Prunus serotina in Europe: a comprehensive review of ecology, impacts and management of an invasive tree

Prunus serotina (Ehrh.) is a deciduous tree that has spread quickly across Europe in recent decades, raising concern due to its negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Although recognised as an invasive species in many European countries, it is not included among the European Union’s invasive alien species of concern. This review summarises current knowledge on taxonomy, biology and management. To prevent misidentifications, we present taxonomic challenges and key morphological characteristics. Prunus serotina grows best on nutrient-rich, well-drained substrates and benefits from canopy disturbances or forest management. Key traits contributing to its invasion success include rapid juvenile growth, high and early seed production, vegetative reproduction, sapling bank formation, and allelopathy. High herbivory and pathogen pressure on native tree species also enhance P. serotina establishment and spread. Management strategies include mechanical, chemical and biological control methods, as well as management aimed at reducing forest susceptibility to invasion by enhancing resilience and, in some cases, accepting P. serotina in the forest. Across Europe, management is context-dependent: eradication is prioritised in the Czech Republic due to its limited distribution, while in Germany, Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands, integration into structurally diverse forests and resilience enhancement are emphasised, often combined with targeted control in protected areas. Overall, P. serotina is an invasive species with negative impacts. In isolated populations of P. serotina, the aim should be to eradicate the species in order to limit further spread. In valuable ecosystems where complete eradication is unfeasible, the goal is to suppress P. serotina. • Review of taxonomy, biology, ekology and invasion history of Prunus serotina . • Key invasiveness traits: rapid growth, high seeding, sapling bank, resprouting. • Management strategies are context-dependent across European regions. • Eradication is prioritised in areas with limited distribution.