In order to investigate the effects of exogenous salicylic acid on germination and drought stress of Dracocephalum tanguticum,different concentrations of SA(0,0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8 mmol/L) were used to soak the seeds of D.tanguticum,and then the seed germination and seedling physiological characteristics of D.tanguticum were studied under 20% PEG-6000 simulated drought stress.The results showed that 0.6 mmol/L SA had the best effect on germination by soaking seed,the germination rate,germination energy,germination exponent and vigor index were increased by 34.82%,34.42%,34.87% and 54.86% respectively compared with CK;Under drought stress,the exogenous SA increased the content of proline and decreased the malondialdehyde content at the concentration of 0.6 mmol/L,however,the chlorophyll and soluble protein contents were similar compared with CK.In conclusion,exogenous SA could improve the seed germination by promoting germination energy,germination exponent and vigor index,and increase the ability of D.tanguticum to resist drought stress by enhancing the ability of plants to resist osmotic stress,reducing the cell membrane damage,and 0. 6 mmol/L SA soaking for 24 h was the best.