The importance of neighbourhood structure on the distribution of plant func
tional attributes was investigated in two managed forests in Denmark. Speci
es composition was recorded for 325 plots of 5 x 5 m and species were assig
ned to functional groups based on vegetative attributes: (a) Raunkiaer life
-form and (b) height of adult plants, and regenerative attributes: (c) mode
of dispersal and (d) pollination class. The distribution of attributes was
related to neighbourhood parameters that reflect the composition, distribu
tion and diversity of nine habitat classes within a 25-m radius from the fo
cal plot. Regression trees were used to analyse counts of attributes per pl
ot. Best predictors were neighbourhood scores for open areas, road-side hab
itat, and neighbourhood diversity. The correlation between individual funct
ional attributes and neighbourhood parameters were presented in a correlati
on matrix. A cluster analysis, representing a first step towards the constr
uction of plant functional types, resulted in five groups characterised by
a particular combination of functional attributes and preference of neighbo
urhood.