The woods

Downy oak forest of carbonate substrates

This formation, typical of moraine hills, is located on slopes with north-northeast exposure, even with steep slopes, and constitutes a mixed consortium of downy oak, ash and black hornbeam, accompanied by thermophilic rock species such as scotano (Cotinus coggygria), and locally also holm oak (Quercus ilex) which grow along the often terraced slopes.

Primitive oak forest in Scotano

Primitive oak forests with downy oaks are found on the crests of moraines, in warm exposures. The presence of the scotano (Cotinus coggygria) should also be noted, which is found above all in the open areas and at the edge of the forest.

Saliceto di Ripa

The bank willow grove is dominated by Salix alba, a species indicative of environments with an abundance of water. In the tree layer there may be Populus alba, Populus nigra and, locally, Populus canadensis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior. Salix caprea, Sambucus nigra, Rubus caesius, Amorpha fruticosa appear in the shrubby layers. In a higher position than the water table, the bank willow grove is progressively replaced by Populus alba and Populus nigra woods.