The flora of the High Tatras is typical of the mountains and alpine regions. Varieties unique to the region, as well as species which have adapted themselves to local conditions, join more common plants.

These mountains are home to some 900 species of Algae, 1.000 species of lichens and 1300 species of plants, about 40 of which are unexampled elsewhere (endemites). Many of these are on the list of endangered species. Some of the mountainous species are relicts from the glacial period.

The character of the Tatras flora is determined by specific geological conditions, the climate and altitude. The flowering season, though short, is spectacular. With increasing altitude the temperature becomes colder and vegetation time is shortened. The area of the High Tatras has been classified by altitude into the several zones of vegetation:

Submountainous zone reaches ap to altitude 900 m above sea level and it serves as buffer protection area of national park.

Mountainous zone is formed by conifer forests at altitude 900 - 1.550 m.

Subalpine or dwarf-tree zone begins above upper border of the forest at an altitude 1.550 -1.850 m a.s.l. by a covering of Mountain Pine. They help retain a large amount of rain in the soil, preventing floods.

Alpine zone denotes the area of the alpine grasslands and low bushes at an altitude approximately 1.850 -2.300 m above sea level.

Subnival (treeless alpine or tundra) zone extends to the highest levels below snowline at an altitude of 2.300 - 2.655 m above sea level. Vegetation mostly consists of lichens and more than 130 of vascular plants. 40 of them also grow at an altitude of more than 2.600 m.

Please note that all plant life in TANAP is protected!