Acadia National Park Plants

Plants in Acadia National Park: A Living Tapestry of Coastal Maine

Acadia National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and plant lovers alike. The park's unique combination of coastal, forest, and mountain ecosystems, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and its granite landscape, supports a rich diversity of plant species. With its changing elevations, varied soil types, and temperate climate, Acadia offers an incredible variety of flora, from towering trees to delicate wildflowers and hardy coastal vegetation.

In this article, we’ll explore the variety of plant life that thrives across the park’s forests, bogs, mountains, and coastlines—and how each plant contributes to the ecological harmony of this beloved national park.

A Meeting of Habitats: What Makes Acadia’s Flora Unique?

One of the reasons Acadia’s plant life is so diverse is because the park lies at the confluence of multiple ecosystems. Situated at the transition between southern hardwood forests and boreal northern woods, and between mountain and sea, Acadia harbors over 1,000 species of vascular plants. Its rugged terrain, frequent fog, and glacially sculpted soils create microhabitats where rare and specialized plants can thrive.

1. Trees and Shrubs:

Acadia National Park is uniquely situated between two forest zones: the eastern deciduous forest and the northern boreal forest. This intersection creates a diverse and dynamic forest ecosystem.

(i) Eastern Deciduous Forest:

• Oaks
• Maples
• Ash
• Birch
• Sycamore
• Beeches

(ii) Northern Boreal Forest:

• Spruce
• Fir trees

Other conifers found in this forest include:

• Cedar trees
• Hemlocks
• Pine trees
• Cypress trees

Acadia National Park Plants

2. Wildflowers:

Throughout the year, Acadia’s meadows, forests, and wetlands come alive with a variety of wildflowers that add bursts of color to the landscape.

• Wild lily-of-the-valley
• Bunchberry
• Goldthread
• Bluebead lily
• Starflower
• Asters 
• Goldenrods

3. Ferns:

Ferns flourish in the cool, moist, shaded areas of Acadia National Park, making the park an ideal habitat for a variety of fern species.

• Rock Polypody
• Cinnamon Fern
• Interrupted Fern

4. Mosses, Lichen, and Mushrooms:

When hiking in Acadia National Park, you are sure to encounter a rich diversity of mosses, lichens, and mushrooms. The park’s dense tree cover and wet areas create an ideal environment for these organisms. Interestingly, among these three, only mosses are considered true plants.

Invasive and Threatened Species

Like many national parks, Acadia faces challenges from invasive plant species that threaten native habitats. Species like Japanese barberry, honeysuckle, and purple loosestrife have spread in some areas, displacing native plants.

At the same time, some of Acadia’s native plants are threatened or endangered, such as the Furbish lousewort (outside the park, along the St. John River), and certain alpine species that exist only on a few mountain summits.

The National Park Service, along with volunteers and scientists, continues to work on habitat restoration and monitoring efforts to protect the park’s botanical diversity.

Wild Gardens of Acadia: A Living Exhibit

If you want to see a curated glimpse of Acadia’s native plant life in one place, head to the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts Spring. This botanical garden features over 300 native species, organized by habitat type—bog, forest, meadow, mountain, and more. It’s an ideal spot for plant lovers, families, or anyone wanting a quiet place to connect with nature.

Final Thoughts: Acadia’s Quiet Green Heart

Beyond its dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas, Acadia National Park holds a world of quiet beauty in its plant life. Every moss-covered boulder, sun-dappled fern, and windswept pine tells a story of resilience and adaptation. Whether you're hiking a forest trail, exploring a bog boardwalk, or just sitting in a field of summer wildflowers, you are surrounded by one of the richest and most enchanting ecosystems in the Northeast.