Abstract: Based on the declining rainfall gradient in Gansu province, China, Jingtai Baidunzi (JBDZ), Gulang Malutan (GMLT), Minqin Qinfeng (MQQF) and Lanzhou Nanshan (LZNS) were used to compare ramet population characteristics and clonal branching architecture of Nitraria tangutorum. N. tangutorum had obvious morphological plasticity and considerable differences existed in ramet population characteristics in different regions. The ramet spacing gradually increased with a decline in moisture. Most indexes of ramet population in Lanzhou were higher than those in the three desert plots. Clonal growth patterns presented a phalanx in Lanzhou, but were irregular in Minqin. Clone integration made the clone branching architecture of N. tangutorum complex. All branch angles were smallest in LZNS, and biggest in MQQF. The ratios of branch diameter fluctuated; most of the branch diameter ratios were largest in Lanzhou, but the expression was the opposite in Minqin. The general bifurcation ratios and the gradual bifurcation ratios in Lanzhou were higher than in Minqin, but there were no substantial differences between Lanzhou and Jingtai, Gulang. Branching intensity and fractal dimensions were similar, and all were highest in Lanzhou. The fractal dimensions declined and branching space structure tended to be simple as the moisture declined in the three desert plots. In habitats with poor water conditions, the main strategies to increase resources of N. tangutorumt were: increased ramet spacing and branch angle, weakened branching intensity, and the irregular type clonal growth pattern which are conducive to ramets to escape adversity in order to obtain moisture.