Plants of New York City

There are approximately 1250 species of plants that occur spontaneously in New York City. These plants face many threats, including climate change, pollution, competition, land conversion, habitat fragmentation, and competition from invasive species. However, 40% of the City is open space in the form of parks, gardens, campuses, cemeteries, and natural areas including forests, salt marshes, and wetlands. The wide range of habitats found in New York City, from urban streets to forests to salt marshes, support a wide variety of plant species, which in turn provide food and shelter for a host of wildlife.

Use the links below to learn more about different plant groups and the species that are found in New York City.

The New York City EcoFlora is a community science project led by the New York Botanical Garden to document and conserve the biodiversity of New York City. All New Yorkers are invited to participate as community scientists to observe, collect, and compile information about the City’s plants and their relationships with other organisms, such as birds, insects, and mushrooms.