Abstract:Spatial heterogeneity is important in the function and processes of ecological system at a variety of scales. In this paper we use geostatistical theory and methods, to study the degree, composition, scale and pattern of spatial heterogeneity in old growth forest of korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), spruce (Picea koraiensis), fir(Abies nephrolepis), birch (Betula costata) and linden (Tilia amurensis) in Northeastern China. The results show that there are high levels of variation in spatial heterogeneity and pattern between species even when the five species are growing in a single stand. Korean pine, for which autocorrelated spatial heterogeneity is a main component, has a high degree of spatial heterogeneity, with a low fractal pattern and strongest spatial pattern at the scale of 450 m. Birch, with small degrees of spatial heterogeneity and high fractal pattern, has no spatial pattern beyond the scale of 100 m due to its random spatial heterogeneity and and constant variation over all scales. Spruce and fir are typically found growing together and show similar spatial heterogeneity and patterns. Linden is an important company species of korean pine and its spatial heterogeneity and pattern are close to that of korean pine.