Armeria helodes experienced a severe population reduction in the past and it is now present in ten subpopulations in Friuli (northeastern Italy). These remaining populations are now stable as well as their habitat as a result of conservation action, and the habitat is protected and under proper management. With an area of occupancy of 24 km², 1,470 mature individuals and no continuing decline in any population or habitat parameter, the species is listed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2, as any return of groundwater extraction could rapidly move the species to Critically Endangered [B1ab(iii)].

Armeria helodes is endemic to northeastern Italy, where it is found in ten isolated populations restricted to the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Pignatti et al. 2017–2018). The area of occupancy is 24 km², and whilst the actual extent of occurrence (EOO) is 13 km², this is increased to 24 km² to equal the AOO (following IUCN guidance; IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee 2022). Based on the main threat for the species, i.e., change in water regime, all ten populations can be grouped in a single location.

At the beginning of the 20^th century it was widespread throughout an area of about 60 km², and there was a strong decline in EOO, AOO and habitat quality in the past (Martini and Poldini 1987). However, several conservation projects contributed to stabilising the species and its habitat.

Armeria helodes occurs in ten populations, most of which are found on public land under appropriate management (Life Friuli Fens 2010; G. Oriolo pers. comm.). These populations are stable and monitored periodically. The mature population size is estimated in 1,470 mature individuals. Habitat have been restored and are currently under proper management. Some populations were recently reinforced (G. Oriolo pers. comm.).

Armeria helodes is a perennial plant (Hemicryptophyte) that inhabits alkaline marshes of peaty soil that are saturated in water and rich in calcium and magnesium. This species occurs only in the alkaline fens of the Erucastro-Schoenetum association, (including the alliance Caricion davallianae), on peaty soils saturated by the water table, rich in calcium and magnesium. In this plant association, the species has a peculiar ecological niche represented by the Schoenus and Molinia clumps. Its habitat is listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC: 7230 "Alkaline fens". This plant is oligotrophic, heliophilous and a poor competitor against other species. Flowering occurs during spring (April-May). Habitat has strongly declined in the past until several conservation projects and current proper management stabilised it.

The species is threatened by groundwater extraction, changes in the native species dynamics and intrinsic factors such as the species low density.

The species is not used or traded.

The species is listed as an important species in Annex II of the Habitats Directive 92/43/CEE, and is also listed under Revised Annex I of Resolution 6 (1998) of the Bern Convention listing the species requiring specific habitat conservation measures. All the existing sites are included in Natura 2000 sites (Risorgive dello Stella IT3320026 and Palude Selvote IT3320028). The numbers of mature individuals is stable as well as habitat quality. This species was listed as Endangered in the Italian Red List (Rossi et al. 2013). The species was a focus of the EU LIFE project Conservation and restoration of calcareous fens in Friuli (LIFE06NAT/IT/000060; FRIULI FENS; Life Friuli Fens 2010).

The species is preserved in at least two botanic gardens. More ex situ conservation measures should be implemented including seed banking.