The alliance Fagion sylvaticae includes climax forests dominated by Fagus sylvatica or Abies alba, in places mixed with other trees, especially Picea abies at high altitudes. A. alba would be naturally confined to wet sites, but under past human impact it replaced F. sylvatica in many places. In recent times it has been in decline. The herb layer of these forests is composed of mesophilous and nutrient-demanding species. Soils are mainly cambisols developed on various bedrock types. The range of this alliance extends through the temperate zone of western and central Europe. Towards the east and south-east it is increasingly confined to mountain areas. In the Czech Republic Fagion sylvaticae forests are typical of submontane and montane areas.