ИСТИНА

The adaptation of plants to complex habitat conditions is reflected in their life forms. Thus, bio- morphological analysis can provide valuable insights into habitat assessment and monitoring. We studied the diversity of plant life forms in herbaceous communities of the Central Forest Nature Reserve (NW Russia). Among six Raunkiaer plant life forms identified, hemicryptophytes pre- vailed, which is a characteristic feature of the temperate climate zone. The spectra based on Serebryakov’s system included 36 plant life forms with hypogeogenous long-rhizomatous herba- ceous perennials prevailing. We compared the combined partial floras of the following vegeta- tion types: managed mesic grasslands, abandoned mesic grasslands, tall-herb Filipendula ulmaria communities, and ruderal tall-herb communities, and revealed significant differences in their plant life-form composition. In the managed mesic grasslands, hypogeogenous long-rhizomatous and cespitose herbaceous perennials prevailed. The ruderal tall-herb communities were domi- nated by soboliferous herbaceous perennials. In the Filipendula ulmaria communities, the num- ber of vegetative annuals was significantly higher, and the number of hypogeogenous long- rhizomatous, cespitose, and taproot herbaceous perennials, as well as the number of annuals, were significantly lower than in the other community types studied. The research was conducted in the framework of MSU state assignment No АААА-А16- 116021660037-7.