Scientific name: Acer campestre L.

English: Common maple, field maple

Serbian: Klen, poljski javor

Hungarian: Mezei juhar

German: Feld-Ahorn, Massholder

Etymology: Ácer (Roman name) = sharp (related to the shape of the leaves); campestér, campéstris (lat.) = campestral, growing in the field.

Habitat: It is a deciduous tree about 20 m tall, compact, with an irregular canopy that often grows as a shrub. It has a very developed heart-like root system.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: It is a monoecious, entomophilous species with large coppicing abilities and no requirement for the type of land.

Ecological significance: Field maple is valuable to wildlife, and it is attractive to aphids, ladybirds, hoverflies, and birds. Lots of moth species feed on its leaves. The flowers provide nectar and pollen sources for bees and birds, and small mammals eat the fruits.

Uses: Field maple produces the hardest, highest-density timber of all European maples. It is a warm, creamy-brown colour with a silky shine. Traditional uses include wood-turning and carving. Its wood is also popular for making musical instruments, particularly harps.

Mythology and symbolism: People believed in some parts of Europe that maple branches if hung around a doorway, would stop bats from entering. The herbalist Culpepper recommended maple leaves and bark to strengthen the liver. Medieval superstition said that if you passed a maple branch over a child, it would remove all traces of witchcraft.

Note: It binds the soil well. It is suitable for planting individually or in groups on different habitat types.

Scientific name: Acer tataricum L.

English: Tatarian maple

Serbian: Žešlja, tatarski javor, žestika

Hungarian: Tűzvörös juhar

German: Tatarischer Steppen-Ahorn

Etymology: Ácer (Roman name) = sharp (for the shape of the leaves); tátaricus (lat.) = Tatar

Habitat: Deciduous tree 8 to 12 m high with irregular canopy. It often grows in nature as a shrub.

Distribution: Pontic-Pannonian floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, predominantly mesophilic species. It has no special requirements for soil, and it tolerates saline soils well.

Note: It is an important factor in the forest and forest-steppe vegetation of the Pannonian region. It is a honey plant. It is important for planting in small groups on saline soils.

Scientific name: Berberis vulgaris L.

English: Common barberry, European barberry

Serbian: Žutika

Hungarian: Sóskaborbolya, sóskafa

German: Gemeine Berberitze, Gewöhnliche Berberitze

Etymology: Bar-berry = medieval Latin, barbaris = from the Arabic name for the fruit; vulgaris (lat.) = ordinary, everyday

Habitat: Deciduous shrub about 3 m high, with erect, shrubby branches. Three-part to five-part thorns (leaf metamorphoses) are formed on long shoots. The root system is well developed.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, anemophilous, heliophilic, species. It has a large ecological amplitudes and very small requirements for habitat conditions.

Uses: The oldest findings on the use of barberry fruit for blood purification are inscribed on clay tablets in the library of the Assyrian (today Iraq) Emperor Ashurbanipal in 650 BC. The bark of the stem, the root of the Berberis species, was widely used in Ayurvedic, homeopathic and ethnomedicine as raw materials or ingredients. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat various infections of the eye, ear and mouth, for weight loss, and rapid wound healing. It has been used to treat jaundice in the traditional medicine of Iran and other countries in the East and the Middle East.

Note: It is a honey plant. It is suitable for planting in smaller or larger groups, as well as in lines on sunny sites, away from trails and places where visitors gather. It is suitable for the remediation of degraded habitats.

Scientific name: Cornus sanguinea L.

English: Bloodtwig dogwood, red dogwood

Serbian: Svib

Hungarian: Veresgyűrű som

German: Blutroter Hartriegel, Rothartriegel

Etymology: Cornus (lat. Cornis) = horn, wood is hard; sanguíneum (lat.) = like blood red, the branches are bright red in autumn and winter

Habitat: Deciduous shrub about 3 m high, with long shrubby branches, which are dark red in winter. The superficial root system is well developed.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, slow-growing species, and large coppice abilities. It has extremely wide ecological amplitude and withstands strong insolation, as well as poor, shallow soil.

Ecological significance: The leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of some moths, while the flowers are visited by insects, and the berries are eaten by many mammals and birds.

Uses: –

Mythology and symbolism: –

Note: It can grow spontaneously in Vojvodina, in the zones between plough fields (hedges). It is a honey plant. It is suitable for forming the lower parts in buffer zones, as well as for planting in groups, or as a solitary plant. It is a very popular horticultural species, in the autumn and winter aspects, due to the colour of the leaves and branches.

Scientific name: Crataegus monogyna Jacq.

