Plant Groups

NPS Image / Lian Law

 

Home to over 1500 plant species, Denali is a wonderful place to enjoy native vegetation and the mosaic of habitats it creates. While studying single species can reveal unique stories of survival, competition, and biogeographical history, it can be difficult to know where to start. Examining functional groupings like growth form (i.e., trees, shrubs, grasses) can be useful in gaining a broad understanding of Denali’s subarctic flora.

November 2025 note: The links below are currently broken as we are in the process of moving this content to a new location. We apologize for the inconvenience; please check back soon.

 

Explore Denali's Plant Groups

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  Most Abundant Plant Species

  What plants are might you find during your Denali visit? Discover some of Denali's most abundant species and where you might find them.

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  Trees

  There are only a handful of trees that are found in Denali. Learn what trees are here and how they survive in the frigid subarctic.

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  Shrubs and Dwarf Shrubs

  There is a much higher diversity of shrub species in Denali compared to trees. Learn more about the shrubs that can be found in the park.

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  Wildflowers - Forbs

  Forbs are herbaceous flowering plant species. This category includes those plant species people think of as "wildflowers".

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  Ferns & Horsetails

  These plants are a throwback to ancient ancestors. Learn more about these intriguing plants.

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  Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes

  Numerous types of grasses and sedges can be found covering Denali's hillsides. Learn more about these abundant plants.

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  Mosses & Liverworts

  Find out want is beneath your feet by discovering more about the squishy forest floor.

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  Lichens

  Lichens are not actually plants but rather symbiotic organisms. Learn about these fascinating organisms.

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  Non-Native Plant Species

  Discover how Denali tackles alien plant species that try to make the park their home.