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Question When evaluating forests in terms of their biodiversity, distinctiveness and naturalness, the affinity of the constituent species to forests is a crucial parameter. Here we ask to what extent are vascular plant species associated with forests, and does species’ affinity to forests vary between European regions? Location Temperate and boreal forest biome of Northwestern and Central Europe. Methods We compiled EuForPlant, a new extensive list of forest vascular plant species in 24 regions spread across 13 European countries using vegetation databases and expert knowledge. Species were region‐specifically classified into four categories reflecting the degree of their affinity to forest habitats: 1.1, species of forest interiors; 1.2, species of forest edges and forest openings; 2.1, species that can be found in forest as well as open vegetation; and 2.2, species that can be found partly in forest, but mainly in open vegetation. An additional “O” category was distinguished, covering species typical for non‐forest vegetation. Results EuForPlant comprises 1,726 species, including 1,437 herb‐layer species, 159 shrubs, 107 trees, 19 lianas and 4 epiphytic parasites. Across regions, generalist forest species (with 450 and 777 species classified as 2.1 and 2.2, respectively) significantly outnumbered specialist forest species (with 250 and 137 species classified as 1.1 and 1.2, respectively). Even though the degree of shifting between the categories of forest affinity among regions was relatively low (on average, 17.5%), about one‐third of the forest species (especially 1.2 and 2.2) swapped categories in at least one of the study regions. Conclusions The proposed list can be used widely in vegetation science and global change ecology related to forest biodiversity and community dynamics. Shifting of forest affinity among regions emphasizes the importance of a continental‐scale forest plant species list with regional specificity.

Ashleaf Maple (Acer negundo L.) was first introduced in Latvia and Lithuania at the beginning of the 19 th century. It is the most widely distributed alien maple species to be found in the parks and greeneries of Riga and Kaunas. In recent decades, the spread and invasion of this species has been observed. The aim of this research was to determine the extent and effects of the invasiveness A. negundo in Riga and Kaunas. The degree of invasion by this species' was estimated by applying the Pest Plant Prioritization Process, which is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process method. The results showed that the invasive degree of box elder was very high (0.788); the present compared to potential distribution rating was medium high (0.71) and the social, environmental and economic impact score was low (0.23). The Final Pest Plant Score for A. negundo was medium (0.4506). The obtained estimates indicated that box elder was invasive and was able to spread rapidly into new riparian areas.

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