This book provides a detailed description of the ecology and vegetation of shrubs and hedges. A focus is placed on the characteristic plant communities and their site conditions. The author vividly explains the ecological and floristic features of shrub communities as well as the history of hedges and hedge landscapes. The importance of hedges for nature conservation and agriculture is presented and clearly explained. Always associated with the shrubs and hedges are the characteristic herbaceous margins, which are also addressed here. Numerous illustrations, drawings, and tables facilitate your understanding of this specific habitat.