Flowering Patterns of Cornus mas L. in the Landscape Phenology of Roadside Green Infrastructure Under Climate Change Conditions in Serbia

Mirjana Ocokoljić, Nevenka Galečić, Dejan Skočajić, Jelena Čukanović, Sara Đorđević, Radenka Kolarov and Djurdja Petrov ()
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Mirjana Ocokoljić: Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Nevenka Galečić: Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Dejan Skočajić: Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena Čukanović: Department of Fruit Growing, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Sara Đorđević: Department of Fruit Growing, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Radenka Kolarov: Department of Fruit Growing, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Djurdja Petrov: Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-21

Abstract: One of the emerging services provided by roadside green infrastructure is its contribution to the quality of landscape phenology, which is measured through the succession of colours and forms throughout the seasons. In the seasonal dynamics of space, flowering phenological patterns play a key role, particularly in early blooming species such as Cornus mas L. Therefore, this paper aims to highlight the significance of the Cornelian cherry as a component of roadside green infrastructure in the southwestern suburban zone of Belgrade. Through an integrative approach to phenological and climatic elements, and by means of a specific case study covering the period from 2007 to 2025, under climate change conditions, the influence of air temperature and precipitation on local flowering patterns of the Cornelian cherry has been assessed. Based on 1140 phenological observations conducted over 19 consecutive years, from January to April, key flowering elements were identified—those that influence pollination, fruiting, and the species’ practical potential. The Mann–Kendall, Sen’s slope, Rayleigh, and Watson–Williams tests were used to examine spatio-temporal changes in flowering patterns, while the Spearman Rank test and circular statistics were applied to quantify correlations among the analysed parameters. The results confirm that Cornelian cherry is an adaptive and sustainable species that continuously provides visual identity during its flowering period, while simultaneously reflecting climate change through phenological responses. These phenological responses are closely linked to local climatic conditions. In addition to enriching landscape phenology with vibrant visual features during the colder months, Cornelian cherry also enhances biodiversity by providing ecosystem services as a nectar-producing species, with its pollen serving as an early and valuable food source for bees. The study also confirms that the seasonal dynamics of landscape phenology can be used as a scientifically valid criterion for assessing the ecological quality of roadside green infrastructure.

Keywords: Cornelian cherry; spatio-temporal change; response; landscape dynamics; ecosystem services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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