Woody Plants of Central Europe

Abstract

Trees and shrubs are significant structural elements of forests and landscapes and drivers of several important ecosystem processes. The course builds on the Introduction to Dendrology (Autumn Semester) and provides a wide survey about the woody plant flora of Central Europe as well as an in-depth knowledge of the identification, the ecology and the use of a large palett of selected species.

Objective

Advanced knowledge of the woody plant species native in Middle Europe. Ability to identify selected species and taxonomic groups as well as ability to describe and explain their morphological, physiological and ecological characteristics. Practical knowledge of in situ observation of woody plants and a differentiated view on forest ecosystems.

Content

Enlargement of the basic knowledge about woody plants on the basis of concrete observations and practical exercises in the classroom as well as on the excursions (building on the course Introduction to Dendrology, Dendrology I). Emphasis on the identification of 160 selected native and introduced tree and shrub species of Central Europe as well as an in-depth knowledge of the mode of life of trees and shrubs and the ecological traits of the 80 most frequent woody plant species (physiology, autecology, synecology, habitat) in the context of current forest and landscape topics.

Resources