English: Common hawthorn, white hawthorn

Serbian: Beli glog, jednosemeni glog

Hungarian: Egybibés galagonya

German: Eingriffeliger Weissdorn, Weissdorn

Etymology: Crataegus (gr. κράταιγος) = firm, hard, strong, the name remains after Theophrastus, refers to hardwood

Habitat: Deciduous shrub 3 – 6 m high, rarely lower tree up to 8 m high. The branches are with thorns and the root system is well developed.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, predominantly xerothermic, semi-sciophilous species. It has a very wide ecological amplitude.

Ecological significance: Hawthorn attracts more than 300 species of insects. It is important for the nutrition of moth caterpillars. The flowers are eaten by dormouse, and the flowers also provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. The fruits are rich in antioxidants and are eaten by migratory birds and small mammals. Thorny bushes and dense leaves make a fantastic nesting shelter for many species of birds.

Uses: Hawthorn wood is very hard. It is used for turning and engraving and for making veneers and cabinets, boxes and parts for boats. Young leaves, flower buds and young flowers are edible. Flower buds in their development phase are especially good. The berries are edible but can cause mild stomach upsets. They are most often used to make jellies, wine and ketchup.

It is a medicinal species; the flowers are used to make tea.

Mythology and symbolism: Hawthorn was a pagan symbol of fertility. It was believed that bringing hawthorn flowers into the interior would be accompanied by illness and death. Botanists later learned that the chemical trimethylamine in hawthorn flowers is also one of the first chemicals produced in decaying animal tissue, so it is not surprising that hawthorn flowers are associated with death. Its flowering marked the point at which spring turns into summer.

Note: It can grow spontaneously in Vojvodina in the zones between plough fields (hedges). It is a honey plant. It has a cultural significance since it was a very important ‘protective’ species in folk beliefs. This species is suitable for buffer zones and to be planted in mixed groups.

Scientific name: Crataegus oxyacantha L.

English: European hawthorn

Serbian: Crveni glog, višesemeni glog,

Hungarian: Hosszúcsészés galagonya, rózsaképű galagonya

German: Stumpfgelappter Weissdorn

Etymology: Crataegus (gr. κράταιγος) = firm, hard, strong, the name remains after Theophrastus, refers to hardwood

Habitat: Deciduous shrub of medium size, or lower tree up to 12 m tall. The branches are with thorns. It has a well-developed surface root system.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, hygromesophilic species. It has a wide ecological amplitude, but slightly fresher soils suit it well.

Ecological significance: Hawthorn attracts more than 300 species of insects. It is important for the nutrition of moth caterpillars. The flowers are eaten by dormouse, and the flowers also provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. The fruits are rich in antioxidants and are eaten by migratory birds and small mammals. Thorny bushes and dense leaves make a fantastic nesting shelter for many species of birds.

Uses: Hawthorn wood is very hard. It is used for turning and engraving and for making veneers and cabinets, boxes and parts for boats. Young leaves, flower buds and young flowers are edible. Flower buds in their development phase are especially good. The berries are edible but can cause mild stomach upsets. They are most often used to make jellies, wine and ketchup.

It is a medicinal species; the flowers are used to make tea.

Mythology and symbolism: Hawthorn was a pagan symbol of fertility. It was believed that bringing hawthorn flowers into the interior would be accompanied by illness and death. Botanists later learned that the chemical trimethylamine in hawthorn flowers is also one of the first chemicals produced in decaying animal tissue, so it is not surprising that hawthorn flowers are associated with death. Its flowering marked the point at which spring turns into summer.

Note: It can grow spontaneously in Vojvodina in the zones between plough fields (hedges). It is a honey plant. It has a cultural significance since it was a very important ‘protective’ species in folk beliefs. This species is suitable for buffer zones and to be planted in mixed groups.

Scientific name: Euonymus europaeus L.

English: Common spindle tree, witchwood

Serbian: Kurika, popova kapica, vretenika

Hungarian: Csíkos kecskerágó

German: Echtes Pfaffenhütchen, Gemeiner Spindelbaum

Etymology: Euonymus (gr. Ευώνυμος) = good name, or according to another interpretation Theophrastus’ name for plants whose wood was used to make spindles.

Habitat: Deciduous shrub, or lower tree up to 6 m tall sparse and airy canopy. It has a moderately developed, superficial root system.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, mesophilic to hygromesophilic, fast-growing and poisonous species. It has wide ecological amplitudes, and wetter habitats suit it well.

Ecological significance: Caterpillars of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves. The leaves also attract aphids and their predators, including flies, ladybugs, as well as sparrows and other bird species. Flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects.

Uses: In the past, it was used to make “spindles” for spinning and holding wool (hence the name), as well as skewers, toothpicks, wedges and knitting needles. The fruits are baked and ground into powder and used to treat lice or scabies in cattle. Both leaves and fruits are toxic to humans. Its berries have a laxative effect. Today, wood is used to make high-quality charcoal for artists.

