The forest of Bandhavgarh is classified as Tropical Moist Deciduous Type and is dominated by Sal trees. Lofty Saja and Arjun (Terminalia spp.), Lendia (Lagerstroemia spp.), Salai (Boswelia spp.), Bija (Pterocarpus spp.), Mahua (Madhuca spp.) and the like contribute to the floral diversity. Bamboos are found throughout the tract. Sal and Bamboo patches form an excellent habitat for the famous Bandhavgarh tigers.

The open marshy grasslands or bahs have abundance of many species of grasses which support a rich herbivore population and hence, carnivores frequent these areas. It is believed that these swamps were once the home of swamp deer which gradually got eliminated owing to the change in habitat.

Woody climbers such as Butea superba and Bauhinia vahlii and lianas such as Gulheri (Spatholobus roxburghii) are found picturesquely twining through the stately Sal. There are patches of scrub-like vegetation – home to a large diversity of bird life.

Sal (Shorea robusta):
This is one of the largest and most abundant timber tree of this forest. Sal ranks second to teak in importance. One of the most important uses of Sal has been as railway sleepers. It is resistant to termites. The stem exudes a gum called ‘sal dhoop’ used in marine yards for caulking boats, and also in shoe polish. The seeds of the Sal have wings which help in the dispersal by wind. Sal butter extracted from seeds is used in chocolates and also as a cooking agent. The tribal people use the leaves for rolling ‘bidis’, the homemade cigars. The leafless period of Sal is very short, which makes it virtually an evergreen tree, providing luxuriant and luminous verdant look to the forest even in summers.

Saja (Terminalia tomentosa):
This is also called the crocodile bark tree due to the unique patterns on the bark resembling the crocodile skin. The long and clear bole of the tree gives it good timber value.

Jamun (Syzygium cumini):
This is an important tree for birds and animals. The fruits of this tree are edible and wild animals like langur, chital, fruit bat etc., relish them. It attracts mixed flocks of frugivorous birds like hornbills, parakeets, koel and barbets that feed together on fruits. The honey produced from the flowers of this tree has great medicinal value. The wood of this tree can withstand water logging; hence can be used as water retainer.

Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Gular (Ficus glomerata ) and Pakad (Ficus insectoria):
These trees belonging to the Ficus species have great ecological value as they provide feeding, nesting and roosting sites for various birds and mammals. One very important phenomenon shown by the members of this species is that the flowering and hence the fruiting occurs cyclically i.e., not all the trees flower simultaneously so that there are always trees having flowers and fruits ensuring food supply throughout the year. One can observe a mixed drove of wandering fruit-eating birds that are often better heard than seen at the tops of the fruiting trees.

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus):
This plant belongs to the grass family and is a very important fodder species for herbivorous mammals in the Reserve. It is one of the fastest growing plants. This plant flowers every 30-45 years. Once the bamboos over a large tract flower simultaneously, they all die scattering seeds over a large tract from which new seedlings regenerate. In Bandhavgarh the last gregarious flowering occurred during 1984-85.

Palash (Butea monosperma):
The presence of bright orange flowers of the tree in summer gives it the name ‘Flame of the Forest’. The battlefield of Plassey is said to have taken its name from the Palash tree. This is a very good host plant of lac producing insects. The flowers are used to derive natural dye. This tree rapidly colonizes opened up areas of the forest. It attracts large flocks of nectar dependant birds when it is in full bloom from February to March.

Mahua (Madhuca indica):
This is one of the most important forest trees of India, its importance being mainly due to the fleshy flowers which are a rich source of sugar, vitamins and calcium and thus offer wholesome nourishment to birds and animals. The fruits are full of edible oil. Its flowers are used for making a strong alcoholic brew relished by local people.

Sundew (Drossera indica):
This is an insectivore plant. The small plant has a profusion of tiny hair that secretes a droplet of sticky materialon which insect gets stuck. The plant curls around the insect and digests its protein content. It grows in areas where soil nutrients are poor. The Sehra Dadra meadow of Bandhavgarh harbours this beautiful plant.