A plot-based dataset of plant community in the northern and southern mountains of Lanzhou, China

Plant growth form was dominated by herbaceous plants (68.32%), with perennials comprising the majority (66.11%). Woody plants accounted for 31.68%, most of which were deciduous (84.30%). Based on community-ecology classification, the vegetation of the northern and southern mountains can be divided into 4 vegetation formation groups, 9 vegetation formations, and 32 alliances, including 5 needleleaf forest alliances, 5 broadleaf forest alliances, 10 shrubland alliances, 5 steppe alliances, 1 meadow alliance, and 6 desert alliances.

This dataset provides essential baseline information for studying plant diversity and ecology in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China. In addition, it serves as a scientific basis for regional ecosystem service supply, ecological environment quality improvement, and sustainable socioeconomic development.