Abstract: The leaf appearance of Phoebe neurantha, P.sheareri, P.zhennan, P.chekiangensis and P.bournei was observed. Morphological characteristics and epidermal cell structure, and their leaf area, pH value and EC value of dust-retaining fluid, and Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr and Cd contents of heavy metal elements were measured to comprehensively assess the dust-retention abilities of the 5 species Phoebe. Results show that the leaves of the 5 species of Phoebe are hairless, and the lower surface is pubescent or villous. Its leaf epidermal cells vary in size, P.neurantha is the largest, and P.zhennan is the smallest. The leaf area of P.sheareri is the largest, and P.zhennan is the smallest. The pH value of P.sheareri is the largest, and the minimum value of P.bournei. EC value is the largest in P.zhennan, the smallest in P.sheareri. There are significant differences in the content of heavy metals. It is preliminarily determined that the dust retention capacity is from large to small as P.zhennan > P.chekiangensis > P.neurantha > P.sheareri> P.bournei.