Sesleria uliginosa

Sesleria uliginosa Opiz
Family: Poaceae

This grass has a range that covers the central and northern Europe; Friulian stations are probably the most southern parts of its distribution.
It is a linear-leaved species characterized by a lower waxy foil and by an ear with many inconspicuous flowers jointed together in a linear structure, with an height of up to 40 cm. It’s spring flowering characterizes  resting phase peat bogs, after this grass becomes difficult to be observed among the intricate tufts of Molinia, Schoenus and Cladium and distinguish itself by its leaves covered with bluish waxiness.
It is a species typical of upland peat soils preferable acids but in the Friuli plain it is extended in all the resurgences area and almost reaches the sea near Aquileia. It can be observed in all biotopes characterized by alkaline fens where his bluish clumps are mixed with Schoenus.
It is closely linked to low alkaline fens and some wet molinietus borders.
The sharp contraction of the habitat, its abandonment and the reduced water availability have made increasingly rare presence. On the other hand, management by mowing and scrub clearance promotes a fast recovery of this species that found in less compact rinds the habitat for its vegetation and flowering.