Superoxide dismutase(SOD) widely presents in plants and can be mainly classified into three categories: Mn-SOD, Fe-SOD and Cu/Zn-SOD. They play different defense roles in cells and enhance plant tolerance. Additionally, Ni-SOD in blue cells and marine organisms remains to be explored. In this paper, the physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action of SOD were analyzed according to the different metal ions contained in SOD, and the role of SOD in plants under stress conditions such as drought, salinity and cold were elucidated, and the role of SOD in plant growth and development in future was prospected, and a reference for studying the mechanisms of plant growth and development under adverse environments was provided.