Vulpia ciliata Dum. subsp. ciliata (syn.: V. aetnensis Tineo, V. danthonii (Aschers. et Graebn.) Volk.) (Medit.) – A very rare but probably increasing alien, perhaps often overlooked. Formerly exceptionally recorded as a wool alien near Verviers (1948). More recently sometimes seen on gravelly soil near coal mine heaps or along disused railway tracks, in Flanders (port of Gent) as well as in Wallonia (Boussu, Châtelet, Seilles, Vaulx). Apparently naturalizing locally.
This is a rather characteristic but easily overlooked taxon. It is probably flowering earlier than the other taxa and spikelets are often remarkably patent after anthesis. It might be more widespread than generally admitted and should be looked for.
Selected literature:
Ghio C. (1978) Vulpia ciliata Dum. sur un terril de charbonnage dans le Borinage. Dumortiera 9: 20-21.
Henrard J.Th. (1918) Bijdrage tot de kennis der Nederlandsche adventiefflora. Nederl. Kruidk. Arch. 1918: 181-205.
Saintenoy-Simon J. (2010) Excursion du 8 août 2009 à Vaulx (vallée de l’Escaut). Adoxa 65-66: 27-31.
Stace C.A. & Auquier P. (1978) Taxonomy and variation of Vulpia ciliata Dumort. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 77: 107-112.