Abstract:The growth of Aneurolepidium chinense Kitag. grown on different saline soil of a Northeast grassland of China was studied and the K+,Na+proline and citric acid accumulated in plants or their organs were determined . The results showed that A. chinense had a strong adaptability to saline habitat and could grow on soil with a salt content of 0. 088%--1.63%,and pH ranging from 8.3 to 9.8. Sodium,proline and citric acid were accumulated by plants for osmotic adjustment when the salinity and Na+content of the soil increased. A. chinense absorbed Na+ rapidly from the soil and excluded K+ when the soil Na+ concentration was less than 20 μmol/g. Sodium was adsorbed slowly and K+ remained constant in plants when Na+ concentrations of soil were 20–80 μmol/g,and proline and citric acid contents were markedly increased. Sodium and K+ decreased slightly in plant tissue and organic solutes increased when Na+ concentrations exceeded 80 μmol/g in soil. Most K+ was distributed in young leaves which were metabolically active. The major sites of Na+ accumulation were in the roots and older mature leaves;whereas proline and citric acid accumulation occurred primarily in young leaves,mature leaves and stems. Tillering buds had strong ability to absord and accumulate K+,Na+ and Proline.