Based on the analysis of density, age composition, spatial distribution of individuals and demographic indices, the current state of populations of a few species from the genus Stipa L. was assessed in natural plant communities, being links in various successions of steppe vegetation. It was found that coenopopulations of feather grass, especially those of S. capillata L., are the most stable in conditions of slope habitats in slightly disturbed steppe and petrophyte-steppe phytosystems. These are normal, mature and complete, self-regulating systems with high density. The most favorable growing conditions for these species are formed typically on the slopes with exposure characterized by the greatest xerophyte nature: southern and southeastern, southwestern, where often S. grafiana Steven, S. lessingiana Trin. & Rupr. are dominants and subdominants in sparse grass stands.

Yu.V. Ibatulina