischer
Verlag Jena, 1978).
[12] E. Hultén, M. Fries, Atlas of North European
vascular plants (North of the Tropic of
Cancer), Vols. I-III. (Koeltz scientific books,
Rowan tree grown in a dwarf mountain pine thicket (Pinus mugo) in the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park (Trentio-Alto-Adige, North Italy). 1986).
(Copyright Giallopolenta, commons.wikimedia.org: PD) [13] C. S. Sargent, Manual of the Trees of
North America (exclusive of Mexico), vol. 2
(Dover Publications, New York, 1961),
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised second edn.
Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots. [14] J. P. Grime, J. G. Hodgson, R. Hunt,
Comparative Plant Ecology: A Functional
Approach to common British Species
(Castlepoint Press, 2007).
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
[17] C. F. E. Bacles, A. J. Lowe, R. A. Ennos,
Molecular Ecology 13, 573 (2004).
[18] C. Bosco, D. de Rigo, O. Dewitte, J. Poesen,
P. Panagos, Natural Hazards and Earth
System Science 15, 225 (2015).
[19] F. Florineth, H. P. Rauch, H. Staffler,
Proceedings of the International Congress
INTERPRAEVENT 2002 in the Pacific Rim
(2002), vol. 2, pp. 827–837.
[20] J. E. Norris, A. Di Iorio, A. Stokes, B. C.
Nicoll, A. Achim, Slope Stability and
Erosion Control: Ecotechnological
Solutions, J. E. Norris, et al., eds. (Springer
Netherlands, 2008), pp. 167–210.
[21] A. Gil-Izquierdo, A. Mellenthin, European
Food Research and Technology 213, 12
(2001).
[22] K. Haffner, S. F. Remberg, Chronica
Horticulturae 46, 19 (2006).
[23] J. E. Milner, The tree book : the
indispensable guide to tree facts, crafts
and lore (Collins & Brown, 1992).
[24] S. D. Wratten, P. Goddard, P. J. Edwards,
The American Naturalist 118, 916 (1981).
[25] G. Jaastad, et al., Agricultural and Forest
Entomology 4, 233 (2002).
[26] S. Kobro, et al., Population Ecology 45,
25 (2003).
[27] Z. Polak, J. Zieglerova, Zeitschrift fur
Pflanzenkrankheiten und Pflanzenschutz
103, 432 (1996).
[28] N. Mielke, H.-P. Muehlbach, Journal of
General Virology 88, 1337 (2007).
[29] J. Grace, F. Berninger, L. Nagy, Annals of
Botany 90, 537 (2002).
[30] P. A. Harrison, P. M. Berry, N. Butt, M. New,
Environmental Science & Policy 9, 116
(2006).
[31] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[32] CABI, Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[33] CABI, Lymantria monacha (nun moth)

[15] D. N. MacVean, D. A. Ratcliffe, Plant

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

communities of the Scottish Highlands. A (2015). Invasive Species Compendium.

study of Scottish mountain, moorland and http://www.cabi.org
forest vegetation (Her Majesty’s Stationery [34] CABI, Heterobasidion annosum (2015).
Annual precipitation (mm)

Office, London, 1962). Invasive Species Compendium.

[16] S. Zebre, Polish botanical journal 46, 229 http://www.cabi.org
(2001).

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e0179de. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Räty, M., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Sorbus aucuparia in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e0179de+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 177

 Sorbus domestica

Sorbus domestica in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

C. M. Enescu, D. de Rigo, T. Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo
Sorbus domestica L. (service tree) is a wild fruit tree. Its apple-like fruit are used for a range of culinary and medicinal
purposes. Although it can tolerate a fairly wide range of climatic and soil conditions, it is unable to stand competition
and is usually found as isolated trees. Originally cultivated by the Romans, it is now rare throughout its natural range
and is subject to several conservation and breeding programs.
Service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is a deciduous tree,
usually reaching around 20 m in height, although it can grow
much larger in favourable sites1 . Leaves are imparipinnate with Frequency
< 25%
13-21 leaflets. The bark is dark in colour with fine rectangular 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
fissures2 . Small white flowers appear from late April to mid-May. > 75%
The edible fruits are apple or pear-shaped, 2-3 cm in diameter3 . Chorology
Native
Fruit usually contains 2-5 (up to 10) seeds3 . Although the seeds
are well dispersed by birds and mammals, the regeneration rate
from seeds is low, and the tree also frequently regenerates by
root suckers1 . It is long-lived and often reaches 200 years of age,
Hermaphrodite white flowers with 5 petals, 5 styles and numorous stamens.
occasionally up to 400 or more3 . (Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

Distribution
Service tree is distributed through central and southern
Europe in particular in the Balkan peninsula, Italy and southern
France, and rarely in parts of North Africa and western Asia1 . At its
northern limit there are a few scattered individuals in Wales and
central England, although it is thought that these are probably
descended from cultivated trees4 . Nowadays, it is unclear how
much of its distribution range is natural, since this species has Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Sorbus domestica.
been spread through cultivation since Roman times1 . However, Frequency of Sorbus domestica occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
it is rare throughout its range5 and endangered in many parts3 . spatial range for S. domestica is derived after EUFORGEN12 .

Habitat and Ecology

Service tree prefers warm and mild climates, although it is
also resistant to cold down to -25 °C to -30 °C and can withstand
late frosts6, 7. It is able to grow on dry sites and cope with drought
during the vegetation period6, 8 , requiring a minimum rainfall of
500 mm per year7. It can be found up to 650 m on south-facing
slopes in central Europe, but can grow at higher elevations further
south7. It is tolerant to a variety of soil conditions, but prefers
Importance and Usage
Service tree can be used for ornamental purposes, wood and
fruit production3 . The fruits can be eaten when bletted (over-ripe),
or are used to produce marmalades, jams, jellies, juices, fruit wine
or other alcoholic drinks1, 3, 9 . It is also used in traditional medicine
against intestinal problems, dysentery, diabetes and for memory The small white flowers appear in the spring and are insect pollinated.
improvement1, 3, 10 . The hard and heavy wood is of good quality (Copyright Franco Rossi, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)

moderately acid or neutral soils6 . It can also be found in coppice
and former coppice forests as a result of historic cultivation6 . It
is a very light demanding species that can tolerate shade only
in its first few years. This makes it a weak competitor, unable
to dominate when crown closure occurs6 . Under conditions of a
warming climate it may become more favoured in some sites as
a result of its drought tolerance, but its scarcity is likely to limit
any range movement8 .
and can command a high price; it is often used for making small
objects such as screws, gear teeth, bearings and rifle butts1, 3 .
Threats and Diseases
Diseases of apple, such as European canker of apple (Nectria
galligen) and apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) can affect the
service tree and cause premature leaf fall8 . Across Europe, the
species is very rare and its genetic diversity is threatened mainly
due to the reduction in number of individuals and disturbance of
the natural populations by human activities6, 11 .

The fruits are used for a wide variety of culinary purposes.

(Copyright Mihai Enescu: CC-BY)

References
[1] P. Rotach, EUFORGEN Technical guidelines
for genetic conservation and use for
Service tree Sorbus domestica (2003).
[2] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins,
1974).
[3] C. Bignami, Conservation, evaluation,
exploitation and collection of minor fruit
tree species: EC Project GENRES 29,
E. Bellini, E. Giordani, eds. (Horticulture
Department, University of Florence, 1999).
[4] M. Hampton, Watsonia 20, 379 (1995).
[5] B. Demesure, Noble Hardwoods Network:
Report of the Second Meeting, 22-25
March 1997, Lourizan, Spain, J. Turok,
et al., eds. (Rome, Italy, 1997), pp. 48–50.
[6] V. Paganová, Journal of Forest Science 54,
216 (2008).
[7] P. Gonin, et al., Autoecology of
broadleaved species (2013).
[8] G. E. Hemery, et al., Forestry 83, 65
(2010).
[9] O. Vyviurska, S. Pysarevska, N. Jánošková,
I. Špánik, Open Chemistry 13 (2015).
[10] A. Termentzi, P. Alexiou, V. J. Demopoulos,
E. Kokkalou, Pharmazie 63, 693 (2008).
[11] J. Müllerová, R. Hédl, P. Szabó, Forest
Ecology and Management 343, 88 (2015).
[12] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of service
tree (Sorbus domestica) (2014).
www.euforgen.org.

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Traditional fruit press used in Germany. The juice of apples is often mixed with
service tree fruits and fermented obtaining the Apfelwein, the wine of apple.
(Copyright Shankar S., www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Dark brown bark with rectagular fissures.
(Copyright Michael Kranewitter, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e019db5. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Enescu, C. M., de Rigo, D., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., 2016.
Sorbus domestica in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e019db5+

178 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius).
(Copyright TomaszProszek, pixabay.com: CC0)

Frozen spruce forest on Vitosha Mountain (Sofia, Bulgaria).

(Copyright no-author, commons.wikimedia.org: CC-BY)

Coniferous forest in Heiðmörk Reserve near Reykjavík (South-West Iceland).

(Copyright Axel Kristinsson, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)

Snow covered spruce forest (Bavaria, Germany).

(Copyright Hans, pixabay.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 179

 Sorbus torminalis
Sorbus torminalis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
E. Welk, D. de Rigo, G. Caudullo
The wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) is a fast-growing, light-demanding, clonally resprouting forest tree of
disturbed forest patches and forest edges. It is widely distributed in southern, western and central Europe, but is a weak
competitor that rarely dominates forests and never occurs in pure stands. The wild service tree is able to tolerate low winter
temperatures, spring frosts, and summer droughts of up to two months. The species often grows in dry-warm and sparse
forest habitats of low productivity and on steep slopes. It produces a hard and heavy, durable wood of high economic value.
The wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) is a
medium-sized, fast-growing deciduous tree that usually grows up
to 15-25 m with average diameters of 0.6-0.9 m, exceptionally
to 1.4 m1-3 . The mature tree is usually single-stemmed with a
distinctive ash-grey and scaly bark that often peels away in
rectangular strips. The shiny dark green leaves are typically
10x7 cm and have five to nine spreading, acute lobes. This
species is monoecious hermaphrodite, flowers are white, insect
pollinated, and arranged in corymbs of 20-30 flowers. The tree
has an average life span of around 100-200 years; the maximum
is given as 300-400 years1-3 . Individuals start fruiting typically
at 15-20 years of age, abundantly and frequently, with seed
years every 2-3 years4 . The fruits are small pomes, 10-15 mm in
diameter, spotted with green to russet or brown colour, and are
dispersed by birds or frugivorous mammals1-3 . Seeds are light
brown, of ovate shape with an approximate size of 2-6 mm1, 5, 6 .
Distribution
The wild service tree is a sub-Mediterranean species and
occurs across western, central and southern Europe, but also
in mountains of north-western Africa and south-western Asia.
Current abundance centres seem to be located in France and in
the Balkan region2 . Upper limits are located at 500 m in Germany
and 700 m in the Swiss Mittelland3 . On south-facing slopes of
the Jura Mountains and in valleys in the Alp the species occurs up
to 900 m. In the Atlas Mountains it has its centre of distribution
between 1 300-1 800 m. The highest occurrence in elevation is
reported from Anatolia (Lake Van) at 2 200 m1 .
Habitat and Ecology
This species tolerates harsh winter conditions and is quite
insensitive to late frosts: it withstands temperatures down to -5 °C
in April7. In increasingly drier regions like in southern Europe, the
wild service tree is a mountain forest species. A certain amount
of warmth is necessary during the growing season; therefore the
180 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Yellow and red-brown leaves in autumn.
(Copyright Ashley Basil, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Due to efficient seed dispersal by birds and small mammals, and
the ability to spread vegetatively by root suckers, the species can
easily colonise appropriate sites, such as larger gaps, clearings,
low-density forests and abandoned agricultural land surrounded
by forests, thus remaining permanently present in the landscape8 .
Regarding soil characteristics it is a very tolerant species that can
grow on both acid and basic soils (from clay to limestone), with
a pH ranging from 3.5 to 8 and humus types from dismoder to
carbonate mull2 . It avoids both dry sandy soils and wet or marshy
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Sorbus torminalis. soils and reaches its best growth on warm-dry limestone soils1. 2 .
Frequency of Sorbus torminalis occurrences within the field observations
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for S. torminalis is derived after EUFORGEN13 .
species is getting increasingly scarce in mountain areas towards
the north of the distribution range, and is rather uncommon in
cool habitats like north-facing slopes or cold valley bottoms7.
The same lack of summer warmth limits the general vertical
distribution. The optimum mean annual temperature is between
10 ° and 17 °C; minimum annual rainfall is about 500 mm,
while the optimum lies between 700 and 1 500 mm3 . The wild
service tree is a shade intolerant, post-pioneer (nomadic) species,
requiring free-growth for optimal crown development. It is a minor
component of woodlands-types dominated by various oaks and
less frequently pine or beech, where it is found as single trees or
in small groups, and population densities are generally very low2 .
Grey-brown bark of young tree with lenticels, it becomes
fissured into scaly plates when mature.
(Copyright Kenraiz, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Flowers are arranged in corymbs of 20-30 individual blossoms. Scented white hermaphrodite flowers: they are insect pollinated.
(Copyright Emma Silviana Mauri: CC-BY) (Copyright Sergio Piccolo, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
 Sorbus torminalis

Importance and Usage

The wild service tree is one of the most valuable hardwoods
in Europe. The wood is fine-grained, very dense and has good
Uncertain, no-data
bending strength. In earlier times it was used to make screws
for winepresses, billiard queue sticks, musical instruments Tundra, cold desert
and turnery. Today, it is mainly used for decorative veneers. Negligible survivability
Quantitatively, the wild service tree wood is of low importance
Low survivability
for the European wood market since only several thousands of
cubic metres are harvested yearly2 . Mid-low survivability
Medium survivability
Mid-high survivability
High survivability

Map 3: High resolution map estimating the maximum habitat suitability.

