Abstract: The distribution patterns of dominant species in Saussurea salsa communities at Qinghai Lake area were studied. The contiguous grid quadrats were adopted to take samples for field data. The methods such as t-test of v/m ratio, negative binomial parameter, index of dispersion, Cassie index, clumping index, mean crowding index and patchiness index were used to analyze the distribution patterns. The results indicate that Saussurea salsa shows a clump distribution while other species in the communities are all clumped. Moreover, the patterns are closely related to the ecological and biological characteristics of each species.