Plant Groups

a lake surrounded by a forest on one side and lush grass on the other

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.
 

Explore Denali's Plants

a fly sits on a purple, bell-like flower

Most Abundant Plant Species

What plants are you most likely to see? Discover some of Denali's most abundant species and where you might find them.

Thin green stalks with a fluffy, white tuft at the top of each stalk.

Explore Plants by Form

Explore the different growth forms of plants in Denali: trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, mosses, lichens, and more!

Three bright pink flowers, each with five petals and a yellow center.

Plants of Ethnobotanical Importance

Learn about the plant species that have a rich history of being used as food, medicine, and building materials.

A plant with long, lance-shaped leaves and small purple and white flowers.

Rare and Sensitive Species

Rare species contribute to a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem.

a group of bright yellow dandelions

Non-Native Plant Species

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

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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