Abstract:Studies on seed germination and seedling development of Ormosia glaberrima Wu, Ouercus hui Chun, Diospyros morrisiana Hance, Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent., Toona sinensis (A. Tuss. ) Roem. and Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl. revealed that had rapid germination but Ormosia glaberrirna. Germination began 2--3 days and ceased 2—4 weeks after the initiation of the experiment. Fast-growing sun trees Oroxylum indicurn, T. sinensis, and P. fortunei germinated faster than did the species in the forest. Germination of Oroxylum glaberrirna was delayed because of its hard seed coat, but became rapid when its coat was slit open. Species in the forest and Oroxylurn indicurn and T. sinensis could germinate in both dark and light, tiny seeds of P. fortunei germinated poorly in dark. Water absorption of seeds presented three phases which varied among the species. Morphology of the seedlings might be related to shading-tolerance and growth speed of species.