Abstract: The resource state, ecological conditions and community features of Hippophae have been investigated in Qilian Mountain area, an area of most concentratire distribution for it from 1981. The results show that H. thibetana is mainly distributed on the river overflowed beach and the slope of the mountain, where the climate is mostly cold temperate-humid. The vertical distribution range is between 2800-3560m with a coverage of 30-85%. Average height of Hippophae plant is 23-92cm, the highest one found there is 120cm, which is higher than (80-100cm) recorded in literatures of systematic Hippophae. H.neurocarpa S.W. Liu et T.N.He is concentratively distributed on the river overflowed beach and the edge of diluvial fan, where the climate is cold temperate microhumid. The vertical distribution range is between 2800-3780m, most of the coverages 70%, averag hight 58-282cm. The soils growing the 2 species of Hippophae are mainly thin layer sandy gravel or thin layer gravel scrubby meadow soil. Over 120 species of plants growing with them belong to 31 families and 91 genera, among which only 18 species are bushes, the others are herbs, no any arbors. The 2 species of Hippophae, especially H.neurocarpa play an important role in the improvement of natural landscape and ecological environment, and in the prevention from erosion of the river bank and gully.

Key words: Qilian Mountain Area, Hippophae thibetana Schlechtend, Hippophae neurocarpa