Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry’s growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies.

Aims: Snow plays a crucial role in the distribution of alpine plant species and the dynamics of alpine communities. However, we have only a limited understanding of the snow cover's impact on vegetation in middle‐height mountains at a meso‐topographic scale close to the treeline.Location: The High Sudetes Mts., Czech Republic.Methods: We examined the association of snow cover duration and the spatial pattern of four dominant vegetation types in the subalpine region. We used a novel approach to create maps of snow cover duration by combining time‐series photographic data on snow distribution and vegetation patterns. Key explanatory factors included snow cover duration, snow melting time, elevation, and proximity to ski slopes.Results: We found the influence of snow cover duration, which was positively correlated with subalpine tall‐fern vegetation and negatively correlated with Vaccinium vegetation. However, elevation and ski slope played an important role as co‐determinants. Subalpine tall grasslands showed a discernible response to snow cover in the highest part of the study area, while wind‐swept grasslands were positively influenced by the body of the ski timeslope at higher altitudes.Conclusions: The complex relationship between snow cover duration and the subalpine vegetation pattern is contingent upon the life‐history characteristics of the dominant plant species and is influenced by various environmental factors. These factors encompass snow attributes, the influence of human activities, land‐use patterns, and the overarching impact of climate change. Snow cover emerges as a crucial, multifaceted factor in shaping vegetation boundaries. Recognizing its complexity is imperative for effective planning of conservation measures.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) encroachment in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. Management of bilberry encroachment requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry as it's a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies.