Abstract: At present, atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is the main source of urban air pollution in China, in which fine particulate matter (PM_2.5, ≤ 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter)seriously pollutes the environment due to their small size and inertia of sedimentation. Plants can significantly remove air particulate matter and effectively improve urban environmental quality. Here, we summarize the processes and methods of the removal of particulate matter by vegetation, and discuss the relationship between atmospheric particulate matter and forest vegetation. The effects of vegetation on the removal of atmospheric particulate matter are discussed with consideration of meteorological factors, and analysis of the resuspension processes and negative effects of plants on the retention abilities of atmospheric PM are also examined. Lastly, we propose key points and trends on plant adsorption of PM, especially PM_2.5, based on the measurement and evaluation of PM adsorption abilities of plants, selection of local plants with high PM adsorption ability, and comprehensive measurement and systematic study on PM removal capability, especially of PM_2.5, of different kinds of disposition model of plants.