Carpino-Prunetum is a widespread type of mesic scrub dominated by Prunus spinosa together with Crataegus spp., Rosa canina and R. dumalis. Other species of mesophilous shrubs and short individuals of trees are common. The herb layer is composed of species of mesic grasslands and forests and includes nitrophilous species and species of forest clearings. It occurs from warm colline landscapes, where it is confined to shaded and relatively cool habitats, to mid-altitudes, where it mostly grows on sunny slopes. It occurs over a broad range of bedrock and soil types. Nearly all stands are secondary shrub communities developed in potential forest habitats.