Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Abstract Stands dominated by wild cherry [Cerasus avium (L.) Moench] are characterised and site conditions under which such stands may come into being are described. It was found that in foothills of the Bieszczady Mts. wild cherry can form self-sown stands on brown soils rich in nutrients and humus compounds formed of clay shale. Adequate terrain configuration, which gives protection against spring frosts and provides proper soil moisture, creates optimal conditions for growth of wild cherry stands. Rich forest floor vegetation, composed of species typical for eutrophic beech forests, sub-mountain sycamore maple forests, and riparian forests, was observed under canopy of wild cherry stands.