This association is dominated by shrubs or trees of Salix caprea, accompanied by other pioneer woody plants, e.g. Betula pendula, Populus tremula and Rubus spp. Conifers such as Picea abies are also common. The herb layer includes light-demanding species of early successional phases of disturbed forest as well as ruderal and acidophilous species. Salicetum capreae occurs on forest clearings and different kinds of disturbed sites both in forested and open landscapes, as well as in urban or village habitats, where it often develops on building rubble. At lower altitudes the stands are short-lived and quickly replaced by other trees, while in the montane belt they may exist for several decades. In the Czech Republic most records are from mid-altitude areas.