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Vegetation
The Cévennes National Park covers several large geographical and botanical regions. The type of rock, relief, altitude and climate are all factors which greatly influence vegetation (the plants found in a given territory).
The vegetation of the Great Causses
The Great Causses boast vast Scots-pine forests, especially in their eastern and northern parts, where dolomitic soils predominate. Short-grass prairies, open heath land, box tree, amelanchier, common juniper and true lavender are often associated and intermingled with the crops of the plains and dolines (depressions).
Austrian and Scots pines are gradually invading open areas. On the slopes, the dominance of Scots pine is less clear. Beech is present on the colder north-facing slopes; downy oak in valleys and on the warmer south-facing slopes.
The dolomitic cliffs of the gorges shelter an exceptional flora. Holm oak has taken refuge on the best exposed slopes, along with Mediterranean-type flora and shrubs.
The vegetation of the limestone and sandstone soils of the Lower Cévennes
Depending on the slopes and soil type, holm or downy oak occupy the lowest tier of the Cévennes. Mediterranean-scrubland species are equally present there: terebinth, box tree, Etruscan honeysuckle, etc.
On the limestone outcrops, prickly juniper (juniperus oxycedrus) and dry-habitat species such as lavender and thyme predominate. The southern slopes are the realm of olive trees, vines, almond trees, and small Mediterranean crops such as sweet onions.
Pyrenean or Corsican pines are found on the driest, poorest soils all over the limestone and sandstone areas of the Lower Cévennes.
The vegetation of the siliceous soils of the Cévennes
Holm oak grows at low altitude on dry and rocky slopes, amid rockroses and tree heaths. This whole southern fringe is today invaded by the maritime pine, which was planted, especially in the 19th century, and has been encouraged by forest fires and the neglect of this zone.
At heights above 400 metres, soil conditions and moisture have made it possible to cultivate sweet-chestnut trees. Heath land, often ravaged by fire, has been partially recolonised by birch and Scots pine or by broad-leaved trees such as ash and wild cherry.
Beeches make up the largest part of the natural forests above 900 metres. Above 1,500 metres, broom heaths (cytisus oromediterraneus) give way to spikenard prairies.