Abstract: The spatial pattern distribution characteristics of Potentilla fruticosa population in alpine grassland of Qilian Mountain was studied by using Ripley′s k（d） function and community survey method. The results showed that for the height, density and coverage of the Potentilla fruticosa population, the shady slope is at the maximum level,sunny slope is at the minimum level,and the level of the flat land is between them; For the branch number of the population, the sunny slope is at the maximum level, shady slope is at the minimum level,and the level of the flat land is between them. The spatial distribution pattern of Potentilla fruticosa population exhibited a scale-associated changing trend： in the sunny slope, Potentilla fruticosa population showed an aggregated distribution pattern on a smaller scale, while on a larger scale, it showed a random distribution pattern; in the shady slope, the population in all scale showed an aggregated distribution, and the aggregation intensity exhibited a decreasing trend; in the flat land, the population showed an uniform-random distribution pattern. Due to the influence of slope aspect, the spatial distribution pattern of Potentilla fruticosa population was greatly changed, indicating the response mechanism of plant population to environment.