Technical Abstract: Plant communities of the Jornada Basin LTER are characteristic of the northern Chihuahuan Desert, both in structure and dynamics. Five major vegetation types are often distinguished that differ in plant species cover and composition, as well as other factors, such as animal populations, soil properties, and elevation. Similar to many other parts of the Chihuahuan Desert, these plant communities have experienced major shifts in vegetation over the past 50-150 years. The most dramatic changes in vegetation have occurred as a result of woody plant encroachment into perennial grasslands. In this chapter, we describe the characteristics of each vegetation type and the documented changes in each type at the Jornada. We also discuss the key drivers (small and larger animal activity, drought, fire, and directional changes in climate) influencing these vegetation dynamics.