This alliance includes shrub vegetation of forest clearings, forest canopy openings and disturbed sites in both forested landscapes and man-made habitats. It is dominated by mesic shrub species (especially Lonicera xylosteum, Rubus idaeus, Salix caprea and Sambucus racemosa) and young individuals of fast-growing trees (mainly Betula pendula, Populus tremula and Sorbus aucuparia). It occurs from lowlands to the alpine timberline, being most common at mid-altitudes.