The vascular flora of Lilley Cornett Woods was investigated for two growing seasons (May 1978-October 1979). Collections included old growth plant communities as well as successional forests and old fields. A total of 516 vascular plant species, representing 92 families and 297 genera is included in the floral list. The Asteraceae and Poaceae are the two largest families and represent 21.71% of the flora. Two species, Monotropsis odorata Schwein, and Panax quinquefolius L., are considered threatened in Kentucky. The floristic richness is comparable to other areas in the southern Appalachians.
Lilley Cornett Woods is a Registered National Natural Landmark (U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service) and represents a stable remnant of the once expansive Mixed Mesophytic Forest region near the center of development of the Eastern Deciduous Forest.