COST Action E 52 - vTI - Bund.de

Fig. 1: Distribution of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
the top are occupied by oak forests, whereas beech grows exclusively in depressions or along wet banks
of creeks, while northern slopes are almost completely occupied by beech with few exceptions.
First, it is necessary to distinguish between the range of pure beech forests and the range of beech as
a species. The extension of beechwoods in Bosnia and Herzegovina is significantly narrower compared
with the range of beech alone which, be it single trees or groups, grows in forests composed of oak
and hornbeam, or, on the other hand, ascends followed by mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra s. l.) far
above the upper forest’s limit. Therefore, on the lower distribution limit, beech can be found growing
scattered or in mixed stands composed of deciduous trees such as European hornbeam (Carpinus
betulus L.), field maple (Acer campestre L.), sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Lieblein), lime and
some other species. Often beech appears mixed with xerophilous species, such as hop hornbeam
(ostrya carpinifolia Scop.), manna ash (Fraxinus ornus L.), wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.)
Crantz), European cornel (Cornus mas L.) and others.
Condition of beech at the lower border of its range largely depends on the character of the site. Beech
usually occupies fresher, better protected and moister depressions or north-oriented slopes, while
on dry and open slopes (often facing west and south) it is unable to compete with oak and other
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