Apples affected by the disease Venturia inaequalis; this ungulates. Among invertebrate consumers, only generalist
Ascomycete fungus can affect also wild service tree.
herbivore arthropods are known. On the leaves of the wild
References
(Copyright Jan Homann, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
[1] U. Pietzarka, M. Lehmann, A. Roloff, [6] L. Bednorz, Dendrobiology 57, 3 (2007).
service tree three damaging factors are frequently recorded: leaf Enzyklopädie der Holzgewächse: [7] P. Gonin, et al., Autecology of broadleaved
Handbuch und Atlas der Dendrologie,
scab (Venturia inaequalis), leaf aphids and gall mites (Eriophyes A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang,
species (Institut pour le Développement
Threats and Diseases spp.)3 . The tree is a wild host for the apple aphid (Aphis pomi)10, 11 . B. Stimm, P. Schütt, eds. (Wiley-Vch Verlag,
Forestier, Paris, 2013).
Weinheim, 2008), vol. 3. [8] V. Kučerová, M. Honec, L. Paule, P. Zhelev,
Older trees of the wild service tree can reach a root-depth A serious threat to older stems is the honey fungus (Armillaria [2] V. N. Nicolescu, E. Hochbichler,
D. Gömöry, Biologia 65, 817 (2010).
J. Coello Gomez, S. Ravagni, V. Giulietti, [9] L. Kutschera, E. Lichtenegger, Wurzelatlas
of 1-2 m, rendering it quite resistant to wind-throw9 . Young spp.), whose parasitic infestation can lead to lethal damage12 . Die Bodenkultur 60, 35 (2009). mitteleuropäischer Waldbäume und
trees are especially susceptible to browsing by deer and other [3] H. Kutzelnigg, Gustav Hegi - Illustrierte
Sträucher (L. Stocker Verlag, Graz, 2002).
Flora von Mitteleuropa, Band 4, Teil [10] CABI, Aphis pomi (apple aphid) (2015).
2B: Rosaceae, H. Scholz, ed. (Blackwell Invasive Species Compendium.
Wissenschafts-Verlag, Berlin, 1995), pp. http://www.cabi.org
328–385. [11] T. Gotlin Čuljak, D. Grubišić, A. Mešić,
[4] E. Favre d’anne, L’Alisier torminal I. Juran, Natura Croatica 21, 191 (2012).
(Sorbus torminalis Crantz.): synthèse [12] G. Hartmann, Corminaria 17, 24 (2002).
bibliographique, recherche sur la densité
du bois (Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural, [13] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of wild
des Eaux et des Forêts (ENGREF), Nancy, service tree (Sorbus torminalis) (2014).
France, 1990). www.euforgen.org.
[5] M. Oršanić, D. Drvodelić, T. Jemrić, I. Anić,
S. Mikac, Periodicum biologorum 111,
495 (2009).

Fruits start to develop in summer.

(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

Maturing reddish fruits: these small pomes are edible and very astringent until over-ripe (bletted).
(Copyright Emma Silviana Mauri: CC-BY)
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01090d. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Welk, E., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., 2016. Sorbus torminalis in
Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-
Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp.
e01090d+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 181

 Tamarix - tamarisks

Tamarix - tamarisks in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

N. Guerrero Maldonado, M. J. López, G. Caudullo
Tamarisks, or salt cedars, belong to a large group of shrubby and flowering species of the genus Tamarix. Fourteen
species are counted in Europe, concentrated principally in the Mediterranean region and Eastern Europe. They typically
are adapted to arid climates thanks to an efficient and deep root system. These species thrive in a wide range of habitats
from flooded to drought, but grow best on sandy or gravelly soils, also tolerating saline waters. They are commonly used
as ornamental flowering shrubs, but are also planted as marine windbreaks or for the sand dune stabilisation. Some
species are considered as invasive plants in many countries for their rapid colonisation and aptitude for expansion.
Tamarisks (Tamarix spp.) are shrubs or small deciduous
trees, reaching from 4 to 15 m in height. They have a broad and
Frequency
bushy shape with numerous large basal branches and a deep and < 25%
extensive root system. The leaves are scale-like, 1.5 to 3.5 mm 25% - 50%
50% - 75%
long, with salt-secreting glands1-3 . Flowering branches are mostly > 75%

primary or secondary carrying the inflorescence arranged in Chorology

Native
panicles of several small flowers, subtended by a small bracts.
The hermaphrodite flowers are pink or white in colour, with
petals that may be persistent or fall soon after blossoming.
Tamarisk fruit is a capsule, bearing many tiny seeds less than
0.5 mm in size3-5 .
Reddish-orange inflorescences of the African tamarisk (Tamarix africana).
Distribution (Copyright Santos Cirujano Bracamonte: CC-BY)

The genus Tamarix occurs naturally from Western Europe and
the Mediterranean to North Africa, northeastern China, Mongolia,
India and Japan1, 6 . In Europe, 14 species are reported. African
tamarisk (Tamarix africana), Bové’s tamarisk (Tamarix boveana),
Canary Islands tamarisk (Tamarix canariensis), Dalmatian
tamarisk (Tamarix dalmatica), French tamarisk (Tamarix gallica),
Hampe’s tamarisk (Tamarix hampeana), small-flower tamarisk
(Tamarix parviflora), Smyrna tamarisk (Tamarix smyrnensis)
and four-stamen tamarisk (Tamarix tetranda) are native to the
Mediterranean area, mainly France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and
Greece and Turkey7, 8 . The species Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix
laxa, Tamarix hispida, Tamarix gracilis and Tamarix meyeri are
native to Eastern Europe, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine7. Some
species have become naturalised in other countries, especially
America, where they were introduced as landscape ornamentals
and have escaped cultivation.
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Tamarix spp.
Chorology of the native spatial range for Tamarix spp., derived after Meusel
and Jäger22 .
waterways and on sandy floodplains, especially where their roots
can access underground water9 . They grow best in alkaline soils,
but also tolerate acidity12 . These plants are found on non-rocky
silt loams and clay loams of high organic matter along streams,
bottomlands, pond margins, banks of drainages and washes
and other wet environments in arid and semiarid regions13, 14 .
Tamarisks are not shade-tolerant14 .
Threats and Diseases
Three species of fungi, Botryosphaeria tamaricis, Diplodia
tamarascina and Leptosphaeria tamaricis, can form cankers
and cause branch dieback on tamarisks. The latania scale
(Hemiberlesia lataniae) and oystershell scales (Lepidosaphes
ulmi) are two insects which frequently infest these species20 .
Some species, principally salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima)
Chinese tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis), small-flower tamarisk,
French tamarisk and their hybrids, are considered as invasive
weeds in the United States, and have been the target of many
control programmes since the 1960s21 .

Habitat and Ecology

Tamarisks can tolerate an extreme range of environmental
conditions, from drought to flooding, and highly saline soils.
Climatically, tamarisks are best suited to arid and semi-arid
zones9 . These species have specialised roots that can draw water
from deep underground, but are also capable of extracting water
from unsaturated soil layers (a facultative phreatophyte). They
tolerate saline water and exude large quantities of salt through
their specialised leaves, and can survive prolonged periods of
Fluvial vegetation with Canary Islands tamarisk (Tamarix canariensis).
inundation2, 10, 11 . These species tolerate a wide range of habitat (Copyright Santos Cirujano Bracamonte: CC-BY)
types, but are best adapted to the sandy or gravelly banks of
References
[1] B. R. Baum, The genus Tamarix (Israel [12] J. M. DiTomaso, et al., Weed Control in
Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Natural Areas in the Western United
Jerusalem, 1978). States (Weed Research and Information
[2] J. D. Brotherson, V. Winkel, The Great Center, University of California, 2013).
Basin Naturalist 46, 535 (1986). [13] D. K. Warren, R. M. Turner, Journal of the
[3] S. Cirujano, Flora Iberica: plantas Arizona Academy of Science 10, 135
vasculares de la Peninsula Ibérica e Islas (1975).
Baleares, Volume 3: Plumbaginaceae [14] K. Zouhar, Tamarix spp. Fire Effects
(partim)-Capparaceae, S. Castroviejo, Information System (2003).
et al., eds. (Real Jardìn Botánico, CSIC, http://www.feis-crs.org/feis
Madrid, 1993), pp. 438–443. [15] J. H. Stevens, Journal of Soil and Water
[4] K. W. Allred, Desert Plants 18, 26 (2002). Conservation 29, 129 (1974).
[5] G. A. López González, Guìa de los árboles [16] H. Arazi, M. H. Emtahani, M. R. Ekhtesasi,
y arbustos de la Penìnsula Ibérica y H. Sodaizadeh, Watershed Management
Baleares (Mundi-Prensa, 2007), third edn. Research 26, 53 (2002).
[6] V. H. Heywood, R. K. Brummitt, A. Culham, [17] IUCN, A guide to medicinal plants
O. Seberg, Flowering plant families of in North Africa (IUCN Centre for
the world (Kew Publishing, Royal Botanic Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga,
Gardens, 2007). Spain, 2005).
[7] B. R. Baum, Flora Europaea, Volume 2: [18] C. Mouri, A. Aali, X. Zhang, R. Laursen,
Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, T. G. Tutin, Heritage Science 2, 20 (2014).
et al., eds. (Cambridge University Press, [19] M. A. M. Nawwar, J. Buddrus, H. Bauer,
1968), pp. 292–294. Phytochemistry 21, 1755 (1982).
[8] M. Aránzazu Prada, D. Arizpe, Riparian [20] P. P. Pirone, Diseases and Pests of
Tree and Shrub Propagation Handbook: Ornamental Plants (John Wiley & Sons,
An Aid to Riverine Restoration in the 1978).
Mediterranean Region (Generalitat
Valenciana, Valencia, 2008). [21] P. Shafroth, et al., Environmental
Pink flowers of an ornamental French tamarisk (Tamarix gallica) in a garden. Management 35, 231 (2005).
[9] J. H. Brock, Ecology and management of
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY) invasive riverside plants, L. C. de Waal, L. E. [22] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Child, P. M. Wade, J. H. Brock, eds. (John Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
Wiley & Sons, New York, 1994), pp. 27–44. - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).
[10] B. L. Everitt, Environmental Geology 3,
Importance and Usage 77 (1980).
[11] G. W. Frasier, T. N. Johnsen, Noxious Range
Tamarisks are used worldwide as ornamental plants. They are Weeds, L. F. James, J. O. Evans, M. H.
Ralphs, R. D. Child, eds. (Westview Press,
frequently planted as windbreaks or grown for the stabilisation San Francisco, 1991), pp. 377–386.
and afforestation of sand dunes15, 16 .
They also have other important properties, being classified as This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
medicinal plants. The galls and bark are used as astringent. Many this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e011f06. The purpose of this
species, such as the French tamarisk, also have tonic, diuretic, summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
stimulant and stomachic action17. They are also used for tanning This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
and dyeing purposes5, 18, 19 . Some tamarisks are melliferous and updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
are used as a sugar substitute5 . Guerrero Maldonado, N., López, M. J., Caudullo, G., 2016. Tamarix -
Trunk of old tamarisk hybrid (Tamarix gallica x canariensis). tamarisks in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats.
(Copyright Santos Cirujano Bracamonte: CC-BY) In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T.,
Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU,
Luxembourg, pp. e011f06+

