Phytosociological and ecological peculiarities of Festuca pallens Host in Ukraine

Abstract This article deals with phytosociological and ecological requirements of the vulnerable species Festuca pallens in Ukraine. Based on the analysis of 51 relevés, we have recognized the occurrence of Festuca pallens in three associations within the Festuco-Brometea class. Some communities where Festuca pallens occurs have transitional stages of succession to forest edge vegetation according to the expert system classification. In addition, we evaluated the ecological differences among occupied habitats using Didukh’s phytoindication scales and concluded that the most important ecological factors are soil humidity, nitrogen content, soil aeration, salt regime, carbonate content, thermoregime, and climate continentality. Finally, we evaluated the threats to the existence of these communities with the presence of Festuca pallens, taking into account climate change and other impacts of anthropogenic activities (illegal mining, recreation, afforestation).