[Objective] This study aims to investigate the quantitative characteristics of plant communities and their influencing factors under different slope positions in the Loess Plateau. This research is significant for advancing the theoretical understanding of plant community construction mechanisms within the slope-gully system of the region and for providing practical guidance in the design of artificially restored plant communities. [Methods] The study examines the composition, diversity, stability, and distribution patterns of dominant plants across five slope positions—sunny gully slope, sunny hill slope, hilltop, shady hill slope, and shady gully slope—within the forest-steppe zone of the hilly Loess Plateau under natural conditions. By integrating soil erosion intensity data, the study identifies the primary ecological factors influencing plant community construction across different slope positions. [Results] (1) In the forest-steppe zone of the hilly Loess Plateau, the sunny gully slope and sunny hill slope both exhibit a two-layer vertical structure, predominantly composed of perennial herbs and shrubs, with dominant plants showing a dispersed distribution pattern. The hilltop has a single-layer vertical structure, mainly comprising annual and perennial herbs, where plants demonstrate a highly clustered distribution. The shady gully slope community has a three-layer vertical structure, with plants also showing a clustered distribution pattern. (2) The shady gully slope has the highest species diversity, richness, and stability, whereas the sunny hill slope exhibits the lowest richness and diversity, with significant reductions of 18.4% and 26.5%, respectively, compared to the shady gully slope. The hilltop plant community shows the least stability, with a stability index of only 29. (3) The common key factors influencing community characteristics across different slope positions are soil erosion intensity and soil moisture. However, soil bulk density on the sunny gully slope, organic matter on the sunny and shady hill slopes, and light intensity on the hilltop and shady gully slope are the distinguishing ecological factors affecting plant community structure, stability, and diversity. [Conclusion] Vegetation restoration strategies should be tailored to the specific slope positions in the forest-steppe zone of the hilly Loess Plateau. For instance, the "fertile island" effect formed by perennial shrubs on the sunny gully slope can improve surface conditions, while micro-topographic modifications on the sunny hill slope can reduce soil erosion. On the hilltop, the introduction of drought-tolerant plants can enhance plant community structure. On the shady hill and gully slopes, do not excessively require the construction of complex plant community structure, so as not to cause the degradation of the herbaceous layer under the artificial forest due to insufficient light.