The wild service tree Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz in plant communities of Poland

The available phytosociological data and original observations were used for preparing a list of plant communities with Sorbus torminalis on its natural sites in Poland. The community context of its sites showed a wide range: from pine-oak forests (alliance Dicrano-Pinion) and oak forests (Quercetalia robori-petraeae, Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae) to oak-hornbeam forests (Carpinion) and beech forests (Fagion). Oak-hornbeam forests (Carpinion) are the most frequent communities with S. torminalis in Poland. Despite this, oak forests (especially the open thermophilous forests of Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae) seem to be the most suitable sites for growth and reproduction of this light-demanding tree species. Some remarks on S. torminalis conservation in the community context were also presented as its passive protection in some forest reserves has proved to be ineffective or even harmful.