Xerophytic and mesoxerophytic, dense grasses forming tussocks (Stipa tirsa, Stipa lessingiana, Stipa capillata, Festuca valesiaca, and rarely Stipa pulcherrima and Stipa ucrainica) are the most important components of this mapping unit. Further tussock and rhizome grasses (Bromus riparius, Bromus inermis, Poa angustifolia, Elymus repens etc.) are quite frequent. Amongst the herbs, mesophilous meadow steppe species together with typical steppe xerophytes are the most important components. Admixtures of hemiephemeroids are characteristic. Ephemerals and ephemeroids are species-rich, but not frequent. Dwarf semishrubs play an important role in disrupted coenoses (Artemisia austriaca) and on salty soils (Bassia prostrata). Steppe shrubs grow on stony sites.

M1a (standard biome):

Biome: beach

Bushes: wild_shrub and Alder Buckthorn (generally sparse distribution; clumps on hillsides); occasional Blackthorn bushes

Grass mix: grass, kentucky_bluegrass, meadow_fescue, small_fescue, wavy_hair_grass, dead_grass

Scattered throughout: rock_rose (very rare), alpine_sow_thistle, greater_wood_rush (if it blends)

M1b (wetter areas):

Biome: jungle

Bushes: Blackthorn bushes and wild_shrub, most dense near rivers

Grass mix: grass, kentucky_bluegrass, small_fescue, woodland_sedge, bottle_sedge

Scattered throughout: sweet_woodruff, wild_parsley, blackberry_bush, fern

M1c (disturbed ground):

Include patches of dirt

Biome: either of the above, though beach is likely more common

Grass mix and other plants: again, may be identical to either of the above, but the 1a mix is more likely (these are meant to represent former campsites and grazing areas, which I’d think would be on drier ground)

Distinctive features: small clumps of wormwood scattered through these areas