Abstract:A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Salix clones for revegetation in copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) mine tailing areas. Seven Salix clones (Salix matsudana, Salix integra and Salix alba var.tristis) were tested to assess their growth, chlorophyll contents, root morphology, metal accumulation and translocation in plants. All clones can grow in contaminated soil or tailing and showed a certain tolerance to Zn and Cu. Salix matsudana Number 10, Number 34 and Salix alba var.tristis maintained normal growth while the other four clones were significantly inhibited in growth. Heavy metals decreased chlorophyll of all clones, and some leaves had etiolation symptom. The root parameters of all clones grown in contaminated soil and tailings were decreased. The metal contents in the plants varied among clones and contaminated environmental. All clones on contaminated soil uptake metals much more than tailings. The accumulation of Cu was mainly occurred in root while Zn was mainly accumulated by shoots, especially by leaves. All clones have low bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the values were Zn > Cu. Translocation factor values (TF) of Cu were <1, but the TF values of Zn between 1.36 to 2.49. Salix matsudana Number 10, Number 34 and Salix alba var.tristis may have potential for revegetation and phytostabilization in mine tailing areas in southern China.