Plants of the Aura River Valley

The Aura River Valley boasts a rich variety of plant life. The diversity of plants is enhanced by the abundance of different growing environments. In the valley, you can walk through lush hardwood forests as well as dry coniferous woodlands. Along the river, there are both natural, lush vegetation and harsher rocky areas and meadows. Agricultural areas along the Aura River are protected by buffer zones, which reduce nutrient runoff from the fields. The riverbank pastures are also an important part of the traditional landscape of the Aura River Valley.

In the river and along its shores, you can find plants such as yellow water-lilies, water butterbur, iris, bramble and the uniquely shaped pointed spear-leaf. The valley’s hardwood forests include characteristic deciduous trees such as oak, lime and maple. Typical ground-layer species include yellow, blue and white anemones. The valley’s natural meadows host numerous valuable flowering species, many of which provide food for insects. Further from the river, there are also fresh and dry coniferous forests, with species such as pine, spruce, bilberry and lingonberry, as well as many different ferns and mosses. Mosses are a highly diverse and interesting group — you can read more about them here. The forests offer habitats for various mammals and birds, as well as a peaceful retreat for people.

The Aura River region offers an excellent opportunity to explore Finland’s different forest types and vegetation zones. Even a short hike can reveal several distinct habitats and many plant species. Plant identification is easy to start with in your own yard or nearby area. When identifying plants, it is helpful to pay attention to the shape of the leaves and flowers, as well as the growing location.

Did you know that some plants lack chlorophyll entirely? The pineflower is an example of a parasitic plant that gains its energy not through photosynthesis, but via a fungal network connected to trees.

Test: How well do you know wildflowers?
Help with plant identification can be found on Luontoportti, or through AI-based apps.