Largely due to the combination of landforms and soil types, and the moist character of the region, Kanha is very rich in floral diversity. Kanha has over 600 species of flowering plants. The Reserve also has around 50 species of aquatic plants and 18 species of rare plants.

In the middle slopes, bamboo grows abundantly. In the lower slopes, pure stands of sal replace the mixed woodlands. The valleys are covered with dense stands of sal alternating with grassy meadows. The plateaux, though essentially grasslands, have sporadic growth of fruit-bearing trees such as achar, aonla and tendu. The nalas are moist and shady with thick bamboo breaks and tall mango, jamun and arjun trees.