Abstract: The absorption and rational distribution of nitrogen play an important role in growth and yield and quality of fruit trees. Suitable nitrogen application can realize the optimum growth of plants, and fully tap the growth potential of plants. Malus hupehensis seedlings and 15N trace technique were used to explore plant growth and the characteristics of absorption, distribution and utilization of N under different nitrate nitrogen levels (0.00, 4.00, 8.00, 12.00, 16.00, 20.00 and 24.00 mmol/L NO3- , taken as N0, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6, respectively). The main results were as follows: with the improvement of nitrogen levels, chlorophyll (SPAD), leaf area, biomass, root length, root surface area, number of root tips, root activity and total nitrogen of Malus hupehensis seedlings first increased then decreased, rose to their highest level at 12.00 mmol/L NO3- ; Ndff% values, 15N uptake and nitrogen use efficiency decreased with the improvement of nitrogen level. In low N levels (N1~N2), 15N was mainly distributed in leaf, 51.39% under treatment N1 and 45.9% under treatment N2, followed by that in root and stem. Under high N levels (N4~N6), 15N was transferred to root and accounted for 43.80%, 45.40% and 51.46% in N4, N5 and N6 respectively. To ensure the high nitrogen use efficiency at the same time, Hoagland nutrient nitrate nitrogen concentration of 12.00 mmol/L could significantly improve the growth of Malus hupehensis and plant root, the nitrogen distribution in each organ was relatively uniform and the growth was the best.