Plant species in small patches on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau show an aggregated distribution pattern. The presence frequency of different plant species (dominant, companion, rare) affects the spatial heterogeneity of these patches. Cyperaceae and Polygonaceae patches are influenced by dominant and companion species, while Compositae patches are influenced by dominant and rare species. Compositae patches have lower species diversity and higher spatial heterogeneity, possibly due to degradation processes in the alpine meadow. The spatial pattern and heterogeneity of plant species in small patches can be predicted by their presence frequency on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.