Abstract: Glycyrrhiza uralensis is considered a pioneer plant in arid and semi-arid desert region. Due to the rich variety of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, uneven drought resistant varieties,and drought mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis is not comprehensive, which brought great difficulties for the development of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. From starting with the influence of drought stress on Glycyrrhiza uralensis external morphology（growth of organs above ground, underground organ growth）,and internal anatomical structure（root, stem, leaf anatomical structure and ultrastructure）,the research progress recently at home and abroad of the external morphological structure, anatomical structure and ultrastructure of Glycyrrhiza uralensis by drought stress were reviewed, and it basically explained adaptive mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis shape and anatomical structures under drought stress.It provided a theoretical basis for breeding drought-resistant varieties and improving drought resistance mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also had great significance to improve the structure of soil, the prevention of land desertification and the maintenance of the ecological environment.