182 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species


Taxus baccata in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
S. E. Benham, T Houston Durrant, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Taxus baccata L., known as European or English yew, is a conifer native to Europe. It is an unusual conifer in that it does
not actually bear cones, but berries. Unlike other conifers it is also non-resinous and is tolerant to repeated pruning. It
has a very large environmental tolerance but is susceptible to waterlogging. Extremely long lived but very slow growing,
yew’s strategy is that of survival. It is highly shade tolerant, normally found within the forest singularly or in small
groups. European yew is extremely toxic, which has led to its removal in many locations, resulting in one of the largest
declines of any European species. It is now protected: forests harbouring yew have been designated as special protection
areas by the European Community (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC). In recent times its importance as a source of taxane
alkaloids for the manufacture of cancer-treating pharmaceuticals has come to the fore.
The European or English yew (Taxus baccata L.) is native to
most of Europe. It is an extremely long-living tree, with reports
of some specimens of up to 5 000 years old1 . However, since it is
very difficult to determine age accurately as the oldest specimens
are almost always hollow2 making tree ring-based age estimation
impractical, opinion is divided about the exact age of the oldest
specimens3 . Yew is often multi-stemmed and its height rarely
exceeds 20 m, but its longevity means that trunks can be very
large: up to 4 m diameter. Root systems are shallow with extensive
horizontal roots3 . A non-resinous conifer, the needles are very dark
green above and yellow to matt green below; they are 2-3 cm long
and 3 mm wide and linear in shape with a sharp point. Needles are
set spirally around the shoot in two ranks and are not whorled2 .
Yew is mainly dioecious; although examples of monoecious trees
exist this is rare and usually consists of separate sexed branches.
Male flowers are small green globules along the underside of last
year’s shoots, whilst the female flowers are minute green flowers
borne in the leaf axils of the previous year’s growth. After wind
pollination scarlet berries approximately 7 mm in diameter are
produced with a red fleshy aril (the only non-toxic part of the tree4)
surrounding the dark central seed. Seeds are dispersed by birds
which feed on the red flesh and pass the seeds. The yew is also
capable of vegetative reproduction.
Distribution
The yew is native to most of Europe, the Atlas Mountains and
Asia Minor. In Europe, yew woodland can be found over most areas,
but it grows best in oceanic climates with moderate temperatures3 .
Its distribution is limited in northern Europe beyond Britain, Ireland
and southern Scandinavia by low temperatures and waterlogging
and in the south by drought and high temperature5, 6 . Elevation
increases from north to south with moisture demand for this
reason and in the Mediterranean area, yew is usually restricted
to higher elevations on northern slopes3, 7. It is thought to be the
oldest tree genus in Europe; the oldest fossil record for Taxus in
Europe dates to the Lower Miocene8 .
Old multi-stemmed yew in Kingstone Wood (West Midlands, England).
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)
Field data in Europe (including absences)
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)
Annual precipitation (mm)
Annual average temperature (°C)
Map 1: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Taxus baccata.
Frequency of Taxus baccata occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for T. baccata is derived after Meusel and Jäger, and Jalas
and Suominen21, 22 .
Habitat and Ecology
The yew normally appears as individuals or small groups
of trees within the understory, but natural stands can be found
across its entire range. It normally occupies the mid to lower tier
of a forest3 . Yew can grow on almost all soil types with adequate
drainage, typically on humus and base-rich soils, but also on dry
rendzina and sandy soils with adequate moisture7. The yew is
intolerant of prolonged frost and cold although its tolerance varies
by region and season. They are moderately drought tolerant and
can cope with temporary flooding but are susceptible to long-
term poor drainage. The temperature range for photosynthesis is
greater than any other European tree species, allowing the yew to
photosynthesise in winter when deciduous trees are bare of leaves;
this contributes towards the yew’s extreme shade tolerance9,
which is almost comparable to that of silver fir (Abies alba) and
beech (Fagus sylvatica), the two most shade tolerant tree species
of Europe10 . The yew’s root system is capable of penetrating the
most compressed soils meaning they are able to survive under
extreme conditions such as rocky terrain and vertical cliff faces11 .
Importance and Usage
The properties of yew timber, heavy but elastic, made it
historically important. One of the world’s oldest wooden artefacts
is a wooden spear dating from the Palaeolithic era (around 150000
years ago)12 . In the Middle Ages it was used for a wide variety
of items including musical instruments, furniture and longbows,
and the wood was in such demand that it was felled almost to
extinction across much of Europe13. Today it is not considered to be
a commercial crop due to its extremely slow growth rate. However, it
is highly valued as an amenity tree for hedging and topiary. In recent
years yew has become important due to the taxane alkaloids found
in its foliage which have been developed as an anti-cancer drug7, 14 .
Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised
Observed presences in Europe field observations from forest plots.
Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)
Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2)
Taxus baccata
Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native
Male yellow globose flowers at the base of the leaves.
(Copyright Michael Wunderli, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
Threats and Diseases
Yew has experienced one of the sharpest declines of all
European tree species. Historically it was felled to provide wood for
longbows and destroyed to prevent the poisoning of livestock13;
yew is now endangered in many parts of its range where intensive
land-use has caused a decline in numbers5, 15, 16 and regeneration
rates are too slow to replace the existing populations5 . Additional
pressure is now being put on the species from harvesting for the
extraction of taxanes for pharmaceutical use17. Despite being
poisonous, it is also frequently damaged by browsing and bark
stripping by wild and domestic animals. The thin bark means it is
intolerant to fire although it has a lower combustibility than other
conifers. Relatively few insects attack it compared to other tree
species because of its toxicity18 , but seedlings can be killed by
pathogenic fungi17, stem canker has been seen in Switzerland19
and has been identified as the cause of death of some yews
in Great Britain20 . Yew mite (Cedidophyopsis psilaspis), whose
attacks cause bud mortality7, is considered a serious pest of yew
in northern and central Europe3 .
Red fleshy berry-like fruits surrounding the dark central seed.
(Copyright Roberto Verzo, www.flickr.com: CC-BY)
References
[1] J. E. Milner, The tree book : the [12] K. P. Oakley, P. Andrews, L. H. Keeley,
indispensable guide to tree facts, crafts J. D. Clark, Proceedings of the Prehistoric
and lore (Collins & Brown, 1992). Society 43, 13 (1977).
[2] J. E. Eckenwalder, Conifers of the World: The [13] H. R. Hartzell (CRC Press, 1995), chap. 2,
Complete Reference (Timber Press, 2009). pp. 27–34.
[3] P. A. Thomas, A. Polwart, Journal of [14] M. Suffness, et al., Taxol : science and
Ecology 91, 489 (2003). applications (CRC Press, 1995).
[4] C. R. Wilson, J.-M. Sauer, S. B. Hooser, [15] H. Ruprecht, et al., European Journal of
Toxicon 39, 175 (2001). Forest Research 129, 189 (2010).
[5] J. C. Linares, Forest Ecology and [16] A. Dhar, H. Ruprecht, H. Vacik, Forest Ecology
Management 291, 119 (2013). and Management 255, 2835 (2008).
[6] A. Farjon, D. Filer, An Atlas of the World’s [17] A. Lewandowski, J. Burczyk,
Conifers: An Analysis of their Distribution, L. Mejnartowicz, Forest Ecology and
Biogeography, Diversity and Conservation Management 73, 221 (1995).
Status (Brill, 2013). [18] W. M. Daniewski, et al., Phytochemistry 49,
[7] F. Hageneder, Yew: A History, History Press 1279 (1998).
Series (History Press Limited, 2011). [19] J. Hassler, W. Schoch, R. Engesser, Swiss
[8] Kunzmann, Mai, Palaeontographica Forestry Journal 155, 400 (2004).
Abteilung B: Palaeophytologie 272, 67 [20] R. G. Strouts, T. G. Winter, Diagnosis of
(2005). ill-health in trees (H.M.S.O., 1994).
[9] U. Pietzarka, Zur ökologischen Strategie [21] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
der Eibe (Taxus baccata L.) : Wachstums- Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
und Verjüngungsdynamik, Ph.D. thesis, - Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Technischen Universität Dresden (2005). Jena, 1998).
[10] H. H. Ellenberg, Vegetation Ecology of [22] J. Jalas, J. Suominen, Atlas Florae
Central Europe (Cambridge University Europaeae: distribution of vascular plants
Press, 2009), fourth edn. in Europe Vol. 2 Gymnospermae (Pinaceae
[11] D. W. Larson, et al., Journal of to Ephedraceae) (Committee for Mapping
Biogeography 27, 319 (2000). the Flora of Europe and Societas Biologica
Fennica Vanamo, Helsinki, 1973).
This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online
at https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e015921. The purpose
of this summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the
related main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Benham, S. E., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016.
Taxus baccata in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and
threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston
Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species.
Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e015921+
Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 183
 Tilia
Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos and other limes in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats
E. Eaton, G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Tilia cordata Mill., known as small-leaved lime, and Tilia platyphyllos Scop., known as large-leaved lime, are very similar
trees, both native to Europe and preferring warmer climates. Growing into large trees, they occur from southern Finland
to southern Italy, and from the Caucasus to north-west Spain and Wales. Limes prefer lowlands to higher elevations, and
have been a component of European woodlands for six millennia. Coppicing has been a common form of management
for limes, as they produce long straight poles and can be very long-lived (>2 000 years) in this form. Lime wood is much
valued for carving, as it is soft and resistant to splitting.
Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) and large-leaved lime
(Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) are large-sized deciduous broad-leaved
trees. They are long-lived, able to survive more than 1 000 years
even if coppiced1, 2 . T. cordata is the more common species in
Europe, whilst T. platyphyllos extends farther south. Both species
can reach 30-40 m in height with straight trunks up to around
1 m in diameter which are largely free of suckers and epicormic
growth, unlike their hybrid Tilia x europaea (common lime). Their
crowns tend to be quite neat and narrow, becoming untidier as
they age, although the high crown can allow a branch-free bole
of 10-15 m. Despite their common names, the leaves of these
two species are very similar: both are often around 9 cm long,
with T. platyphyllos up to 15 cm; pointed tips to the leaves are
common to both, as are a cordate base, which is more irregular
in form in T. platyphyllos, a finely-toothed leaf margin, and a dark
green shiny upper surface with the underside paler3 . T. cordata
has hairs in the vein axils on the lower surface of its leaves,
whereas T. platyphyllos is only sometimes hairy on its underside.
Both species flower profusely in June and July. The white or
pale flowers, which are insect-pollinated, are fragrant and occur
in clusters of 4 to 5. Seeds are first produced around 30 to 40
years of age, and every 2-3 years trees produce a reasonable
crop of seeds. The seeds of T. cordata are smaller than those of T.
platyphyllos: there are 7500 T. platyphyllos seeds per kilogram,
compared to 29000 T. cordata seeds per kilogram4 .
Inflorescences of white-yellowish fragrant flowers arranged in clusters of 4-5.
(Copyright Giovanni Caudullo: CC-BY)
Distribution
T. cordata and T. platyphyllos are native to much of Europe,
with their ranges extending from southern Finland to southern
Italy and the Caucasus. T. cordata is the more abundant of the
two species and its core region is central and eastern Europe. It
can be found as far north as southern Norway and Finland and at
elevations up to 1 500 m in the central Alps5 . T. platyphyllos has
a smaller range, reaching slightly farther south but only reaching
southern Sweden at its northern extent and having a much more
patchy occurrence in northern central Europe. Neither species
is present in the far west of Europe, with the western extent in
North-West Spain and Wales6 . In Europe, two other species of
lime occur naturally: the silver lime (Tilia tomentosa Moench.)
and the Caucasian lime (Tilia dasystyla Stev.) with two noticeable
subspecies caucasica and dasystyla. T. tomentosa especially
occurs in the Balkans and Hungary, while T. dasystyla is peculiar
to the regions around the Black Sea5, 7, 8 .
Habitat and Ecology
Both T. cordata and T. platyphyllos are trees of lowlands and
the lower slopes of hills rather than higher elevations, and have
been present in European woods for more than 10 000 years9 .
In Britain, limes are generally associated with oak and beech
woodlands, and their presence is often taken as an indicator or
ancient woodland (i.e. since before 1600 CE)4 . In Central Europe
184 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
16 m in diameter and may be up to 2 000 years old, although
precise dating is difficult as the heartwood may have rotted
away long ago13 . Whilst neither T. cordata nor T. platyphyllos
is as susceptible to aphid infestation as Tilia x europaea, it has
been said that the soils underneath lime trees may receive up to
1 kg per square metre of sugars from honeydew. This nutrient
input is thought to stimulate nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soils,
enriching them with nitrogen and phosphorus14 .
Importance and Usage
Frequency Both the main lime species in Europe produce a wood that is
< 25%
25% - 50% light in colour and soft enough to carve, but resistant to splitting4 .
50% - 75%
> 75%
Some of the earliest uses of lime wood includes bows and shields,
Chorology as well as “bast”, which is a tough fibrous material derived from
Native
the inner bark and used for rope and clothing. Coppicing of Tilia
has long been practiced, as the trees are capable of producing
long, straight poles4 . As the wood of both T. cordata and T.
platyphyllos can be worked easily, it has been a highly favoured
material for carving since the Middle Ages, as well as for musical
instruments, clogs, beehives, and cuckoo clocks15, 16 . Honey from
the flowers of lime trees is also much valued, and a tea made
from the flowers (Tilleul) has long been thought to have anti-
inflammatory properties17. One of the common uses of lime trees
has been as a street tree in much of Europe, notably along Unter
den Linden in the centre of historic Berlin18 .
Map 1-A: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Tilia cordata.
Frequency of Tilia cordata occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for T. cordata is derived after EUFORGEN and Afonin et al.26, 27.
and the Alps lime stands and forests were much more abundant
before the expansion and intensification of agriculture 7 000-
5 000 years ago10 . T. cordata can grow on calcareous soils, podzols,
and brown earths, and can compete with oaks on stagno-gley
soils, whilst T. platyphyllos is more usually found on rendzinas
formed from limestone or basic igneous rocks. If the mean
annual precipitation is greater than 850 mm, T. cordata can also
move onto more lime-rich soils4 , but it is quite drought tolerant11 .
Neither species is much affected by spring nor autumn frosts,
as flushing is relatively late and buds set early11 . However, both
species require some warmth, being limited in the north of their
ranges by temperature. This is particularly true for the production
of fertile seed, as in colder regions (such as northern Britain) it is
often too cold for the pollen tube to grow following pollination12 .
As such, opportunities for limes to spread in such areas only occur
following particularly warm summers. Given its relative drought-
tolerance and its preference for warmer temperatures, the range
of this species may increase in a warming climate11 . T. cordata
and T. platyphyllos are both tolerant of shade and tend to grow in
close proximity to other species in dense woodlands. Both species Isolated small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) in Leskova Dolina (South Slovenia).
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)
show substantial regenerative abilities and have been grown as
coppice for millennia. Individual coppice stools may form rings
Threats and Diseases
T. cordata and T. platyphyllos are generally quite disease
resistant. Bleeding stem cankers caused by Phytophthora
cactorum and Phytophthora citricola have been recorded on
limes. T. cordata is sensitive to Phytophthora plurivora19, 20 .
Aphids can be a problem, but to a much lesser extent with T.
cordata and T. platyphyllos than with common lime: in severe
infestations the honeydew dripping onto lower leaves allows sooty
moulds to grow, blocking light from reaching the leaf surface. In
common with several woody plants, limes are susceptible to be
attacked by the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and by the nun
moth (Lymantria monacha)21-24 . In particular, T. cordata is highly
Large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) on karst plateau near Lokev Pendulous fruits of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata).
village (Sežana, Slovenia). (Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) (Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0)
 Tilia

Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
vulnerable to the gypsy moth and T. platyphyllos is susceptible 50% - 75%
> 75%
to the nun moth. Invertebrates to which limes play host include Chorology

Stigmella tiliae, a leaf-miner; the lime hawk-moth, Mimas tiliae; Native

and Eriophyes tiliae, the lime nail gall16 . Natural regeneration of

limes rarely persists long, as it is very palatable to small browsing
mammals, such as bank voles4 . Mature trees may have their bark
stripped by browsing cattle25 .

Red galls on lime leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes tiliae.

(Copyright Free Photos, www.flickr.com: CC-BY) Map 1-C: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Tilia tomentosa .
Frequency of Tilia tomentosa occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
spatial range for T. tomentosa is derived after Meusel and Jäger29 .

References
[1] I. Colin Prentice, H. Helmisaari, Forest
Ecology and Management 42, 79 (1991).
[2] J. E. Milner, The tree book : the
indispensable guide to tree facts, crafts
and lore (Collins & Brown, 1992).
[3] A. F. Mitchell, P. Dahlstrom, E. Sunesen,
C. Darter, A field guide to the trees of
Britain and northern Europe (Collins,
1974).
[4] P. S. Savill, The silviculture of trees used in
British forestry (CABI, 2013).
[5] J. Jensen, S. Canger, Noble Hardwoods
Network: Report of the Third Meeting, 13-
16 June 1998, Sagadi, Estonia, J. Turok,
et al., eds. (Bioversity International, 1998),
pp. 28–38.
[6] J. Svejgaard Jensen, EUFORGEN Technical
guidelines for genetic conservation and
use for Lime (Tilia spp.) (2003).
[7] K. Radoglou, D. Dobrowolska, G. Spyroglou,
V. N. Nicolescu, Die Bodenkultur 60, 9
(2009).
[8] C. D. Pigott, B. Francis, Edinburgh Journal
of Botany 56, 161 (1999).
[9] G. Lang, Quartäre Vegetationsgeschichte
Leaves of European lime are very similar, with toothed margin, Trunk of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), which generally reaches Europas: Methoden und Ergebnisse (G.
cordate base and pointed tips. lower heights than large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos). Fisher, Jena, 1994).
(Copyright Graham Calow, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP) (Copyright AnRo0002, commons.wikimedia.org: CC0) [10] W. Tinner, B. Ammann, Global Change and
Mountain Regions, U. Huber, H. Bugmann,
M. Reasoner, eds. (Springer Netherlands,
2005), vol. 23 of Advances in Global
Change Research, pp. 133–143.
Frequency [11] G. E. Hemery, et al., Forestry 83, 65
< 25% (2010).
25% - 50%
[12] C. D. Pigott, Journal of Ecology 79, 1147
50% - 75% (1991).
> 75%
[13] C. D. Pigott, New Phytologist 112, 117
Chorology
(1989).
Native
[14] D. J. Mabberley, The Plant-book: A Portable
Dictionary of the Vascular Plants Second
Edition (Cambridge University Press,
1997).
[15] A. Praciak, et al., The CABI encyclopedia of
forest trees (CABI, Oxfordshire, UK, 2013).
[16] A. Roloff, H. Weisgerber, U. M. Lang,
B. Stimm, Bäume Mitteleuropas: Von Aspe
bis Zirbelkiefer. Mit den Porträts aller
Bäume des Jahres von 1989 bis 2010.
(Wiley-VCH, 2010).
[17] M. Blumenthal, American Botanical
Council, Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel
und Medizinprodukte, Therapeutic Guide to
Herbal Medicines, The Complete German
Commission E monographs (American
Botanical Council, 1998).
[18] M. Forrest, C. Konijnendijk, Urban Forests
and Trees, C. Konijnendijk, K. Nilsson,
T. Randrup, J. Schipperijn, eds. (Springer
Berlin Heidelberg, 2005), pp. 23–48.
[19] M. Mrazkova, et al., Plant Disease 94, 272
(2010).
[20] M. Mrázková, et al., Plant Protection
Science 49, 155 (2013).
[21] D. de Rigo, et al., Scientific Topics Focus 2,
mri10a15+ (2016).
[22] CABI, Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[23] CABI, Lymantria monacha (nun moth)
(2015). Invasive Species Compendium.
http://www.cabi.org
[24] I. Skrzecz, Folia Forestalia Polonica 42,
41 (2000).
[25] C. D. Pigott, J. P. Huntley, New Phytologist
84, 145 (1980).
[26] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of lime (Tilia
cordata) (2008). www.euforgen.org.
[27] A. N. Afonin, S. L. Greene, N. I. Dzyubenko,
A. N. Frolov, eds., Interactive Agricultural
Ecological Atlas of Russia and Neighboring
Countries: Economic Plants and their
Diseases, Pests and Weeds [Online] (2008).
http://www.agroatlas.ru.
[28] EUFORGEN, Distribution map of lime (Tilia
platipyllos) (2008). www.euforgen.org.
[29] H. Meusel, E. Jäger, eds., Vergleichende
Chorologie der Zentraleuropäischen Flora
- Band I, II, III (Gustav Fischer Verlag,
Jena, 1998).

Map 1-B: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Tilia platyphyllos.
Frequency of Tilia platyphyllos occurrences within the field observations
Bark of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) forming longitudinal fissures
as reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
at the base of the trunk.
spatial range for T. platyphyllos is derived after EUFORGEN28 .
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for the whole genus Tilia.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Hairs in the vein axils on the leaf lower face of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata).
(Copyright David Nicholls, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)

This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of

this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e010ec5. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Eaton, E., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Tilia cordata, Tilia
platyphyllos and other limes in Europe: distribution, habitat,
usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo,
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree
Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e010ec5+

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 185

 Ulmus

Ulmus - elms in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats

G. Caudullo, D. de Rigo
Among elm tree species, prevalently concentrated in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, three species
are present in Europe with a wide range and native to most countries: the European white elm (Ulmus laevis Pall.) which
has a more southern range, the wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) which has a more northern range, and the field elm
(Ulmus minor Mill.) which has a more eastern range. Elms are deciduous medium-sized trees, characterised by pollination
and seed dispersal driven by the wind. They all are components of mixed broadleaved cool forests, distributed principally
near rivers and floodplains. These tree species have always played an important cultural role, being part of the traditional
rural landscape as a tree of multiple purposes, such as working and firewood, fodder supplier, living grapevine support
and more recently as an ornamental and roadside tree. The introduction into Europe in the last century of the fungal
pathogen Ophiostoma, causing the Dutch elm disease, has devastated the elm populations throughout Europe with two
destructive epidemics. Despite their drastic reduction, elms are not considered endangered species, as the main losses
regarded mature cultivated trees in urban areas and countryside. Breeding programmes have selected hybrids resistant
to Dutch elm disease for ornamental purposes, while in natural forests elms are less susceptible to this pathogen and
more threatened by habitat reduction and water regulation.

Frequency
< 25%
25% - 50%
50% - 75%
> 75%
Chorology
Native

White elm (U. laevis) is a riparian tree growing principally along rivers.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP)

other broadleaved species, often associated with noble trees

such as ashes (Fraxinus spp.), maples (Acer spp.) and limes
(Tilia spp.), and locally more abundant in optimal sites22-24 . U.
laevis occurs in riparian forests along large rivers such as the
Rhine, the Elbe and the Danube, at altitudes of less than 300
m, thriving in damp, periodically flooded, soils6, 25 . Despite being
typically found in moist sites, it can tolerate moderately dry
and deep soils, preferring slightly acid and siliceous soils. The
Map 1-A: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Ulmus glabra.
hairs on the samaras increase their ability to float by surface
Frequency of Ulmus glabra occurrences within the field observations as tension, favouring long-distance dispersal by water18, 26, 27. In
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native forest stands, it is a dominated species of mixed alluvial forests,
spatial range for U. glabra is derived after several sources16, 17, 46-49 .
rarely reaching heights of 35 m, occurring with pedunculate oak
(Quercus robur), ashes (Fraxinus spp.), alders (Alnus spp.) and
shoot in U. glabra and U. minor. The wind pollinated flower is bell-
along with willows (Salix spp.) and poplars (Populus spp.) in more
shaped, without petals, and dark purplish-red to brownish. The
flooded and disturbed sites24 . U. minor, like U. laevis, is a riparian
fruits are ovate samaras, with a single central nut seed rounded
tree. It occurs in Mediterranean regions along banks of relatively
by a membrane, which may have a hair-fringed margin in U.
small streams. In central Europe it is a prominent component of
laevis, 2-3 cm, maturing in late spring11-13 .
woods along major rivers together with U. laevis, while in southern
Distribution Russia and the north-east Balkans it is a component of wooded
The three European elms all have a widespread range, and are steppes4 . Unlike other elms, it is more of a pioneer species,
native to most European countries. U. glabra has a more northerly characterised by being light-demanding and fast-growing. It also
distribution than the others, occurring in Norway up to the Arctic tolerates different stresses well, such as waterlogging or drought,
Circle and only on mountain areas in its southern range, extending pollution and salty winds19, 28 . It has a strong ability to reproduce
Wych elm (U. glabra) is the tallest among European elms,
east to the Urals. U. minor thrives better in southern Europe, rapidly by root suckers, even at several metres of distance,
reaching 40 m in height.
(Copyright Stefano Zerauschek, www.flickr.com: AP) reaching at its northernmost extent the Baltic Sea. Southwards forming connections between root systems, so it is often found in
it can be found up to Algeria, Israel and North-eastern Iran. U. groups at the forest edge, seldom as pure stands29 . Like U. laevis,
laevis has a more eastern distribution, from central France to U. minor grows in floodplain broadleaved communities with
The elms are deciduous medium-sized trees, growing from
the Ural Mountains. It ranges from South Finland on north, to its pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and with ashes (Fraxinus spp.)
20 m (Ulmus minor) up to 40 m (Ulmus glabra). The crown can
southernmost limits in Bulgaria and Crimea8, 14-17. in less frequently flooded sites22, 24, 30 . Adults of both riparian
vary much in shape: it is generally open, broad, billowing, from
elms show a higher tolerance to inundation than common ash
domed to cylindrical, but also conic. The bark is brownish-grey,
deeply furrowed, smooth when young only in U. glabra. The leaves Habitat and Ecology (Fraxinus excelsior), but less than white willow (Salix alba)31 .
also vary greatly in dimension and form. They are alternate, dark The European elms are a component of cool mixed
green, usually asymmetrical at the base and acuminate at the broadleaved forests, showing a clear preference for water- and
apex, with toothed margins, from 4-10 cm long in U. minor to 10- nutrient-rich soils, distributed principally near rivers and streams
18 cm long in U. glabra, smooth and downy above in Ulmus laevis or on floodplains18 . U. glabra is adapted to hemiboreal and
and with black glands along leaf veins in U. minor. In autumn U. temperate forests with cool summers. It is a more demanding
laevis sheds its leaves earlier than the other two species. Elms species, thriving in moist forests with rich soils and high humidity,
are monoecious hermaphrodite species: the flowers appear or in groves along streams, but rarely in very wet or flooded
before the leaves in early spring, arranged in clusters of 10-30 areas19, 20 . It does not tolerate basic soils, growing better on
elements, with 20 mm long stems in U. laevis, while close to the mildly acid soils up to pH 4.721 . It occurs in mixed forests with

