Man-made lakes, ranches, and farms are scattered throughout the region. Scrub forest is the most characteristic plant association of the area. Ash, juniper, Texas oak, and stunted live oak are dominant in the more dissected southern and eastern Canyonlands of the region. Some savanna type vegetation also occurs and was formerly more widespread. The Balcones Canyonlands subregion has the most rugged topography in the Edwards Plateau, with its steep grades and exposed geological strata.
Springs abound amid the scarp woodlands of oaks and mesquite.
Many plants are endemic to the area. Lampasas Cut Plain Grassland with scattered mesquite woods on low rolling hills underlain by limestone describes the Lampasas Cut Plain. Grasslands are found in alluvial valleys and canyon lands species on slopes.