This grassland type is mostly dominated by Brachypodium pinnatum and contains less thermophilous species than other Festuco-Brometea associations. It occurs in cooler and wetter areas than other types of dry grasslands. Its localities in warm areas are mostly found on north-facing slopes. The soils supporting this grasslands are usually calcareous, developed over limestone or various calcareous sediments. It is a secondary vegetation type at sites of former beech, oak-hornbeam or oak forests. Traditional management was light grazing or mowing. Today most sites are abandoned.