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Ulmus glabra.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Elm leaves have accuminate apex, toothed margins and are

asymmetrical at the base; those of wych elm (U. glabra) are the
largest, reaching 18 cm in length.
(Forestry Commission, www.forestry.gov.uk: © Crown Copyright)

Importance and Usage

For centuries elms have played an important cultural role
in rural areas, being part of the traditional landscape as a tree
of multiple uses32 . From a commercial point of view, elms are a
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)

186 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species

 Ulmus

source of good-quality wood, easy to work and used for furniture,

flooring and as firewood, except U. laevis, which has a lower density Frequency
and cross-grained wood, which causes difficulty in machine < 25%
25% - 50%
cutting and defects25, 29 . It has also an exceptional resistance to 50% - 75%

water decay, so that timbers are used as underwater piles, in > 75%
Chorology
shipbuilding and for water pipes28, 29 . U. glabra grows at relatively Native

high altitudes and also in European boreal areas. The European

mountainous areas are associated with soil erosion rates higher
than the average. As this phenomenon is particularly serious in
the boreal mountain system33 , U. glabra contributes to provide a
valuable service in watershed protection and soil stabilisation34 .
Given the suitability for elms to live in high humidity areas, all the
European elms may help to mitigate soil erosion by water even
where particularly frequent or intense precipitation patterns are
observed, and along riparian areas. In the Mediterranean regions
since ancient Greek times, U. minor was traditionally used as
Field elm (U. minor) seeds are circular samaras with the nut in the middle.
(Copyright Alan Semper, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)

Map 1-C: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Ulmus minor.
Frequency of Ulmus minor occurrences within the field observations as
Threats and Diseases
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native The story of the elms is marked by the two destructive
spatial range for U. minor is derived after several sources15, 16, 47, 48, 51 .
epidemics, caused by the introduction of hyper-virulent fungal
living support for grapevines, also providing fodder in summer pathogens, Ophiostoma ulmi in the 1920s and Ophiostoma
and small-wood and poles when coppiced. This practice was then novo-ulmi in 1970s, usually called Dutch elm disease (DED). It
exported by the Romans to the whole of Europe35 . In fact, thanks is considered one of the most significant tree diseases known
to its fast-growing, re-sprouting ability and easy propagation by in the world, having devastated the elm populations throughout
suckering, U. minor has been widely propagated and planted in Europe and North America37. DED is very aggressive and is
the countryside and more recently on roadsides and in urban transmitted by the bark beetles of genus Scolytus or throughout
areas6 . However, the pandemics of the vascular Dutch elm disease root connections, attacking principally mature U. minor leading to
starting in the last century devastated the elm populations in the death in 2-3 years38 . U. glabra is susceptible to the fungal agent,
whole of Europe, making it necessary to substitute it with other but remains unaffected at higher latitudes, where the insect
tree species or with other Dutch elm disease-resistant elms, such vector cannot survive. U. laevis is susceptible, but less attractive
as Siberian elm and its hybrids36 . for the bark beetles, so its population was not severely damaged
by the DED, except in the western ranges6 . Several strategies
have been adopted in an attempt to prevent infection and
Taxonomy of elms reduce the impacts of DED. The chemical and biological controls
The genus Ulmus includes 20-40 species prevalently in the temperate against the pathogen or the insect vector encountered many
regions of the northern hemisphere and concentrated mostly in Eurasia1 . limits, due to poor results or high costs when utilized at large
The ambiguity in number of species results from the difficulty in their scales39 . Two breeding programs arose in Netherlands and in
classification, which is very complex and is still under debate. In fact elms Italy after the pandemics, having a success for selecting cultivars
have a strong intra-specific variability in morphological traits, not only resistant to DED with the use of Asian parental materials. Most
Seed germination of the field elm (U. minor). geographically, but even in the same tree during growing stages as a of those hybrids were planted in substitution of garden elms38, 40 .
(Copyright Franco Giordana, www.actaplantarum.org: AP)
response to environmental conditions. Moreover, they have an extensive However, the widespread use of cultivars has increased the risk
natural hybridisation capacity between them2 . With the use of chloroplast of ‘genetic pollution’, mainly when planted in the countryside
DNA, a simplified classification of European elms has been proposed. It near to natural forests6 . Despite their drastic reduction during the
Frequency
counts three ‘large’ species belonging to two sections, which comprise last century, the European elm species (in a narrow sense) can
< 25%
25% - 50% different varieties and subspecies historically described 3, 4: Ulmus laevis be considered not actually in danger. The main losses regarded
50% - 75%
Pall. (European white elm) belonging to the Blepharocarpus section, Ulmus introduced and cultivated plants in urban areas and countryside
> 75%
Chorology glabra Huds. (wych elm) and Ulmus minor Mill. (field elm) belonging to with relatively poor genetic variability6 . Concerning elms in forest
Native
the Ulmus section. U. minor can be defined as a complex of species, habitats, although larger trees are heavily affected by DED, in the
sometimes described on the basis of morphological traits and geographical United Kingdom and southern Sweden there has been reported
distribution as separated species: i.e. Plot’s Elm (Ulmus plotii), the English significant resilience of a fast turnover population of poles in the
elm (Ulmus minor var. vulgaris syn. Ulmus procera) and the grey elm understorey41, 42 . Particular attention in conservation has been
(Ulmus minor subsp. canescens syn. Ulmus canescens)5, 6 . U. glabra has also given to small and marginal populations at the borders of
a strong latitudinal variations and two subspecies have been proposed: U. their natural distributions, with the aim of minimising the risk
glabra subsp. glabra in the southern range and U. glabra subsp. montana of genetic loss. Among the European elms, U. laevis is the less
in the northern range. A variety is also recognised in Caucasus (U. glabra susceptible to DED. However, its populations are often in small
var. trautvetteri), which is sometimes treated as a separate species (Ulmus and fragmented stands as a result of the reduction of the
elliptica)7, 8 . The variety Ulmus laevis var. celtidea syn. Ulmus celtidea is riparian forests, caused by water-basin regulation and demand
an endemic elm native of northern Ukraine, which differs morphologically for agricultural lands. Potentially, genetic drift as a result of
from U. laevis6, 9, 10 . Finally U. glabra and U. minor can naturally hybridise
in intermediate forms, commonly referred to as Ulmus x holandica (Dutch
Map 1-B: Plot distribution and simplified chorology map for Ulmus laevis. elm), and both hybridise with Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm), recently
Frequency of Ulmus laevis occurrences within the field observations as
reported by the National Forest Inventories. The chorology of the native
introduced from Asia.
spatial range for U. laevis is derived after several sources16, 46, 50 .

Autoecology diagrams based on harmonised field

Field data in Europe (including absences) Observed presences in Europe observations from forest plots for Ulmus laevis.
Average temperature of the coldest month (°C)

Sum of precipitation of the driest month (mm)

Annual precipitation (mm)

Galleries of Scolitus beetle on a wych elm (U. glabra).

(Copyright Ronnie Nijboer, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 187

 Ulmus
landscape changes along large rivers could represent a more
serious risk than DED6 .
Aside from this serious disease, elms are susceptible to
the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). A.
glabripennis can also attack several other trees, such as several
species of maple (Acer spp.), poplar (Populus spp.) and birch
(Betula spp.), whose distribution partially overlap with that of
elms43-45 .
Wych elm (U. glabra) seeds mature in late spring.
(Copyright Graham Calow, www.naturespot.ork.uk: AP)
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This is an extended summary of the chapter. The full version of
this chapter (revised and peer-reviewed) will be published online at
https://w3id.org/mtv/FISE-Comm/v01/e01bd40. The purpose of this
summary is to provide an accessible dissemination of the related
main topics.
This QR code points to the full online version, where the most
updated content may be freely accessed.
Please, cite as:
Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Ulmus - elms in Europe:
distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz,
J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.),
Annual average temperature (°C) Potential spring-summer solar irradiation (kWh m-2) Seasonal variation of monthly precipitation (dimensionless) European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg,
pp. e01bd40+
188 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Tree species
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Ghelardini, L. Mittempergher, HortScience
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[48] R. Alìa Miranda, et al., Regiones de
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 European Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) on a rhododendron flower.
(Copyright Danielgrad, www.wikipedia.com: CC-BY)

Fly agaric mashroom (Amanita muscaria).

(Copyright cafepampas, pixabay.com: CC0)

Maturing blackberries of Rubus shrub .

(Copyright FraukeFeind, pixabay.com: CC0)

Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina), xylophagous beetle of the family Cerambycidae.

(Copyright zseeee, pixabay.com: CC0)

