Abstract: [Objective] The study aims to investigate the growth and physiological characteristics of Arnebia guttata at different altitudinal gradients, in order to understand its ecological adaptation mechanisms under different habitat conditions and provide a theoretical basis for the conservation and utilization of the wild resources of Arnebia guttata. [Methods] Arnebia guttata in Wushi County, northwestern Tarim Basin, was chosen as the research subject. The leaf morphology, growth indicators, photosynthetic pigments, proline, soluble osmoregulatory substances malondialdehyde content, and the activities of antioxidant enzyme were measured at five different altitudinal sites (i.e., 1155, 1227, 1332, 1533, and 2137m). [Results] (1) The plant height, aboveground biomass, total biomass, leaf area , specific leaf area, and the contents of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b of Arnebia guttata were highest at the lowest altitude of 1155 m and decreased with increasing altitude, reaching the lowest at 2137 m. Among them, plant height, aboveground biomass, and leaf area were decreased significantly (P<0.05) by 22.89%, 31.77%, and 26.58%, respectively. (2) The minimum values of specific leaf weight, root/shoot ratio, and carotenoids content, carotenoids/chlorophyll ratio, malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugar, and ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase enzyme activity of Arnebia guttata all appeared at 1155 m, and increased significantly with increasing altitude, reaching the maximum value at 2137 m (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The environmental conditions of lower altitude in the area are more conducive to the growth and biomass accumulation of Arnebia guttata, making it the most suitable growth area for Arnebia guttata. As altitude increases, the physiological stress on Arnebia guttata intensifies, the degree of lipid peroxidation increases, and its growth is inhibited. Arnebia guttata also adapts to the increasingly harsh natural environment at high altitudes by adjusting its life strategy, increasing the content of soluble osmotic regulatory substances, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes.