Lowland to montane temperate and submediterranean Juniperus scrub

Temperate and submediterranean scrubs, up to 7-8 m, with Juniperus communis subsp. communis are widespread in the lowland and low mountain regions of Europe, where these communities occur on nutrient poor, calcareous soils as well as on deep sandy soils. The edaphic conditions range from dry to rather moist. The first group is related to grasslands of the class Festuco-Brometea, the second one to heathlands of the class Calluno-Ulicetea. Apart from the dominant Juniperus communis, these vegetation types have hardly any species in common. On calcareous sediments, the grasses Brachypodium pinnatum and/or Bromus erectus are codominant, accompanied by a wide variety of species, including Anthyllis vulneraria, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea scabiosa, Dianthus carthusianorum, Euphorbia cyparissias, Sanguisorba minor and Scabiosa columbaria. On sandy soils, Calluna vulgaris, Genista pilosa and Genista anglica are prominent dwarf-shrubs in the surrounding vegetation, together with Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex pilulifera, Festuca filiformis and a wide variety of mosses and lichens. The usual woody associates, particularly on neutral and calcareous soils, are Rosa canina, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Cornus sanguinea and Rubus plicatus. The junipers show a striking variety in growth forms, ranging from upright to prostrate, quite often occurring in mixed populations.

This habitat type often occurs in patchy mosaics with grasslands and heathlands. As such, these are part of old, pastoral landscapes, which require a specific management regime of extensive grazing. When abandoned and neglected, the succession will finally lead to woodland, where Juniperus communis may persist for a long time in the understory. Shrubs and small trees of Juniperus communis can become rather old, up to 200 years, but on the long term regeneration is a prerequisite, which is not always the case. Lack of favorable conditions for germination as well as a high grazing pressure by rabbits on juvenile plants may hinder rejuvenation. Of particular importance is the occurence of a large number of rare and endangered fungi.

Not included in F3.1a are the Juniperus communis formations of the subalpine and alpine regions of high mountains nor the Pannonic juniper-poplar steppe woods. The first group is assigned to Red List type F2.2b, the second group is classified under Red List type G1.7a.

Indicators of good quality:

• Mosaic of juniper shrubs with grasslands or heathland
• Variety of growth forms of different age, including juvenile plants
• Presence of rare fungi
• Extensive grazing regime which guarantees the complex landscape settings and prohibits a complete succesion towards woodland

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats