Dark diversity consists of the species that are absent from sites where they could potentially thrive despite the fact that they are actually in the regional species pool. Successful ecological restoration requires detailed knowledge of species that are less successful in (re)colonizing restored habitats. Here, we study the characteristics of plant species that are more often part of dark diversity than others (>15.000 nonforest terrestrial vegetation plots) as these plants may have special requirements hindering their (re)colonization of suitable habitats. Such knowledge is likely to be vital in future restoration and conservation efforts.