Abstract: The photosynthetic parameters, biomass, tolerance index (TI), toxicity factor (TF) and purification effect of three species of Salix (S.babylonica, S.matsudana and S.alba 'Tristis') were determined under 0, 10 and 20 mg·L^-1 2, 4-dinitrophenol (2, 4-DNP) stress in greenhouse.The tolerance of three Salix species to 2, 4-DNP stress and purification effect was evaluated through comprehensive evaluation.The results show: the photosynthetic adaptability and tolerance of the three Salix species of 2, 4-DNP stress were all in the following order: S.matsudana> S.alba 'Tristis'> S.babylonica; the TI of S.matsudana namely 71 and 47 corresponding to 10 and 20 mg·L^-1 2, 4-DNP, was the highest among three Salix species and TF of S.matsudana, namely 28.68 and 53.38 corresponding to 10 and 20 mg·L^-1 2, 4-DNP, was the smallest among three Salix species.Three species of Salix can purify the 2, 4-DNP polluted environment well.It is suggested that the three Salix species can be used for phytoremediation of 2, 4-DNP polluted environment, and the application potential of S.matsudana is greater.The results of this research can provide reference for phytoremediatoon of of 2, 4-DNP polluted environment.