Abstract: In order to compare the suitable varieties of colorful leaf tree for cultivation in severe saline-alkali soils, the soluble protein, soluble sugar, free proline, malondialdehyde content, membrane permeability, SOD, POD enzyme activity and other physiological and biochemical indexes in leaves were determined with six varieties（Zi Ye Li, Zi Ye Ai Ying, Jin Ye Yu, Jin Ye Huai, Hong Ye Chou Chun, Hong Ye Bi Tao）from 5 regions of Binhai in Tianjin. The results showed that SOD activity in Jin Ye Yu was the highest; POD enzyme activity in Jin Ye Yu was the highest; the malondialdehyde content in Jin Ye Huai and Jin Ye Yu was the lowest;the content of soluble protein and free proline content and SOD activity in Zi Ye Li was the lowest; the malondialdehyde content in Zi Ye Ai Ying was the highest; the content of soluble protein and soluble sugar and POD enzyme activity in Zi Ye Ai Ying was the lowest; the content of free proline in Hong Ye Bi Tao was the highest;the content of soluble sugar and the soluble proline in Hong Ye Chou Chun was the highest. In conclusion, the growth characteristics of the colorful leaf trees from strong to weak was that of Jin Ye Yu and Jin Ye Huai, Hong Ye Bi Tao and Hong Ye Chou Chun, Zi Ye Li, and Zi Ye Ai Ying.

Key words: colored-leaf plants, moderate-severe saline-alkali soil, physiological characteristics