Rather open steppe grassland dominated by perennial tussock grasses and herbs, with frequent spring annuals and cryptogams, typical of nutrient-poor, sandy soils on plains and dunes through the Pannonian, Pontic and southern Baltic regions. The climate is continental with cold winters, often with long frosts and shallow snow, and hot, droughty summers. Traditionally used for extensive grazing by stock, particularly sheep, but now widely abandoned.
Remark: This habitat also occurs at some sites in the southern Baltic area (north of the Carpathians); therefore, an addition of the Sarmatic region in the habitat name can be considered.