# Evaluating the Vitality of Introduced Woody Plant Species in the Donetsk–Makeyevka Urban Agglomeration

## TL;DR

This study evaluates how well introduced tree and shrub species survive in urban areas with high human impact and harsh climate in the steppe zone.

## Contribution

The study identifies indirect markers of plant adaptability to urban ecological conditions in the steppe zone.

## Key findings

- Groups of introduced plant species with the highest vitality were identified based on characteristics like origin and growth rate.
- Plant height and age were shown to correlate with reduced growth and shorter life expectancy under urban stress.
- Findings can guide the selection and placement of urban greenery to improve green space sustainability.

## Abstract

Introduced species of trees and shrubs used in landscaping of cities in the steppe zone are exposed to the combined negative impact of the ever-increasing load of various anthropogenic factors and unfavorable zonal natural and climatic conditions. In this regard, the assessment of the degree of plant resistance to unfavorable factors in the urban ecosystems of the steppe zone is a necessary condition for rationalizing the selection of the assortment and improving the condition of green spaces. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the vital state of 5509 representatives of 78 introduced species of trees and shrubs growing along the road and transport network in the territory with increased anthropogenic pressure. The age structure of plantings, as well as a number of biological and ecological characteristics of the species composition, are analyzed. The variation in the level of vitality in groups united by individual characteristics—taxonomic affiliation, geographical origin, morphobiological characteristics (habitus), growth rate and age of plants—is shown, and groups with the highest level of vitality are identified. As a result, a number of criteria are selected that can serve as indirect markers of plant adaptability to the ecological conditions of steppe zone cities when forming an assortment for landscaping. Using the examples of the features “plant height” and “plant age”, the species-specific reaction of plants is shown, expressed in the limitation of growth and development, as well as the reduction of life expectancy under conditions of increased anthropogenic and climatic loads. The data obtained can be used to adjust the species composition of urban trees and shrubs, optimize their ratio and spatial and functional placement, and thereby optimize the operational characteristics of green spaces and increase the duration of their use.