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Urban development in south-eastern Europe has significant ecological consequences, such as a reduction in native plant diversity, the introduction of non-native species, and increased maintenance costs of urban green spaces. Achieving sustainable urban development requires a thorough understanding of the inventory of native plant species to better manage and conserve these areas. This study analyzed 806 vegetation surveys conducted in rural and urban areas over a 30-year period, identifying 450 plant species from 39 distinct plant communities. Our findings revealed generally low dominance index values in all communities, while Shannon diversity index values were particularly high, indicating rich species diversity despite urbanization pressures. Equality index values varied slightly, reflecting differences in species distributions. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified a substantial group of species with low abundance, which is essential for understanding and managing urban biodiversity. These findings have significant implications for urban planning and plant species conservation. Low dominance and high diversity suggest opportunities to improve urban green spaces by integrating diverse native species. In addition, the ecological and practical value of ruderal species, plants that thrive in disturbed environments, was emphasized, as well as their potential in medicine, phytoremediation, green roof design, and pollination services. Through directly correlating biodiversity indices with urban sustainability goals, our study provides useful insights for urban biodiversity management and the strategic integration of native plant species into urban landscapes. Full article

The formation of synanthropic flora of any territory occurs in two ways: the penetration of anthropophytes (anthropophytization, adventization) and the transition of native plant species from natural phytocenoses to anthropogenic ecotopes (apophytization). The article highlights the results of the study of synanthropic flora and vegetation of recreational zones of Kharkiv (abandoned parks, recreational areas, and green areas) for 2018–2020. The classification of synanthropic vegetation was performed on the basis of processing geobotanical releves in programs Turboveg 2.91 and Juice 7.0.127. Ecological amplitudes of syntaxons were determined by ecological scales of Ya.P. Didukh. The study of invasive plant species was carried out according to the classification of D. Richardson et al. As part of the synanthropic vegetation of recreational zones of Kharkiv, we have found 15 invasive plant species. Most of them, according to the degree of invasive potential, belong to the group with high invasive capacity (11 species). Among them there are dominate species of the family Asteraceae (eight). The results of biomorphic analysis show that there are dominate therophytes (8 species), ecological analysis shows the domination of mesophytes (14 species) and geographical analysis shows the domination of species of North American origin (13). The structural analysis of the alien fraction of flora shows the dominance of kenophytes (15 species), xenophytes (6 species), and ergasiophytes (5 species), and epecophytes (7 species). Woody phytocenoses of the class Robinietea are sensitive to soil acidity and carbonate content in soil, thermal, and cryo-climate. In their composition, we have found eight invasive species. In plant communities of herbaceous annual vegetation of classes Bidentetea and Galio-Urticetea, which are adapted to the variability of damping and nitrification of the edaphotope, nine invasive plant species are growing. Ruderal phytocenoses of classes Artemisietea vulgaris and Stellarietea mediae are formed with the participation of 10 invasive plant species. These communities are sensitive to the variability of damping, soil acidity, total salt regime, nitrogen content in soil, thermal climate, humidity, and the continentality of the climate. Full article