Mythology and symbolism: It used to be believed that if the common spindle tree bloomed earlier, the plague would break out soon.

Note: It is a honey plant. It is suitable for buffer zones to be planted in mixed groups. Its cultivated forms are grown in gardens due to the strong autumn colour of leaves and fruits.

   

Scientific name: Frangula alnus Mill.

English: Alder buckthorn, glossy buckthorn

Serbian: Trušljika obična, pasdren, krkavina

Hungarian: Kutyabenge

German: Pulverbaum, Gemeiner Faulbaum

Etymology: Frangulus (lat.) = Fragile, refers to brittle-fragile wood

Habitat: Deciduous shrub 1 – 3 m high, rarely lower, tree up to about 7 m sparse canopy. The root system is well developed.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, mesophilic species. Wetter habitats are more suitable for it.

Ecological significance: Buckthorn leaves are the main food for the protected species of butterfly Gonepteryx rhamni, (known as the common brimstone). Flowers are valuable for bees, and the fruit is an important source of food for birds, especially thrushes.

Uses: It is a medicinal plant. Its bark (Cortex Rhamni Frangulae) has long been used as a purgative. It is intensively used for these purposes even today. This plant was also used to make gunpowder, pigments and paints. In the past, this wood, being so hard and durable and which sharpens well, was also used to make wooden nails, shoes, shoe racks, arrows and skewers.

Mythology and symbolism: It was believed to have the power to protect against sorcery, demons, poisons and headaches.

Note: It is a honey plant. It is suitable for moist soil, along the coast, to be planted in mixed groups with willows.

 

Scientific name: Fraxinus angustifolia L.

English: Narrow-leaved ash

Serbian: Poljski jasen, lučki jasen

Hungarian: Keskenylevelű kőris

German: Schmalblättrige Esche

Etymology: Fraxinus (gr. phraxis) = fence, wood was used for fence posts, according to some authors the old Latin name for ash tree was used by Virgil

Habitat: A deciduous tree about 15 m high, but in favourable conditions, it grows up to 25 m with oblong-oval dense and regular canopy. It has a very developed, broad root system.

Distribution: Pontic-sub-Mediterranean floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Anemophilous, hygrophilous species, wide ecological amplitudes. It grows best in coastal forests, on moist soil, but it adapts well to other habitats.

Note: It is an important factor for the forest and forest-steppe vegetation of the Pannonian region. It binds the soil well and is suitable for buffer zones in combination with other species.

Scientific name: Ligustrum vulgare L.

English: Common privet, European privet

Serbian: Obična kalina, zimolez

Hungarian: Közönséges fagyal

German: Gemeiner Liguster

Etymology: Ligustrum (lat.) = Ligula “binder” as Pliny and Virgil called this species, suitable for plaiting

Habitat: Deciduous branched shrub 1 – 3 m high with shrub-like, weakly branched branches. Root system well developed.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: It is a monoecious, entomophilous, mesophilic species known for its very strong-growing shoots abilities. It has a wide ecological amplitude.

Note: It is a honey plant, which is suitable for planting in buffer zones. It tolerates pruning well.

Scientific name: Populus alba L.

English: Silver poplar, white poplar

Serbian: Bela topola

Hungarian: Fehér nyár

German: Silber-Pappel

Etymology: Populus (lat.) = old Latin name for poplar “arbour populi” – folk tree; alba (lat.) = white, refers to the silvery-white reverse side of the leaf.

Habitat: Deciduous tree 30-40 m high, round, sometimes pyramidal canopy. The root system is highly developed with deep and superficial roots.

Distribution: Sub-South Siberian floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Dioecious, entomophilic, mesophilic and heliophilic species. Fresh, rich and moist soils suit it, but it can grow well on other soil types as well.

Ecological significance: Various caterpillars of moths feed on poplar leaves. Flowers – catkins are an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and birds feed on seeds.

Uses: White poplar trees are planted in windbreaks. It has long been used in medicine. Its bark has astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat many ailments, ranging from rheumatism and indigestion to lower back pain and gout. Externally, the bark was made into compresses to treat infected wounds, haemorrhoids and colds. The leaves are used to treat tooth decay even today.

Mythology and symbolism: In ancient Greek mythology, the white poplar was dedicated to Hercules after he destroyed a fire-breathing giant Cacus next to the Aventine Hill, which was covered with white poplars. The people, offering sacrifices to Hercules, were always crowned with wreaths made of white poplar twigs.

Note: It binds the soil extremely well on wet sites. It is suitable for planting in small or large groups.

Scientific name: Populus nigra L.

