Abstract: The current status and conservation strategies of endangered plants in Shanghai were studied through field investigation, specimen examination and historical data collection. Results showed that there were 28 species of 27 genera of 23 families, which was national key protected and endangered plants in Shanghai, and 101 species of wild plants, belonging to 82 genera and 54 families, should be protected in Shanghai. Native plants have decreased in recent years, while alien plants have increased. Furthermore, plant diversity has reduced, which helps explain why some native plants have decreased. An endangered plant protection system should be established for Shanghai plants, Moreover, plant diversity centers should be protected in a priority and a list of wild species of key protected plants should be published as soon as possible. Plant diversity publicity should also be enhanced in the future and wild plants of Shanghai should be protected while exotic invasive plants should be prevented.