Abstract: In this paper, 16 species of Cirsium Adans.(Compositae) from North China were examined for their UV-spectra of methylic extraction from powdered leaf samples.The result shows that their UV-spectra are variable and so distinct as to allow the identification of individual sections and species.On the basis of the UV-spectra, 2 taxa, Section Pseudo-Eriolepis (Nakai) Kitam.and C.segetum Bge.are established, which is supported by the evidences from morphology, karyotype and isoenzyme.In addition, the taxonomic significance of the UV-spectrum has been discussed.

Key words: North China, Cirsium Adans., UV-spectrum, Chemotaxonomy