The aim of the study was to summarize the use of synanthropic vegetation in public green areas of selected Polish cities. The study included issues related to phytosociology and landscape architecture. For this purpose, a literature study was performed. Part 1 identified possible ways of using synanthropic vegetation in the design of public green areas, Part 2 showed examples of such areas from Warsaw. The authors suggested species that can help enrich urban lawns, part 3 contains proposition of plant species composition for more natural lawns in city parks, including synanthropic plants typical for Poland (prepared by the authors). The process of gradual introduction of synanthropic vegetation in Poland was summarized and compared to the trends in Western European countries. The urban policy of Warsaw regarding the mowing of lawns and the use of flower meadows was briefly described, which influences the presence of synanthropic species in the urban environment. A watershed moment for the use of synanthropic species in Poland was identified, as well as the authors‘ predictions for their future use.

The research was conducted in two types of urban forests: Peucedano-Pinetum and Tilio-Carpinetum. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in plant species compositions in the herbaceous layer of urban forests with different habitat fertility adjacent to the road in the northern part of Warsaw (Poland). Seven transects were laid out in each type of forest, with 10 plots spread out from the edge zone (forest border) to the interior of the forests. The size of each plot was 100 m². The other seven transects were located within the forest, 150 to 200 m away from the forest’s edge. The field research included phytosociological relevés carried out on the existing transects. The indoor studies included an analysis of forest community disturbance. Furthermore, an analysis of abiotic environmental conditions using ecological indicator numbers was carried out. Ecotones of Peucedano-Pinetum are more likely to be colonized by the species inconsistent with the habitat due to processes that increase habitat fertility. The Tilio-Carpinetum forest is more easily colonized by invasive plant species than the Peucedano-Pinetum. The range of road effects can be determined as an area located within 90 m inward of the forest in the case of the Peucedano-Pinetum community and 100 m in the case of the Tilio-Carpinetum community. The presented research is important for formulating directions about how to manage the forests and their surroundings in terms of shaping forests of more natural character, with species more consistent with a forest habitat.

Synanthropic flora (weeds, i.e., spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. This study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. This article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann–Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in the multiple regression analysis indicate that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase in the acceptance of synanthropic plants’ occurrence in the surroundings. Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.

Urban green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating the biodiversity loss caused by dense development and land-use transformation. This study explores the ecological and spatial potential of Fort Augustówka, a neglected military fortification in Warsaw, Poland, as a multifunctional green space that enhances local biodiversity. Through field surveys, vegetation assessments, SWOT analysis, and user profiling, we identified key ecological features and constraints of the site, located within a Vistula River riparian zone. This study employed phytosociological analysis (Braun–Blanquet method), spatial mapping (using AutoCAD and SketchUp), and stakeholder observations to assess the value of semi-natural habitats including ruderal vegetation, meadows, and aquatic zones, as well as urban tree stands and conventionally managed greenery. Our results show that semi-natural habitats, including meadows and reed beds, achieved higher ecological value scores than conventionally managed greenery, while invasive species significantly reduced biodiversity in several zones. Based on these findings, we propose a spatial revitalisation model grounded in native species restoration, ecological connectivity, and low-impact recreational design. This study highlights an innovative approach that integrates existing vegetation, historical structures, and human well-being, creating a design concept beneficial for residents and visitors alike. This work also demonstrates how post-military landscapes can support biodiversity in metropolitan areas and offers a transferable model for ecological urban design rooted in place-based analysis. The findings contribute to broader discussions on nature-based solutions and urban rewilding in post-socialist urban contexts.

Synanthropic flora (weeds, spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. The study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. The article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora, that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in multiple regression allow for the statement that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase of acceptance of synanthropic plants occurrence in surroundings. Respondents’ opinions on the subject of the presence of synanthropic plants were studied using such variables concerning: synanthropic vegetation found in turfgrasses has a positive impact on the visual attractiveness of a site (X1), synanthropic plant communities present themselves better than others (X2), presence of synanthropic vegetation in an estate improves the quality of life in that location (X3), introduction of synanthropic flora into estate arrangements is a positive (X4), support for the use of synanthropic flora for educational purposes - as elements of playgrounds or in the form of environmental workshops (X5). Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.

Orobanche lutea (Orobanchaceae) is an oligophagous holoparasite that attacks the root systems of plants from the Fabaceae family. It parasitizes mainly on Medicago falcata, occasionally also on M. sativa and M. ×varia. A previously unknown locality of Orobanche lutea was discovered in abandoned limestone quarry “Góra Leśna”, near Starochęciny village in southern part of the Wyżyna Kielecko-Sandomierska upland in south-central Poland (Figs 1, 2). One noted individual of O. lutea was accompanied by species typical of dry and thermophilous habitats. In ATPOL square EE 83, where the individual was discovered, 10 localities of O. lutea have been reported so far. Threats to the site’s existence may include an extremely low population size (only one flowering individual), vandalism resulting from the quarry being used for recreational purposes (e.g., campfires), illegal waste dumping, and vegetation succession. The discovery of a relatively rare taxon indicates the need for further floristic studies at the above-mentioned locality and in other old quarries in the surrounding area.