Abstract: A survey of riparian plant distribution and composition of the Xiaodong River was undertaken in Maoming, western Guangdong. And 32 families, 67 genera and 77 species of vascular plants were recorded. With species amounting to 25 and taking up 32.47% in total, invasive alien plants should be paid more attention. Among 5 sites, Pengcun, Wushi and Jiucun had better riparian plant composition and less water pollution than Shizongpai and Guanduqiao, which indicated that there was a correlation between riparian plant composition and water pollution. Some non-invasive species with good adaptability, for instance, Oplismenus compositus, Ampelopteris prolifera, Colocasia esculenta, Polygonum lapathifolium, Apluda mutica and so on, might be important to ecological restoration of the Xiaodong River. Besides, some other Hydrophytes or hygrophytes with better anti-polluted capability were also suggested.