The effect of dominant species on numbers and age structure of Iris sibirica L. population on blue moor-grass meadow in Southern Poland

Two populations of Iris sibirica, a clonal species protected by law in Poland, occurring in patches of Molinietum caeruleae, of similar floristic composition although with different dominant species, were studied. In the Stanisławice locality, species with a high competitive potential prevailed, contrary to the Opatkowice locality, where the species of low competitive potential dominated. It was established that vegetative propagation ensures the continued presence of populations in both localities, although the proximity of plants with high competitive potential limits the vegetative propagation of ramet clusters of Iris sibirica. Despite the high level of seed production, the recruitment of seedlings in both patches is possible only in artificially created gaps. The field observations support the conclusion that creating gaps allowing for germination of seeds and development of seedlings, as well as eliminating expansive neighbours allowing proliferation of ramet clusters of Iris sibirica, is an affective way of protecting populations of this species.