The diagonal forms the western edge of the adjacent Eastern Anatolian deciduous forests ecoregion.

The driest portions of the plateau, including the area around Lake Tuz, are part of the distinct Central Anatolian steppe ecoregion.

[2] The characteristic vegetation of the ecoregion is dry deciduous forest interspersed with areas of shrub steppe.

Human activity has transformed most of the region into anthropogenic steppe or open woodland.

The steppe plants include herbs, grasses, and low shrubs, with species of Artemisia, Bromus, Achillea, Trifolium, and Astragalus prominent.