English: Black poplar

Serbian: Crna topola

Hungarian: Fekete nyár

German: Schwarz-Pappel, Margareten-Pappel

Etymology: Populus (lat.) = old Latin name for poplar „arbour populi“- folk tree; or (gr. πάλλω) =pállo, refers to shimmering leaves, nigra (lat.) = dark, black, refers to the dark colour of branches and trees.

Habitat: Deciduous tree up to 35 m tall, wide and bright canopy. It is a fast-growing species and tolerates flooding.

Distribution: Sub-Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Dioecious, entomophilic, heliophilic and hygrophilous species. It grows best on alluvial, light and sandy soils, but it can grow well in all habitats with enough soil moisture.

Ecological significance: Various caterpillars of moths feed on poplar leaves. Flowers – catkins are an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and birds feed on seeds.

Uses: Black poplar wood has traditionally been used to make wheels for carts and wagon bottoms. Due to its natural fire resistance, it was often used for floor tiles, especially in the period of paraffin lamps. Black poplar can be cut or pruned. Therefore, it has been a popular source for straw ropes, bean sticks, wedges for clothes and wicker fruit baskets. Nowadays, hybrid black poplar wood is used for wine boxes, pallets, shelves, plates and toys.

Mythology and symbolism: According to Greek mythology, the black poplar was created after Phaethon’s fatal attempt to drive the chariot of Helios/Apollo. Phaeton’s sisters were so loud mourning after his death that the gods turned them into black poplars. It is also said that the fallen red male catkins are the devil’s fingers which bring misfortune if they are picked up.

Note: It binds the soil extremely well on wet sites. It is suitable for planting individually, in lines, in smaller or larger groups.

Scientific name: Populus x canescens (Aiton) Sm.

English: Gray poplar

Serbian: Siva topola

Hungarian: Szürke nyár

German: Grau-Pappel

Etymology: Populus (lat.) = old Latin name for poplar “arbour populi“-folk tree; canescens (lat.) = with white-grey fine hairs, refers to the reverse of the leaf.

Habitat: Deciduous tree over 40 m high. A hybrid species formed by crossing white poplar and aspen. It is created by cultivation, but also by nature. It is a very resistant species.

Distribution: Central European floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Dioecious, anemophilous and heliophilic species. It requires no special soil, but loess, clay and sandy soils suit it best.

Note: This is a natural hybrid of white poplar and aspen. It is suitable for windbreaks.

Scientific name: Prunus fruticosa L.

English: Steppe cherry, European dwarf cherry, Mongolian cherry

Serbian: Stepska višnja

Hungarian: Molyhos madárhúr

German: Zwergkirsche

Etymology: Prunus (lat.) = Old Latin name for plums; fruticosus (lat.)= bearing fruit

Habitat: Deciduous shrub 1-2 m high and the same width. It has an extremely developed, slightly shallower root system. It spreads with adventitious roots.

Distribution: Pontic-sub-Mediterranean floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophytic, heliophilic species, very resistant to drought, high temperatures and frost.

Note: In Vojvodina, it appears spontaneously in the area between plough fields (hedges). It is a honey plant. Cultural significance – fruit picking. It is suitable for planting in protected zones, as well as in groups, or as a solitary tree. It does not tolerate salt in the soil.

Scientific name: Prunus spinosa L.

English: Blackthorn, sloe

Serbian: Crni trn, trnjina

Hungarian: Kökény

German: Schlehdorn, Schlehe, Schwarzdorn

Etymology: Prunus (lat.)= Old Latin name for plums; spinosa (lat.)= thorny

Habitat: Deciduous shrub 1 – 4 m high very branched, with dense and thorny branches. A highly developed root system penetrates deep into the depth and width.

Distribution: Sub-Pontic floral element

Biology / Ecology of the species: Monoecious, entomophilous, heliophilic species, large abilities for shoots. It has extremely wide ecological amplitude, and no requirements for any habitat type or soil.

Ecological significance: It is a honey plant rich in pollen and nectar. The caterpillars of many species of butterflies feed on the leaves. Birds nest among thick, thorny bushes and eat caterpillars and other insects on the leaves. During the fall period, they eat blackthorn fruits.

Uses: Traditionally, blackthorn trees have been used to make tonics and syrups to help with indigestion and rheumatism. These tonics and syrups were made of bark, flowers and fruits. Blackthorn is still used to make wine, compotes, jams and gin. The wood used to be used to make sticks and various wood tools

Mythology and symbolism: Witch sticks were believed to be made of the blackthorn tree.

Note: It grows spontaneously in Vojvodina in the zones between the plough fields (hedges).  It is a honey plant. Cultural significance – fruit picking. It is suitable for planting in buffer zones.