Tree species | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 189

 Glossary
Achene: a simple dry fruit containing a single seed. [see Fig. 3a overleaf].
Acuminate: gradually tapering to a point [see Fig. 4f overleaf].
Adventitious: a structure arising from an unusual place; e.g. roots growing
from the shoot system.
Aeolian soil: soil generated with sediments eroded, transported and
deposited by the action of the wind.
Agroforestry: a land-use system with two or more interacting plant species,
where one of them is a tree or shrub.
Alkaloid: a group of natural chemical compounds containing basic nitrogen
atoms produced by a large variety of organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants,
animals). They can be extracted and used in traditional and modern medicine,
interacting with the metabolic systems of humans and animals.
Allelopathy (adj. allelopathic): negative effects created by a plant on the
growth or development of other nearby plants by releasing toxic substances.
Anamorph (adj. anamorphic): in mycology, an asexual reproductive stage in
a fungus life-cycle, which also includes a teleomorph, the sexual reproductive
stage. In the past some fungi had a double nomenclature related to their
different stages, recently declared scientifically invalid.
Androdioecious: species having separate plants with staminate flowers and
plants with perfect fully-functional flowers [see Fig. 2b overleaf].
Androecious: the plant having the male flowers in a dioecious population.
Androgynomonoecious: species having in the same plant perfect fully-
functional flowers, pistillate and staminate flowers. [see Fig. 2b overleaf]
Andromonoecious: species having in the same plant perfect fully-functional
flowers and staminate flowers. [see Fig. 2b overleaf]
Androsterility (adj. androsterile): see pistil.
Anthropogenic: caused or produced by humans.
Apomixis (adj. apomictic): reproduction of plants where the embryo develops
without fertilisation occurring.
Apophysis: A natural outgrowth, swelling or enlargement.
Arborescent: having the shape of a tree, tree-like.
Arcto-Tertiary geoflora: floral assemblage that once covered the Northern
Hemisphere, from roughly the late Mesozoic to mid Cenozoic Eras.
Aril (syn. arillus): a fleshy fruit that covers or is attached to the seed, often
edible to encourage dispersion by animals.
Array: of data (including spatial data), information or numerical models. In
computational science, collection of homogeneous or heterogeneous layers
(for example, field observations of forest tree species; land cover maps on
the distribution of broadleaved/coniferous taxa; maps on bioclimatic and
geographic information) which may be processed in a compact way (array
programming) as a sequence within numerical models.
Arthropod: an invertebrate animal with an external skeleton (exoskeleton),
a segmented body, and jointed appendages. Arthropods include the insects,
arachnids, myriapods, and crustaceans.
Autoecology: the term generally refers to diagrams also known as climate-
space diagrams. For a given taxon, an empirical autoecology diagram is
based on the available field observations to illustrate the pattern of selected
bioclimatic quantities (for example, the average annual temperature versus
the total annual precipitation) associated with the locations where the taxon
has been observed. When available (as is the case in this Atlas), autoecology
diagrams also illustrate the empirical climate space occupied by all the taxa
(presence/absence autoecology).
Axil: the upper angle between one part of a plant and another part.
Auriculate: having an auricle, i.e. an ear-shaped lobe at the base of a leaf.
Big data: in computational science, collection of data whose appropriate
analysis and computational modelling requires specific techniques in order
for the challenging amount of information to be managed. Usual standard
approaches of numerical processing are generally inadequate with big data
due to their dimension or complexity/heterogeneity. The qualification of data
as “big data” highly depends on the typical computational resources, software
and knowledge available in given historic time.
Bioclimatic: referring to climatic aspects relevant for the biology of
the organism (for example, referring to temperature, precipitation,
evapotranspiration, solar irradiation, etc.).
Biogenic volatile organic compounds: volatile organic compounds produced
by plants. Involved in plant growth, development, reproduction and defence.
While contributing to tropospheric ozone and secondary particle formation, they
also have indirect effects on cloud formation and climate change.
Bisexual: see monoecious
BP: acronym standing for “Before Present” with “Present” being the 1st January
1950, reflecting the time when radiocarbon dating became practicable.
Brachyblast: branches with shortened internodes (brachyblasts) as opposed
to branches with long internodes.
Bronze Age: the term Bronze Age refers to a period in human cultural
development when the metalworking included techniques for smelting copper
and tin from naturally occurring outcrops of ores, and then combining them
to cast bronze to produce sophisticated tools such as sickles or knives. This is
the earliest period in which some civilisations introduced writing.
BVOC: See [biogenic volatile organic compounds]
Calyx: the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud,
consisting of the sepals.
Cambium: the tissue in the stems and roots of plants, consisting of cells that
divide rapidly to form new layers of tissue. In woody plants it lies between
the bark and wood of the stem; on its outer surface the vascular cambium
forms new layers of phloem, and on its inner surface, new layers of xylem.
Chasmophyte (adj. chasmophytic): plant growing in rock crevices.
Chorology: study of the spatial distribution of organisms.
Climate-space diagrams: see autoecology.
Computational model: mathematical model in computational science
requiring computational resources to analyse or estimate specific statistics
and information on the behaviour of a natural or artificial system (for
example, the relative probability of presence or the habitat suitability
of forest tree species).
Computational science: scientific and technical methods to analyse
existing information and to estimate unavailable information with the help of
mathematics and computational models.
Constrained spatial multi-frequency analysis: (acronym: C-SMFA) in
computational science, a spatial frequency analysis of a given quantity
190 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Glossary
(for example, the frequency of field observations concerning a given tree
species) which considers multiple spatial scales to account for the different
local density of data. Furthermore, C-SMFA is constrained to be consistent
with an additional available information to improve the overall quality of the
frequency analysis. In this Atlas, S-SMFA is exploited to estimate the relative
probability of presence of forest tree species.
Constraint: for the meaning in computational modelling, see semantic
constraint.
Cordate: having a heart-shaped outline. [see Fig. 4b overleaf] .
Coriaceous: leathery.
Corolla: the inner circle of petals of a flower, usually of a colour other than
green.
Corvid: a bird belonging to the crow family Corvidae, e.g. jays, magpies,
choughs.
Corymb: a flat-topped flower cluster in which the individual flower stalks
grow upward from various points on the main stem to approximately the
same overall height. [see Fig. 1b overleaf] .
Cotyledon: an embryo tissue within the seed which upon germination forms
the embryonic leaf/leaves of the plant.
Coumarin: an organic compound naturally present in many plants. It has
a sweet odour, recognised as the scent of new-mown hay. It is used in
perfumes, for giving aroma to drinks and tobaccos, and more recently for
clinical medical purposes.
Cryptic: see refugia
Cuneate: having the shape of a wedge, triangular at the base and tapering to
a point. [see Fig. 4g overleaf].
Cyme: A usually flat-topped or convex flower cluster in which the main stem
and each branch end in a flower.
Decumbent: spreading horizontally with the ends growing upwards
Dehesa: a Spanish word which refers to the savannah-like open woodland
traditionally managed as a multi-purpose agricultural system in the Iberian
Peninsula. In Portugal it is named montado. This agro-sylvo-pastoral land
use provides firewood, shading and secondary products (i.e. acorn, olive, nuts,
cork, manna, etc.) from trees and pasture for livestock from grass land. Main
tree species managed as dehesa/montado are principally Mediterranean
evergreen oaks, holm oak (Quercus ilex), cork oak (Quercus suber), Lusitanian
oak (Quercus faginea) and Pyrenean oak (Quercus pirenaica), but also ash
(Fraxinus angustifolia) and stone pine (Pinus pinea) with other accompanying
tree such as olive (Olea europaea) and junipers (Juniperus oxycedrus and J.
thurifera).
Dendrochronology: the science of dating based on the analysis of tree ring
patterns.
Dioecious: species that has male and female flowers (or reproductive
structures) in separate plants.
Diploid: organism which contains two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited
from each parent.
Disking: Agricultural term to describe the process of using a disk, or harrow,
to disturb the soil, setting back natural succession by cutting up grassy
vegetation, thus preventing an area from maturing into briars, shrubs, and
trees.
Dormant (adj. dormancy): an induced and hormone-regulated stage of
inactive state in which growth stops and metabolism is slowed.
Drupe: a fruit with the seed inside a woody shell (endocarp) surrounded by a
fleshy part (mesocarp) and skin (exocarp). [see Fig. 3b overleaf].
Ecotone: the transition zone between two different plant communities, e.g.
between forest and prairie.
Ectomycorrhiza: a fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots
of various plant species. Unlike other mycorrhizae, they do not penetrate their
host’s cell walls, developing in the intercellular spaces. They form a dense
hyphal sheath surrounding the root surface, helping the host plant to take up
water and nutrients and to access carbohydrate supplies.
Edaphic: related to the soil.
Emarginate: having a broad shallow notch at the apex. [see Fig. 4f overleaf]
Empyreuma: the smell and taste associated with burning vegetable and
animal matter. Empyreumatic oils are obtained by distilling various organic
substances at high temperatures.
Endemic (adj. endemism): a species that lives in a defined and restricted
geographical zone or habitat type.
Endocarp: see drupe
Entomophilous: form of pollination whereby pollen or spores are distributed
by insects.
Epicormic: growing from the bark of the trunk, stem or branch.
Epiphyte: a plant that grows harmlessly upon another plant, deriving its
moisture and nutrients from air and rain. In the temperate zone they are
principally mosses, lichens, algae and liverworts.
Eutrophic: characterised by an abundant accumulation of nutrients that
support a dense plant life.
Fascicle: A bundle or cluster of stems, flowers or leaves.
Fastigate: having erect branches, often appearing to form a single column
with the stem.
Fennoscandia: a region comprising the Scandinavian Peninsula, Finland,
Karelia and the Kola Peninsula.
Field observations: data referring to measurements performed in the
environment where a certain organism or association of organisms lives
(for example, measurements of whether a certain tree species is found in a
certain local environment). Complementary to laboratory measurements and
computational modelling estimations.
Flexuose: bent from side to side in one plane in zigzag form.
Forest plot: local-scale field observation concerning forest resources.
Forest plots are often the basis of national forest inventories and of other
thematic datasets on forests.
Frugivore: (adj. frugivorous) an organism that feeds on fruit.
Galbulus (pl. galbuli): a fleshy berry-like seed cone of junipers and cypresses.
Gall (syn. cecidium): an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue, similar to
tumours, caused by parasites, principally insects, and used as a habitat for
development and as a food source.
Garrigue: a discontinuous Mediterranean vegetation composed of low bushy
scrub species associated principally with calcareous rocky soils and hot
arid climates. This formation often develops as consequence of a degraded
maquis vegetation after fires or intense exploitations.
Genotype: the genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms with
reference to a single trait or set of traits, as distinguished from the physical
appearance.
Geospatial: in computational science, it refers to data or information
which is geographically distributed and covers significantly broad spatial
extents. Under these circumstances, for example the simple approximation of
the portion of Earth’s surface covered by the spatial extent as a geometrical
plane is no more valid.
Glabrous: smooth; without hair or scales.
Glacial-interglacial cycles: Continental ice-sheets in the Northern
Hemisphere have grown and retreated many times in the past. Times with
large ice-sheets are known as glacial (cold) periods that were separated by
(warm) interglacial periods. We are currently in an interglacial period called
the Holocene that initiated 11 700 years BP.
Glaucous: having a pale greyish or bluish green colour, often with a whitish
bloom which may be rubbed off.
Globose: ball-shaped.
Gynodioecious: species having separate plants with pistillate flowers and
plants with perfect fully-functional flowers [see Fig. 2b overleaf].
Gynoecious: the plant having the female flowers in a dioecious population.
Gynomonoecious: species having in the same plant perfect fully-functional
flowers and pistillate flowers [see Fig. 2b overleaf]
Gynosterility (adj. gynosterile): see stamen
Habitat suitability: (acronym: HS) potential suitability for a certain
organism (e.g. a tree species) to live in a given local habitat. It is generally
a quantity varying from 0 (0 %, unsuitable habitat) to 1 (100 %, potentially
very suitable habitat). Computational science may be required for HS to be
quantitatively estimated. Depending on the objective to be investigated, HS
may consider interspecific competition and other ecological aspects, or may
instead just consider bioclimatic limitations. In the latter case, the estimated
HS constitutes a potential limit which may be altered by the local ecology
(typically, the bioclimatic-related HS of a certain taxon may be higher than
the actual one due to competing taxa which are more fit in a given habitat).
Heartwood: the older, non-living central wood of a tree, consisting of non-
functioning xylem tissue that has become blocked with resins, tannins and
oils and providing mechanical support. Heartwood is usually darker and
harder than the younger sapwood.
Hectare: one hectare is 100 x 100 metres.
Heliophilous: organism that needs, or tolerates, a high level of direct sunlight.
Hermaphrodite: organism or reproductive organs that have both male and
female structures. Relating to flowers, hermaphrodite flowers can be called
also bisexual or perfect. [see Fig. 2b overleaf].
Hilium: a scar or a mark remaining on a seed or spore at its point the site of
its former attachment.
Holocene: The Holocene is the geological epoch that began approximately
11 700 years BP and continues to the present.
Hygrophylous: adapted for growth in a wet or damp environment.
Hypoglycin A: a natural amino acid which occurs in several plants; this
compound is toxic if ingested, causing profound hypoglycaemia.
Imbricate: Having regular overlapping edges
Inflorescence: a grouping of flowers on a stem or in a leaf axil.
Interstadial: Time period corresponding to a temporary period of thaw in the
middle of an ice age.
Involucre: a ring of small leaves, or bracts, at the base of a flower, flower
cluster, or fruit.
Iron Age: in archaeology, the Iron Age (in Europe between about 1200 BC
– 1 BC) refers to the advent of ferrous metallurgy to produce hard metal
tools. The adoption of iron coincided with other changes in past cultures, often
including more sophisticated agricultural practices and artistic techniques.
Karst (adj. karstic]: terrain or landscape characterised by largely bare, rocky
surface and irregular limestone in which erosion has produced fissures,
sinkholes, underground streams and caverns and underneath which rivers
flow.
Lanceolate: having a narrow shape and tapering to a point at each end, with
the base slightly wider. [see Fig. 4b overleaf].
Lenticel: small raised corky spot or line through which gaseous exchange
occurs. They typically appear on bark but also on fruits.
Lignicolous: organism which grows or lives on or in wood.
Maquis (syn. matorral): this is the main vegetation along the Mediterranean
coasts, where summers are hot and dry, and rain falls abundantly in winter.
It contains densely packed bushes, shrubs and evergreen trees with generally
coriaceous leaves, occasionally deciduous during the summer.
Marcescence (adj. marcescent): deciduous tree that retains its leaves
through the winter, shedding them only when new leaves emerge in spring.
