Abstract: Vegetation may be used as a biological filter, with its foliage accumulating particulate matter (PM). The abilities of leaves as PM receptors depend on a number of factors, such as surface geometry, epidermal and cuticular features and leaf pubescence. Thus, study of the abilities and mechanisms of leaf PM accumulation is very important for selecting suitable plant species for PM reduction in urban environments. In a study carried out at two sites with differing pollution levels (a relatively less polluted site, Beijing Botanical Garden, and another heavily polluted site, Guomao Bridge), the ability of nine plant species (Fraxinus chinensis, Euonymus japonicas, Salix babylonica, Sophora japonica, Populus tomentosa, Magnolia denudate, Prunus cerasifera, Acer truncatum and Ginkgo biloba) to accumulate PM and its size constituents (PM>10, PM_2.5-10 and PM_2.5) from the ambient air were investigated using a washing method. The micromorphological structure of the leaves was observed using field emission environmental scanning electron microscopy, and the leaf contact angle was measured using a goniometer. It was found that the ratio of the average amount of PM captured at Guomao Bridge was 1.64 times that of Beijing Botanical Garden for the nine green tree species, among which the ratio of PM>10 was 1.60 times, the ratio of PM_2.5-10 was 1.89 times and the ratio of PM_2.5 was 2.00 times. This result showed an increasing tendency with the decrease of particle size. Atmospheric pollution altered the leaf surface structure and properties of the tested plant species, which led to variation in PM accumulation. Leaves with deep grooves, high wettability and high stomatal density (>189 N/mm²) had a higher PM capturing amount. Meanwhile, stomatal density larger than 217 N/mm² enhanced the PM_2.5-10 capturing ability of leaves, and trichomes promoted PM_2.5 capturing ability.