In order to investigate the response and adaptation mechanism of Hedysarum scoparium to different site types, typical sampling method was used to analyze the characteristics of shoot system and biomass allocation of Hedysarum scoparium in different site types (hilltop, gentle sandy land and interdune lowland) in the desert-oasis transition zone of Jilantai. The results showed that, the plant height and basal diameter of clipping H. scoparium in interdune lowland were significantly larger than that in hilltop (P<0.05),and the above ground biomass of clipping H. scoparium showed as follows: interdune lowland>gentle land>hilltop. Overall bifurcation ratio increased gradually from interdune lowland to hilltop, indicating branching ability of H. scoparium in interdune lowland was weaker than that in hilltop and gentle land. Grade 2 and grade 3 bifurcation ratio (SBR2∶3) in hilltop was greater than that in interdune lowland (P<0.05), indicating clipping H. scoparium grew in a spread-out branch architecture characteristics in hilltop. The branching length gradually decreased from interdune lowland to hilltop, branch diameter ratio of grade 2 and 3 (RBD3:2) in hilltop was significantly higher than that in the gentle land and interdune lowland, indicating that the branching capacity of clipping H. scoparium in the hilltop was better than that in the gentle land and interdune lowland. Correlation analysis revealed that soil water content, soil temperature and atmospheric temperature had significant effects on plant height, crown width, basal diameter and aboveground biomass of clipping H. scoparium. The results showed that clipping H. scoparium could adapt to the change of external environment by increasing branch diameter ratio, reducing branch number and aboveground biomass in habitats with poor water conditions. Moreover, in the interdune lowland, chipping measure was more conducive to the rejuvenation and renewal of degenerated H. scoparium. The results were useful for the regeneration of H. scoparium plantations and ecological restoration in the region.