The population dynamics of Rubus idaeus L., a colonizer of disturbed sites, and R. pubescens Raf., an inhabitant of damp woodland areas, were compared in a series of permanent plots. Disturbed site conditions trigger the germination of R. idaeus and give rise to predominantly even-aged stands of this species. The half-life of the shade-intolerant aboveground population is approximately 3 years. The species' ephemeral aboveground existence, however, is more than balanced by the very low decay rate of its large seed bank, i.e., the belowground population has a half-life in excess of 20 years. Stands of R. pubescens, by way of contrast, are characterized by a diverse age structure and a long half-life of 10–20 years. An extended period of existence above ground is coupled with a small and transient seed bank below ground. Less than 15% of the seeds survive for more than 1 year.