This association includes dry heathlands dominated by Calluna vulgaris and containing drought-adapted herbs, mosses and lichens. It occurs on acidic, nutrient-poor and shallow soils over sand or hard rocks such as granite, gneiss and sandstone. Traditionally the stands were grazed by sheep or goats and perhaps occasionally burned as well. This vegetation is more common in dry colline landscapes and lowlands of central Bohemia and south-western Moravia. Isolated stands have also been recorded in other areas with lower precipitation.