Plants

There are approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park.

This variety is largely due to the 8,000 foot elevation change from the river up to the highest point on the North Rim. Grand Canyon boasts a dozen endemic plants (known only within the Park's boundaries) while only ten percent of the Park's flora is exotic. Grand Canyon National Park contains 129 vegetation communities, and the composition and distribution of plant species is influenced by climate, geomorphology and geology. Navigate below to learn about the various types of plants and projects maintained by the vegetation crew.

A permit is required for collecting plants in the park.

 

Types of Plants

  • Green scale-like needles cluster on a tree branch with pale blue berries throughout.
    Trees

    Explore some of the tallest organisms at Grand Canyon, from rim to river.

  • Fluffy yellow flowers point upward off of light green branches.
    Shrubs

    Short and stout compared to the trees, but still a vital part of the ecosystem.

  • Flower with white petals and a pink center radiates on top of a prickly ball shaped cactus.
    Cacti and Succulents

    Spiny and pokey, but with blooms to remember.

  • Scalloped edges on green leaves surround pink flowers with white fluffy seeds.
    Riparian Plants

    Along the rivers and streams, these plants prefer freshwater.

  • Yellow centered flower with bright blue-purple petals all around; petals have dew drops.
    Wildflowers

    A pop of color, or a necessity for pollinators, wildflowers grow in all reaches of the canyon.

  • Multiple clusters of tiny white flowers radiate from the center point on green stems.
    Invasive Plants

    Native plants within the park have been compromised; plant crews actively work to control invasive plants in the park.

 

Vegetation Projects

  • Tiny mint green leaves and even tinier purple flowers measures the same size a quarter.
    Sentry-Milk Vetch

    Endangered and living on the edge; what has been done to protect this tiny plant living at Grand Canyon.

  • A set of human hands holds a bright orange and black monarch butterfly with a sticker on its wing.
    Milkweed and Monarchs

    Monarch butterflies are dependent on a single type of plant for their survival.

  • A worker is leaning on their hands and knees, removing a fluffy green plant out of a sand bank.
    Restoration Projects

    Once invasive plants are removed from the landscape, restoration ecologists and crews can help bring back the native habitat.

 

Grand Canyon Species List

 

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Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. Have a suggestion or comment on this list? Let us know.

Last updated: October 21, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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