Wildrosen und Weissdorne Mitteleuropas

Wild roses and hawthorns are found on forest edges, particularly on field margins, embankments, stone bars, slopes, and rock edges in shrubs and bushes, as well as in hedges and copses. These ecosystems shape the landscape and are typically home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. They structure and connect the fields, give the landscape its distinctive character, and provide security and habitat for various animals. Shrubs, bushes, hedges, and copses exhibit significant structural diversity in a relatively small area, offering habitats for numerous species. They are primarily composed of light-loving shrubs that cannot thrive in closed forests due to a lack of light. Among these, wild roses and hawthorns are ecologically important members. Many animals, especially insects, depend on them. Unlike other shrub species, which are usually easily recognizable to nature lovers, the identification of roses and hawthorns can be challenging. This book aims to address this issue. It begins with introductory sections on the genera Rosa and Crataegus, followed by identification keys that help nature enthusiasts recognize the species themselves. In addition to the questions in the identification keys, drawings and color photographs are included to aid in identification. To address uncertainties regarding the selection of shrub and tree species for planting in open landscapes, a list is provided after the descriptions of roses and hawthorns, detailing the relevant shrub and tree species along with their site requirements. The wealth of material is made accessible through a comprehensive index of Latin and German names, including synonyms. A bibliography concludes the book.