The dry sparse bush around the city turns to steep slopes with giant eucalypts and understory of acacia, leptospermum and ferns. At higher altitudes, the vegetation changes to a more alpine type, with Snow Gum forest and alpine meadow. In the south eastern quarter of the Territory there is the Naas Range. This range is sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and has a lower rainfall as a result of the rainshadow from the ranges to the west. The vegetation is mainly dry sclerophyl, with some wet sclerophyl.
Ferns are relatively scarce compared to further west.
The tree canopy The dominant forest canopy tree throughout eastern Australia is the Eucalypt . In the Territory there are dozens of species that are favoured in different microclimates. On the mountain tops, the canopy is dominated by the Snow Gums, E. pauciflora . In the exposed areas the trees give way altogether to Alpine Meadow and Sphagnum Bog. Mountain forest - artist unknown.