buskskog

Buskskog, or shrub forest, is a forest stand in which the shrub layer dominates the vegetation structure. In such stands the shrub layer is dense and relatively tall, often 0.5 to 3 meters, while the canopy may be discontinuous or sparse. Ground vegetation commonly forms a thick cover of shrubs, dwarf shrubs, grasses, mosses, and other low plants. The overall appearance is a hybrid between woodland and scrub, with a pronounced understorey that shapes light, moisture, and nutrient dynamics on the forest floor.

Distribution and occurrence: Buskskog occurs in boreal and temperate regions of Europe, North America, and other temperate zones where soils can be acidic or nutrient-poor, on exposed sites, or after disturbances such as windthrow, fire, or grazing. It can be a natural successional stage in some ecosystems, a stable habitat maintained by disturbance, herbivory, or climatic conditions, or a temporary phase during forest regeneration when the shrub layer has yet to be overtopped by trees.

Species composition: The shrub component varies regionally. In northern Europe, common shrubs include Vaccinium species (such as bilberry and lingonberry) and Empetrum nigrum, among others. In warmer areas, hazel (Corylus avellana), willows (Salix spp.), and other understory shrubs may predominate. The tree layer, when present, is typically sparse and may consist of pines, spruces, birches, or be absent due to dense shrub cover.

Ecology and management: The dense shrub layer limits light reaching the forest floor, influencing seedling recruitment and tree regeneration, and affects soil moisture and nutrient cycling. It can enhance biodiversity by providing diverse habitats and food resources. In forestry, buskskog can hinder commercial timber production, prompting management actions such as thinning, shrub removal, or prescribed disturbance to shift toward more productive forest structure. In conservation contexts, it may be valued for habitat complexity and berry resources.