Abstract:[Objective] To explore the differences of vegetation growth characteristics between different plant communities and gully positions. [Methods] The vegetation growth characteristics of 5 typical plant communities were systematically studied in Zhifanggou small watershed of Ansai, Shaanxi Province.The investigated characteristics included species diversity, coverage, aboveground biomass, litter storage and underground biomass. [Results] (1) The above ground biomass, litter storage and root reduction coefficient were significantly affected by vegetation type, tree cutting ditch > shrub cutting ditch > herb cutting ditch, and the coverage was shrub cutting ditch > herb cutting ditch > tree cutting ditch. (2) The species diversity index and coverage of the right side of gully (sunny to semi-sunny slopes) were smaller than those on the left side (shade to semi-shade slopes); (3) Under the comprehensive influence of hydrothermal conditions, there was no obvious difference in vegetation growth characteristics between gully bottom and the original slope; (4) The accumulation of litter on the original slope was greater than that of different positions of gully. [Conclusion] The research results provide data foundation and theoretical support for understanding of the potential effects of vegetation restoration on the development of gully and evaluating the role of vegetation in mitigating gully erosion.