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The primary objectives of this study were: (1) to document the changes in the composition and structure of a semiarid grassland (Festucetum vaginatae) along a climatic gradient in Hungary, and (2), by applying the concept of 'Space for Time Substitution', to form hypotheses on the possible effects of a predicted climate change on these grasslands. Three sites were selected along a 200 km transect in the sand forest-steppe vegetation of the Hungarian Plain. Percentage canopy cover was estimated by species in 30 pairs of randomly located 16 m² quadrats at each site. Species were classified based on their phytosociological character, geographic distribution, and Raunkiaer life form. We found that species richness, canopy cover, diversity, and the relative importance of dry grassland generalists, forest species, and Hemicryptophytes decreased, whereas the relative importance of sand grassland specialists …