F4
West Armorican oak forests (Quercus petraea, Quercus robur) with Sorbus torminalis, Pyrus cordata, Mespilus germanica, Ruscus aculeatus
Description
Species-deficient oak forests with dominant Quercus robur in flatlands and together with Quercus petraea in the Rennes basin and on inland elevations. Sorbus torminalis and Castanea sativa (naturalized) are frequently added. Tilia cordata is relatively rare. Fagus sylvatica is largely absent. The shrub layer features Ilex aquifolium, Mespilus germanica and Frangula alnus. The herb layer consists particularly of acidophilous grasses and herbs, while Pteridium aquilinum sometimes forms a fascies.
Tree Layer
Quercus robur predominating (Common Oak), with different admixture of Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak), Sorbus torminalis, Castanea sativa (introduced) (Horse Chestnut), Fagus sylvatica (Common Beech), locally Tilia cordata (Common Linden), Betula pubescens (Downy Birch)
Common Oak predominating, with a mix of Sessile Oak, Horse Chestnut, Common Beech, locally Common Linden and Downy Oak
Shrub Layer
Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Pyrus cordata (Wild Pear), Frangula alnus (Alder Buckthorn), Juniperus communis (Juniper), Mespilus germanica (Dogwood), Corylus avellana (Hazel), Ruscus aculeatus (Holly Bush with Berries)
Additionally Oak, Alder, Apple and Downy Willow saplings
Lianas
Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus agg.
Herb Layer
Pteridium aquilinum (bracken), Melampyrum pratense (common_cow_wheat), Deschampsia flexuosa (lush_grass), Calluna vulgaris (heather), Carex pilulifera (bottle_sedge), Molinia caerulea (sweet_grass), Holcus mollis (dry_reeds), Teucrium scorodonia (sweet_woodruff), Hypericum pulchrum (birdsfoot_trefoil), Hieracium umbellatum (dandelion), Hieracium laevigatum (dandelion), Hieracium sabaudum (dandelion), Convallaria majalis (sweet_woodruff), Polygonatum multiflorum (lilly_of_the_valley)
Forests in Enedwaith and Minhiriath
