Abstract: Atriplex canescens (Nutt.) has been introduced from America into China to control desertification and salinification for more than twenty years. From the view of morphological characteristics and physiological ecology, this paper reviewed the research achievements in the introduction of A. conescens at home and abroad, with the focus on the regional distribution, proper areas division, morphological classification, external morphological characteristics, leaf anatomical structure, seed salt resistance, variations of physiological and biochemical indices under different degrees of abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and low temperature, resistant mechanisms, biological interference, natural succession, and biological diversity. The issues needed to be further studied were also analyzed. The aim of this review was to provide references for the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems.