Key message <p>Nutrient utilization strategies of three alpine plants were less affected by elevation, exhibited different N or P limitation types and change with growing season stages.</p> Abstract <p>Alpine plants in high mountain regions have to cope with challenging cold climate, and potential nutrient limitations induced by low temperature. The historic large-scale volcanic eruption in 946&#xa0;A.D. on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China, dramatically altered its natural soil and vegetation, making it a unique area to investigate nutrients constrains on alpine plants growth. This study examined carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) utilization strategies in three dominant alpine plant species (<i>Betula ermanii</i>, <i>Vaccinium uliginosum</i> and <i>Rhododendron aureum</i>) across five elevations and three growing season stages. The results showed that the nutrient concentrations (C, N, P and K) in leaves and shoots varied significantly with species and seasonal stages, but were less influenced by elevation. Stoichiometric ratios indicated initial N limited (N: P &lt; 14) in all species. Subsequently, <i>B. ermanii</i> showed balanced N and P requirements (N: P, 14.42 to 15.98), <i>V. uliginosum</i> shifted to P limitation by senescence (8.81 to 19.54), while <i>R. aureum</i> remained N limitation (8.71 to 9.47). Deciduous species (<i>B. ermanii</i> and <i>V. uliginosum</i>) exhibited higher N and P resorption efficiencies, whereas the evergreen <i>R. aureum</i> experienced higher K limitation (N: K &gt; 1, P: K &gt; 1). With their different biogeochemical ecological niches, the findings revealed that interspecific differences and seasonal dynamics are key drivers of nutrient strategies in alpine plants. The study highlights the complexity of nutrient limitations and resorption in a warming-sensitive treeline ecotone, offering insights into alpine plant adaptation and ecosystem conservation.</p>