Tomasz Dobies, Anna Wierzbicka, Andrzej M. Jagodziński, Cezary K. Urbanowski, Izabela Kałucka, Marek Kasprowicz, Maria Wojterska, Małgorzata Sławska, Andrzej Łabędzki, Mirosław Nowiński, Stanisław Małek, Piotr Karolewski, Jacek Oleksyn, Piotr Banaszczak, Maciej Skorupski
Diversity of plants, fungi, and invertebrates of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) experimental stands in Rogów Arboretum (Poland)
Dendrobiology 2025, vol. 94: 187-197
https://doi.org/10.12657/denbio.094.014
Abstract:
Betula alleghaniensis Britton, commonly known as yellow birch, occurs naturally in northeastern North America, particularly in the Appalachian and Great Lakes regions, where it is considered one of the most valuable hardwood species. In this study, conducted between 2007 and 2010, we assessed the diversity of vascular plants, mosses and liverworts, fungi, and invertebrates in two experimental stands of B. alleghaniensis established in the Rogów Arboretum (Poland), outside the species’ natural range. A total of 54 taxa of vascular plants, mosses, and liverworts, 39 taxa of fungi, and 108 taxa of invertebrates were recorded. The richest groups were insects (Collembola and Coleoptera), followed by nematodes and mites. Compared to reference oak-hornbeam forests (Tilio-Carpinetum), B. alleghaniensis stands hosted a slightly higher number of vascular plants and mosses (+4%), but substantially fewer fungi (−42%) and invertebrates (−33%). These results indicate that B. alleghaniensis supports distinct but less diverse soil and litter biota than native broadleaves tree species. The findings highlight the importance of tree species identity in shaping biodiversity patterns and provide a reference for future studies on non-native tree introductions in Central Europe
Keywords: yellow birch, biodiversity, tree species effect, non-native trees, soil fauna, fungi, vascular plants