Abstract: In order to identify the optimal NaCl concentration in MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium for seed germination and growth of Halocnemum strobilaceum, and to reveal the primary mechanism of salt osmotic stress (using MS salt medium) promotion of root growth in this species. We used MS medium as a basic medium and added different concentrations of NaCl (0-700 mmol/L) and measured the response of seed germination and seedling growth by culturing seeds stored for 7 years. In addition seedling root tips were cultivated on media with optimum salt concentration to allow morphological and cytological observations under a light microscope. After 7 years of storage seed retained vigor; the seed vigor index and seed germination rate of the control treatment was 3.36 and 74.46% respectively, but germination time appeared to be delayed. Seed germination was not synchronized, beginning after 6-8 days and continued for 25-30 days. The optimum concentration of NaCl in MS medium for seed germination ranged from 100 to 200 mmol/L and compared with the control group, seeds germinated 2 days earlier. However, at NaCl concentrations over 400 mmol/L seed germination was strongly inhibited. The most appropriate salt concentration range in MS medium for seedling growth was 100-300 mmol/L and the optimum concentration was 200 mmol/L. Observation of plant phenotype revealed that seedlings cultured on media with no or medium salt (>300 mmol/L) produced red hypocotyls and subsequently red pigmentation in most plant tissue (3-4 months growth). Root tips from seedlings cultured in medium salt conditions had accelerated root tip cell division and elongation and subsequently promoted root cap cell death and abscission.This investigation provided a good foundation for further study on the salt resistance mechanism of H. strobilaceum.