Marl: a crumbly mixture of clays, calcium and magnesium carbonates, and
remnants of shells that is sometimes found under desert sands and used as
fertiliser for lime deficient soils.
Matorral: see maquis
Maximum habitat suitability: (acronym: MHS) referring to bioclimatic-
based habitat suitability, it represents the maximum spatial extent where
a given taxon is suitable to live. It may also be referred to as survivability.
Complementary to the average habitat suitability (AHS), which only focuses
on the optimal ecological niche of a given taxon. MHS is greater or equal to
AHS. Low values of MHS may be exploited to identify the less suitable areas
for a given taxon to survive, irrespective of other ecological aspects such as
interspecific competition. Conversely, correspondingly low values of AHS may
only identify non-optimal areas. In these areas, the taxon is in a sub-optimal
condition where it may or may not be able to survive, depending on other
factors.
Melliferous: producing or promoting the production of honey.
Mesic: characterised by or adapted to a moderately moist habitat.
Mesocarp: see drupe.
Mesoclimate: the climate of a small area not representative of the general
climate of the district
Mesolithic: This period began at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, around
9 200 BC, and ended with the introduction of agriculture, the date of which
varied by geographic region.
Mesophile (adj. mesophilous, mesophilic): an organism which grows best in
a moderate temperature.
Mesophyte (adj. mesophytic): plant that grows in an environment having a
moderate amount of moisture.
Metadata: in computational science, information concerning a certain set
of data expressing, at least partially, their semantics and how the data have
been generated.
Monoecious: species that has both male and female flowers ion the same
plant; flowers can be unisexual when they have only male or female
structures, or can be hermaphrodite (or bisexual, or perfect) when flowers
have both male and female structures. [see Fig. 2b overleaf].
Monopodial: tree with a trunk that develops by continuing growth of a single
shoot apex.
Montado: see dehesa
Morphogenesis: the biological process that causes an organism to develop
its shape.
Mucilaginous: slimy and sticky.
Mutualism (adj. mutualistic): a relationship between two organisms of
different species in which both benefit from the activity of the other.
Nectariferous: producing nectar.
Neolithic: This was a period of early rural technology and societal
development; specifically it included the use of domestic crops and animals,
usually accompanied by ceramic production. It began about 10,200 BC in
areas of the Middle East, and started later in other parts of the world.
Oblanceolate: having a lance-shaped outline, with the thin end at the base
[see Fig. 4b overleaf].
Obligate: required or necessary.
Obovate: having an egg-shaped outline, with the narrow end at the base [see
Fig. 4b overleaf].
Oomycete (syn. oomycota): microscopic filamentous organisms with
pathogenic or saprophytic lifestyles. They were classified among fungi and
later placed in the Heterokonts, a group composed principally of algae and
diatoms.
Ovoid: egg-shaped.
Palmate: having more than three lobes or segments that spread out from a
common point [see Fig. 4b and 4c overleaf].
Palynology (adj. palynological): the study of live and fossil spores, pollen
grains, and other microscopic plant structures.
Panicle: an indeterminate inflorescence in which the flowers are borne
on branches of the main axis or on further branches of these. [see Fig. 1b
overleaf].
Pannonia (adj. Pannonian): a geographical term indicating the plain of East-
Central Europe, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains (north and east), the
Alps (west), and the Dinaric Alps and the Balkan mountains (south), through
which flow the Rivers Danube and Tisza.
Pectinate: set like the teeth of a comb
Pedicel: the stalk bearing a single flower of an inflorescence.
Petiole: the stalk of a leaf.
Petrophytic: (of a plant) adapted to growing on rocks or scree.
Phloem: the tissue in vascular plants that conducts synthesized food
substances from the leaves to the other parts of the plant, consisting
primarily of tube-like cells that have porous openings.
Phreatophyte: a plant with a very long root system that mainly uses
groundwater as its source of moisture, typical of desert and semi-desert
habitats.
Phytophagous: feeding on plants, including shrubs and trees.
Phytoplasmas: a group of bacterial plant parasites responsible for important
diseases. They infect and replicate inside the host tissues and are principally
transmitted by insects. They are characterised by the absence of a cell wall,
behaving as a virus.
Phytoremediation: the use of plants or trees to decontaminate polluted soil
or water.
Phytosociology: The branch of ecology that deals with the characteristics,
classification, relationships, and distribution of plant communities the branch
of ecology dealing with the origin, composition, structure, and classification of
plant communities (see section on page 32).
Pinnate: an arrangement in a divided leaf where leaflets arise from both
sides of a common leaf-stalk. They can be described according to the depth
of the division (lobed, cleft, parted and divided), and according the number of
divisions (odd pinnate, with a single leaflet at the tip, or even pinnate, with a
pair of leaflets at the tip). [see Fig. 4c overleaf].
Pistil (adj. pistillate): reproductive female organ of the flower, consisting of
ovary, style and stigma. Pistillate flowers have only pistils or sterile stamens
(androsterility).
Pith: the soft, spongy tissue in the centre of the stem.
Plant functional traits: functional traits are morphological, biochemical,
physiological, structural, phenological, or behavioural characteristics that are
expressed in phenotypes of individual organisms and are considered relevant
to their growth and to their response to environmental conditions.
Plasticity (adj. plastic): the property of an organism to adapt to different
ecological conditions.
Podsolization: reflects the downward migration of Al and Fe, together with
organic matter, from the surface areas, and their accumulation in the soil
profile’s deep areas.
Pole: Tree of a size larger than a sapling but smaller than a mature specimen
(actual dimensions very by region).
Polymorphic: organisms of a single species displaying a number of varieties
of form.
Polyphagous: organism that feeds on different types of food. Related to
plants, they are parasites of several plant species.
Polyploid: organism which contains more than two set of chromosomes
(diploid), e.g. triploid (3 sets), tetraploid (4 sets), etc. Polyploidy is common
among plants, which may display novel morphological variations from
parental diploid forms. This mechanism may contribute to the speciation
process.
Pome: a fleshy fruit not formed from the ovary, but consisting of an
enlargement of the receptacle which encloses the ovary and the seeds. It
is typical of some members of the Rosaceae family; e.g. apple, pear, quince,
medlar. [see Fig. 3b overleaf].
Pontic: denoting or relating to the Black Sea.
Pubescent: covered with a layer of fine short hairs or down.
Pyrophyte: plant that is resistant to fire and/or that needs fire to propagate.
Quaternary: the geological epoch that spans from about 2.6 million years BP
to the present. The Quaternary Period is divided into two epochs: the Pleistocene
(2.588 million years BP to 11.7 thousand years BP) and the Holocene (11.7
thousand years BP to today). The Quaternary period is typically defined by the
cyclic growth and decay of continental ice sheets driven by Milankovitch cycles
and the associated climate and environmental changes.
Quiescence (adj. quiescent): an inactive state in which growth stops and
metabolism is slowed imposed by unfavourable environmental conditions.
Raceme: an inflorescence with stalked flowers arranged singly along an
elongated axis, with the flowers at the bottom opening first.
Rachis: the main stem or axis of an inflorescence or compound leaf.
Refugia: spatially limited areas where plants and animals can grow and
survive during adverse or unfavourable environmental conditions (e.g. cold
glacial period). Particularly small refugia are sometimes called micro refugia.
Cryptic refugia are refugia which are difficult to identify because of their very
small size and/or because of the extremely reduced number of individuals of
a species. Refugia comprise areas with sheltered topography and buffered,
stable local microclimatic and edaphic conditions, which are e.g. important
for moisture supply. 
Relative distance similarity: (acronym: RDS) in computational science,
the similarity between two patterns of data based on their relative distance
(i.e. the aggregated dimensionless ratio between the numeric values
associated with each pattern). For example, in this Atlas RDS is applied to
estimate the maximum habitat suitability of a given tree species in a
certain area, based on how similar are the bioclimatic conditions of the area
with the ones found where the available field observations indicate the
presence of the species.
Relative probability of presence: (acronym: RPP) probability of finding a
certain organism or entity (for example, a certain tree species) in a given area,
irrespective of the probability of finding other entities (e.g. without taking
into account other tree species). Concerning tree species, the sum of the RPP
associated with different taxa in the same area is not constrained to be 100
%. For example, in a forest with two co-dominant tree species which are
homogeneously mixed, the RPP of both may be 100 %.
Relevé: a French word translated into “list”, “statement” or “summary” among
the English meanings in its use in vegetation studies. Typically the vegetation
relevé is a list of the plants recorded in a sampling plot.
Rendzina: a young, rocky and shallow soil, lacking in moisture, associated
with carbonate bedrock (chalk, limestone).
Rhytidome: outer layer of bark.
Samara: a dry fruit with its wall expanded into a wing [see Fig. 3a overleaf].
Saprophyte: organism that lives and feeds on dead organic matter.
Sapwood: the newly formed outer wood located just inside the cambium
of a tree trunk and consisting of active xylem tissue for water conduction.
Sapwood is usually lighter in colour than heartwood.
Sawfly: a common name for insects belonging to suborder Symphyta (order
Hymenoptera). It is a large group of insects, whose larvae look like caterpillars
and are phytophagous. The common name derives from the saw-like female
ovipositor used to cut into plants where the eggs are laid.
Scabrous: rough to the touch.
Sclerophyll (adj. sclerophyllous): a type of vegetation or plant characterised
by thickened, hardened foliage, adapted to resist loss of moisture in dry
habitats.
Self-sterility (adj. self-sterile): the name for several mechanisms used
by hermaphrodite plants to prevent pollen grains from fertilising the same
individual (self-fertilisation or autogamy), thus encouraging the exchange of
genetic materials among different plants (outcrossing or allogamy).
Semantic array programming: (acronym: SemAP) in computational
science, a computational modelling approach to compactly process arrays
of data preserving the consistency of their underpinning semantics. For
example, SemAP is applied in this Atlas to compute the relative probability
of presence (by means of the constrained spatial multi-frequency
analysis) and the maximum habitat suitability (by exploiting the relative
distance similarity approach).
Semantic constraint: in computational modelling, it formally expresses
a logical or mathematical property which characterises the quantitative
meaning (semantics) of a certain quantity. For example, the average total
annual precipitation in a given area logically must be greater than or equal
to the average precipitation of the wettest month in the same area, and both
must be nonnegative; while the relative probability of presence of Fagus
sylvatica in the area cannot exceed the relative probability of presence
of all the broadleaved taxa in the same area (see also constrained spatial
multi-scale frequency analysis).
Semantics: in computational science, the logical and quantitative meaning
of a certain quantity, data, information or model. Metadata and semantic
constraints are typical tools to express the semantics of numerical data,
either spatially distributed (e.g. maps) or not (e.g. average statistics).
Sensu lato: Latin term meaning “in the broad sense”. In taxonomy it may
indicate that the name is used more inclusively than sanctioned by current
practice (e.g. including sub-species).
Sensu stricto: Latin term meaning “in the strict sense”. In taxonomy it indicates
that the name is used in a more narrow sense (e.g. excluding sub-species).
Sepal: one of the green leaf-like or petal-like structures composing the calyx
of the flower, the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud.
Sere (adj. seral): the sequence of ecological communities successively
occupying an area from the initial stage to the climax.
Serotinous: plants which need an external environmental trigger to release
seeds. In certain conifer cones, this can be the high temperatures from
wildfire or heat shock (pyriscence).
Serrated: saw-toothed.
Sessile: stalkless and attached directly at the base.
Silviculture: a branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of
forest trees.
Silvoarable agroforestry: (acronym: SAF) agricultural systems where both
crops and trees are cultivated in the same land area. For example, SAF may
consist of widely-spaced trees intercropped with arable crops.
Similarity: in computational science, and particularly in pattern analysis,
similarity refers to a quantitative way of estimating the distance between
two patterns of data (for example, to estimate how closely related are the
bioclimatic conditions of two different spatial areas).
Sociability: in vegetation analysis it is a 5-point scale to indicate the
qualitative degree of clumping or the gregariousness of a plant species in a
sampling plot. The classes start from 1, a plant growing singly, to 5, a plant
growing in pure populations.
Spatial frequency analysis: in computational science, analysis of
the local spatial pattern of frequency of given quantity. For example, the
analysis may focus on the frequency of field observations concerning
a given tree species. In this Atlas, both the species frequency and the
relative probability of presence have been estimated with different
implementations of a spatial frequency analysis, based on different
computational modelling approaches.
Stamen (pl. stamens or stamina; adj. staminate): reproductive male organ
of the flower, consisting of a stalk (filament) bearing an anther where
pollen is produced. Staminate flowers have only stamens or sterile pistils
(gynosterility).
Stellate: star-shaped.
Stenoendemism (adj. stenoendemic): species existing only in 1 singular
place, e.g., one island. (c.f. endemism)
Stipule: small, usually paired leaf-like outgrowths, occurring at the base of
a leaf or its stalk.
Stolon: a long stem that usually grows horizontally along the ground and
produces roots and shoots at widely spaced nodes.
Stoloniferous: producing stolons.
Stoma: (pl. stomata) a pore in the epidermis of a plant organ, used to control
gas exchange with the environment.
Strobilus (pl. strobili): the seed cone of coniferous trees.
Succulent: plant having thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves or stems.
Survivability: see maximum habitat suitability.
Taxon: term used to describe a taxonomic category or group (e.g. phylum,
order, family, genus or species). A taxonomic category or group, such as a
phylum, order, family, genus, or species.
Tegument: an outer covering.
Terpenoid: a large class of organic compounds derived from the hydrocarbon
isoprene. They are widely found in plants and frequently used for their
aromatic qualities.
Tetraploid: see polyploid.
Thermophile (adj. thermophilous, thermophilic): organism living and thriving
at relatively high temperatures.
Tomentose: covered with dense intertwined hairs.
Trichome: hairs, bristles, scales.
Triploid: see polyploid.
Umbel: a flat-topped inflorescence in which the flowers arise from the
same point in the main stem and have stalks of the same length, with the
youngest flowers at the centre. [see Fig. 1b overleaf].
Ungulate: a large terrestrial mammal characterised by hoofed toes; e.g.
horses, deer, cattle, pigs, giraffes, camels, deer.
Unisexual: see monoecious
Xeric: characterised by dry conditions.
Xerophilous: organism that is able to thrive in a dry climate.
Xylem: plant tissue that conducts water and mineral salts from the roots to
all other parts and provides mechanical support. It is composed of sapwood
and heartwood, forming the wood of trees and shrubs.
Xylophagous: organism whose diet consists primarily of wood.
Glossary | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 191
Fig. 1: Flowers Fig. 2: Plant Sexuality
Fig 1a: Structure Fig 2a: Flower types according to presence or absence
of the different reproductive organs.

Stigma Perfect Flower Imperfect Flower

(hermaphroditic) Staminate Pistillate
Style
Anther
Stamen
Filamen
Pistil

Petal (Corolla)
Ovary Perianth
Sepal (Calyx)

Peduncle Receptacle flower with both male flower male flower female
and female structure structure structure

Fig 2b: Plant species classified according to presence of

one or more flower types.
Fig 1b: Inflorescences
Hemaphrodite Monoecious

Plant with Plant with both staminate and pistillate flowers

perfect flowers

Corymb Panicle Dichasium Monochasium Subdioecious

Andromonoecious Gynomonoecious Androgynomonoecious

Plant with staminate Plant with pistillate Plant with pistillate,

and perfect flowers and perfect flowers staminate and perfect flower

Androdioecious
Raceme Compound raceme Spike Catkin

Dioecious
Androecious Gyneocious

Plant with Plants with

staminate flowers perfect flowers

Gynodioecious

Plant with Plant with

staminate flowers pistillate flowers

Spadix Umbel Compound umbel Thyrse

Plants with Plants with

pistillate flower perfect flowers

Fig. 3: Fruits
Fig 3a: Dry Fig 3b: Fleshy

Samara Pod Silique Silicles Capsules Follicle Drupe Berry Pome

Nut Achene Legume Lomentum Aggregate fruit of druplets Hesperidium

192 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Glossary

Fig. 4: Leaves
Fig 4a: Arrangements

Alternate Opposite Opposite and Whorled Imbricate Fascicled

decussate

Fig 4b: Shapes

- simple

Cordate Deltoid Elliptical Lanceolate Linear Oblanceolate Oblong Obovate Ovate Rhomboid Spathulate

- compound

Palmately Pinnately Pinnately Compound Pinnately Compound

Compound Compound (terminal leaflet absent) (terminal leaflet present)

Fig 4c: Incisions

- pinnate - three-palmate

Lobed Cleft Parted Divided Lobed Cleft Parted Divided

Fig 4d: Margins

Entire Serrate Double-serrate Serrulate Dentate Denticulate Crenate Undulate Ciliate

Fig 4e: Venations

Pinnate Palmate Palmate Longitudinal Parallel Dichotomous Areolate Reticulate

reticulate

Fig 4f: Fig 4g:

Apex Base

Aristate Cuspidate Acuminate Spine-tipped Bristle-tipped Mucronate Attenuate Cuneate Rounded Truncate Oblique

Acute Obtuse Rounded Emarginate Retuse Cordate Auriculate Sagittate Hastate

Glossary | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 193

 Appendices
The European Commission
The Joint Research Centre
As the Commission’s in-house science service, the Joint
Research Centre’s mission is to provide EU policies with
independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support
throughout the whole policy cycle. Its work has a direct impact
on the lives of citizens by contributing with its research outcomes
to a healthy and safe environment, secure energy supplies,
sustainable mobility and consumer health and safety.
The JRC draws on over 50 years of scientific work experience
and continually builds its expertise based on its seven scientific
institutes, which host specialist laboratories and unique research
facilities. They are located in Belgium (Brussels and Geel),
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
While most of our scientific work serves the policy
Directorates-General of the European Commission, we address
key societal challenges while stimulating innovation and
developing new methods, tools and standards. We share know-
how with the Member States, the scientific community and
international partners. The JRC collaborates with over a thousand
organisations worldwide whose scientists have access to many
JRC facilities through various collaboration agreements.
https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/about
The Institute for Environment and Sustainability is located in Ispra, a small
town on the shore of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. (JRC)
Publications Office of the European Union
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194 European Atlas of Forest Tree Species | Appendices
Institute of Environment and Sustainability
The mission of the JRC’s Institute for Environment and
Sustainability (JRC-IES) is to provide scientific and technical
support to EU policies for the protection of the environment,
and the more efficient and sustainable management of natural
resources at global and continental scales.
IES carries out research to understand, monitor and
anticipate the complex interactions between human activity and
the natural environment, in order to support the development and
implementation of policies that protect the global environment
and ensure that strategic resources (water, land, forests, food,
minerals) are managed in a more sustainable manner for the
benefit of present and future generations.
JRC-IES activities
Working together with the policy Directorates-General of the
European Commission and in partnership with a global network
of scientific institutions, agencies and international organisations,
the IES provides the scientific basis for EU environmental
policies and for the integration of environmental concerns into
other policies such as those related to agriculture, cohesion,
development and energy.
Through its research activities, the work of the IES contributes
to the Europe 2020 Strategy 1 and its flagship initiatives for
a resource-efficient Europe, the Digital Agenda for Europe,
Innovation Union, and the Industrial Policy for the Globalisation
Era. Within these political priorities, the IES promotes policy
coherence across a large number of European policies, action
plans and programmes related to the environment.
https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/about/
institutes-and-directorates/jrc-ies
https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/about/institutes-
and-directorates/jrc-ies/what-we-do
Dr. David Wilkinson
Director of the Institute for Environment
and Sustainability (IES)
Directorate-General JRC
IRMM
Institute for Reference
Materials and Measurements (Geel)
Headquarters
IPTS
Institute for Prospective
Technological Studies
(Seville)
IPSC ISM
Institute for the Protection and
Ispra Site
Security of the Citizen Management
(Ispra)
The seven scientific institutes and headquarters of the JRC. (JRC)
JRC mission statement
As the Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research
Centre's mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-
based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle.
Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC
addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through
developing new methods, tools and standards, and sharing its know-
how with the Member States, the scientific community and international
partners. Key policy areas include: environment and climate change;
energy and transport; agriculture and food security; health and consumer
protection; information society and digital agenda; safety and security,
including nuclear; all supported through a cross-cutting and multi-
disciplinary approach.
JRC value statement
"The JRC aims to operate to the highest standards of quality, efficiency
and integrity with respect to the society as a whole, to its customers
and to its own staff." Our work ranges from detecting and measuring
genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food and feed to developing
nuclear forensics technology for combating illicit trafficking of nuclear
material and to using satellite technologies for monitoring land use
and emergency situations such as forest fires and floods. Our activities
also involve the definition of food safety standards, research into new
energy technologies and evaluating policy options, for instance related
to climate change.
The European Union
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political association of
European countries with a combined population of over 500 million
inhabitants (7.3% of the world population) and an economy representing
approximately 20% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The EU has
evolved from the original six countries of the European Coal and Steel
Community (1951) and the European Economic Community (1958), to
27 Member States. The term ‘European Union’ was established under
the 1993 Maastricht Treaty. The EU is represented at the United Nations,
the WTO, the G8 and the G20.
The EU operates through a system of supranational independent
institutions and intergovernmental negotiated decisions adopted by the
Member States. Important institutions of the EU include the European
Commission, the Council of the European Union, the Court of Justice
of the European Union, and the European Central Bank. The members
of the European Parliament are elected every five years by EU citizens.
http://ec.europa.eu/
The European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union
(EU) responsible for proposing legislation, verifying the implementation
of the decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the day-to-day
running of the EU.
The Commission acts as a cabinet government, with 28 Commission
members - one representative per Member State. The Commission is
composed of thirty-three Directorates-General, including a General
Secretary and 11 services.
IET
Institute for
Energy and Transport
(Petten)
ITU
Institute for
Transuranium Elements
(Karlsruhe)
IHCP
Institute for Health and
Consumer Protection
(Ispra)
IES
Institute for Environment
and Sustainability (Ispra)
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drawings, ...). The following section “Copyright notice and disclaimer” also defines the reuse policy to which this content licensing conditions and – where available – a URL pointing to
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Appendices | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 195

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About the Open Government Licence
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Pages 198-199:
Open forest of Pyrenean pine (Pinus uncinata) in the
karst Larra-Belagua massif (Navarra, North Spain).
(Copyright Alfonso San Miguel: CC-BY)
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A forest trail running along the top of an esker in
Põhja-Kõrvemaa, Estonia”
(Copyright Hannu, commons.wikimedia.org: PD)

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Non-endorsement References
[1] European Commission, Official Journal of [11] Free Software Foundation, Free Software
Section 8 – Interpretation. This licence does not grant you any right to use the Information in a way that the European Union 54, 39 (2011). Directory (Free Software Foundation,
suggests any official status or that the Information Provider and/or Licensor [2] European Commission, Legal notices and Boston, USA, 2015), pp. 7031+. http://
1. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not copyright (2015). http://europa.eu/!bv74xg. directory.fsf.org/wiki?curid=7031.
endorse you or your use of the Information. [12] Creative Commons, Creative Commons
be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use [3] European Commission, Copyright notice
(2015). http://europa.eu/!Xd44mQ. Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0),
of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission Creative Commons, Mountain View,
under this Public License. [4] Publications Office of the European Union, California, USA (2015).
No warranty  Licences named authority lists (2015).
2. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed http://europa.eu/!FD34mJ. [13] Free Software Foundation, Free Software
Directory (Free Software Foundation,
unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum The Information is licensed ’as is’ and the Information Provider and/or Licensor [5] Free Software Foundation, Free Software Boston, USA, 2012), pp. 7034+. http://
extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be excludes all representations, warranties, obligations and liabilities in relation Directory (Free Software Foundation, directory.fsf.org/wiki?curid=7034.
Boston, USA, 2012), pp. 6958+. http://
reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting to the Information to the maximum extent permitted by law. directory.fsf.org/wiki?curid=6958. [14] Creative Commons, Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0),
the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions. [6] Creative Commons, CC0 1.0 Universal Creative Commons, Mountain View,
The Information Provider and/or Licensor are not liable for any errors or (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication, California, USA (2015).
3. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure omissions in the Information and shall not be liable for any loss, injury or Creative Commons, Mountain View,
to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor. California, USA (2015). [15] Free Software Foundation, Free Software
damage of any kind caused by its use. The Information Provider does not Directory (Free Software Foundation,
4. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a [7] Free Software Foundation, Free Software Boston, USA, 2015), pp. 12289+. http://
guarantee the continued supply of the Information. Directory (Free Software Foundation, directory.fsf.org/wiki?curid=12289.
limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to Boston, USA, 2015), pp. 8722+. http://
directory.fsf.org/wiki?curid=8722. [16] Forestry Commission, Copyright (2016).
the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction Archived at http://www.webcitation.
or authority. [8] Creative Commons, About The Licenses, org/6fU50tQOs.
Governing Law  Creative Commons, Mountain View,
California, USA (2015). [17] Crown copyright, Open Government
This licence is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Information Licence for public sector information,
[9] Creative Commons, CC0 FAQ, Creative The National Archives, Richmond, Surrey,
Provider has its principal place of business, unless otherwise specified by the Commons, Mountain View, California, USA United Kingdom (2015). Archived at http://
Information Provider. (2013). www.webcitation.org/6fU7yVvsw.
[10] Creative Commons, Creative Commons
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0),
Creative Commons, Mountain View,
California, USA (2015).

Appendices | European Atlas of Forest Tree Species 197

 LB-04-14-282-EN-N
The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species is the first comprehensive publication
of such a unique and essential environmental resource, that is, our trees. Leading
scientists and forestry professionals have contributed in the many stages of the
production of this atlas, through the collection of ground data on the location
of tree species, elaboration of the distribution and suitability maps, production
of the photographic material and compilation of the different chapters. The
European Atlas of Forest Tree Species is both a scientific publication, in which
researchers and forest specialists can find rigorous and up-to-date information
on the many tree species of our forests, and a publication suited for education
and the dissemination of information about the richness of our forests to our
generation and future generations.

Trees, as all other forms of life, adapt to the conditions in which they live.
This adaptation is reflected in the shape of their leaves, their seeds, and their
strategy for dissemination and expansion. Each chapter of the Atlas presents,
in addition to the description of each tree species, high quality graphics and
photographs showing the climatic preferences and singularities of the different
species of trees.

The European Atlas of Forest Tree Species

includes not only the publication you are looking
at, but also a dynamic database of information on
our trees, their use, their threats, and eventually
the changes that climate may bring about in our
forests. This 1st edition of the European Atlas
of Forest Tree Species will shortly be followed
by the publication of an online version which
will incorporate updated information of forest
resources and their distribution. The European
Atlas of Tree Species will thus be continuously
updated as new information on tree species
becomes available.

Trees are an essential resource for human life.

As well as being an important economic resource,
they are also a reservoir for biodiversity; they
protect our soils, purify our water, clean the air
we breathe and populate the forests we use
for recreation. We hope that this Atlas will help
increase awareness about trees and all the
benefits they provide to society.

Price (excluding VAT) in Luxembourg €25 ISBN 978-92-79-52833-0