Plant communities in the modern Yellow River Delta were classified into three main groups dominated by different species. The diversity and richness of species increase from Suaeda salsa and Tamarix chinensis to herbage communities. However, species evenness fluctuates more in S. salsa and T. chinensis communities. Environmental factors like soil salt content and hydrological conditions affect the distribution patterns of plant communities. Areas with high soil salt content have simpler community structures, while areas with low soil salt content have more diverse and complex community structures.