Abstract: In order to ascertain the drought tolerant characteristics of fluctuating zone plants Nanchuan willow (Salix rosthornii Seemen), and provide theoretical basis for fluctuating zone population structure and plant selection, a pot experiment was conducted on Nanchuan willow 1-year-old seedings under water control drought stress. Leaf relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and a series of physiological indicators related to plant drought tolerance and resistance to oxidation activity changes were measured. The results indicated that: (1) Nanchuan willow seedling leaves had strong moisture retention capacity under drought stress and relatively fast recovery after re-watering; (2) 10 days and 20 days of drought stress had no significant effects on EL and MDA. With the continued drought stress, EL and MDA increased significantly; (3) the overall trend of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity under drought stress was first increased and then decreased. CAT was the most sensitive to drought stress, while POD was relatively insensitive. After re-watering 20 days, all three enzyme activities started to recovery, but not to the level of the control group.