The forest environments which best represent the Dolomites are the high altitude forests of stone-pines and larches. Some of these are almost intact with century-old, monumental trees aged 500 years or more (the larch and stone pine woods of Gótres, Val Padeón, Landrìes).
Also notable are the mixed forests of silver fir and beech on the valley floor with their imposing stature and majestic height (Valbòna) and the larch woods that encircle the Cortina bowl at mid altitude. Although these forests have only survived thanks to former pasture under tree cover, they greatly enhance the beauty of the landscape mainly in autumn. For centuries, the management of the Regole has saved some portions of forest, which are now more than 300 years old (spruce forests of Antrúiles, Ra Stua, Valbòna).
The steep, sunny meadowlands of the southern slopes (Ròzes, Cinque Torri, Zumèles) are valuable environments from a naturalistic point of view, as are the vast pasturelands of Lerosa and Ambrizzola. None the less the discontinuous meadowlands at high altitude ( High Val Travenanzes, Col Bechéi, Rocchette) or on crest of a ridge (Lavinòres, Col dei Bòs) have significant species. Among the most notable species found here are the rare gentian (Lomatogonium carinthiacum) and the Mountain hawk’s-beard (Crepis bocconi). Equally rich in biodiversity, are the wet meadowlands in the valley floor (Meadows of Pocol, Convento, Cojana), but these are subject to spontaneous afforestation if not mown every year. This environment represents one of the best examples of low-impact management at national level. Of the plants found here the greater burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) were considered extinct species in the Veneto Region , while the siberian iris (Iris sibirica) and the musk orchid (Herminium monorchis) are considered endangered species in the Alps.