Black cherry Prunus serotina is one of the most widespread invasive tree species in Europe, exerting a substantial influence on the structure and functioning of native forest ecosystems. Its presence alters nutrient cycling, soil properties, and competitive interactions among tree species, thereby reducing biodiversity and limiting the regenerative capacity of forest habitats. Particularly important is the impact of its nutrient−rich, rapidly decomposing leaf litter, which may significantly modify the availability of macro− and microelements and shape the growth conditions of native tree species. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of P. serotina leaf mulch on soil chemical properties and on the content of selected macro− and microelements in the leaves of native tree species, analysed under two light conditions. The study used one−year−old seedlings of four tree species: Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Pinus sylvestris, and P. serotina, which were cultivated individually in a peat−based substrate under two light regimes in a controlled pot experiment. Leaf mulch of P. serotina was applied in three variants (0 g, 40 g, 150 g per pot), and biometric measurements of seedling height and root collar diameter were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons. Soil and leaf samples were subjected to comprehensive chemical analyses, and treatment effects were evaluated using mixed−effects models, MANOVA, and principal component analysis. The growth of all studied tree species was primarily determined by species identity and time, while neither mulch application nor light conditions had a significant effect. Seedlings of A. platanoides and A. pseudoplatanus reached the greatest height and root collar diameter, clearly out− performing P. sylvestris and P. serotina. Leaf nutrient concentrations also differed markedly among species, with A. pseudoplatanus showing the highest phosphorus content and P. serotina the lowest levels of most macronutrients except magnesium. Soil analyses revealed rapid depletion of nitrate, ammonium, and magnesium in substrates associated with P. serotina, indicating its strong impact on nutrient dynamics compared to the more conservative nutrient use by the other species. Prunus serotina has a pronounced influence on soil properties and the structure of accompanying vegetation, acting as an ecosystem engineer and substantially hindering forest management in stands composed of native species. The results indicate that among the analysed taxa, A. pseudoplatanus and A. platanoides display the highest competitive potential against invasive P. serotina, making these species suitable candidates for the restoration of stands affected by its expansion.

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