Holcus lanatus dominated meadows are developed in places that are shallowly flooded in spring and remain wet in the first part of the growing season. They become mesic in summer due to lowering of the ground water table. When compared with the association Poo trivialis-Alopecuretum pratensis, Holcetum lanati is less common in lowlands, being mostly distributed in the floodplains of smaller streams at the upland fringes. The development of Holcus lanatus stands is often supported by disturbance, such as large flood events.