Objective: The contents of photosynthetic pigments and secondary metabolites were analyzed in different habitats to explore the influence of growth and metabolism of Epimedium acuminatum. Method: The quadrat was divided into four habitats according to the illuminance and herb important value. The contents of chlorophyll a

chlorophyll b

carotenoids

total flavonoids and icariin were determined by UV method and HPLC method of E. acuminatum leaves. The date were analyzed by the SPSS 17.0. Result: Chlorophyll a (1.90 mg·g-1)

chlorophyll b (0.66 mg·g-1) and carotenoids (0.43 mg·g-1) were the lowest. And the contents of icariin and total flavonoid were the highest in the forest edge wilderness. Correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic pigments and secondary metabolites had significant negative correlation (P<0.01). However

the contents of photosynthetic pigments and secondary metabolites in E. acuminatum leaves had no significant difference in the bushes habitat

weeds habitat and valley ditch habitat. Conclusion: The synthesis of chlorophyll and carotenoids declined

resulting in poor growth

but the accumulation of secondary metabolites increased in the forest edge wilderness. The above shows that the plant of E. acuminatum has an obvious tress-effects.