This study used 10 different varieties of alfalfa(Medicago sativa)to investigate the effects of high temperature stress on the growth and physiological characteristics at 38℃/28℃(day/night),and identify the alfalfa varieties with strong heat resistance and heat sensitivity.The results showed that all growth parameters and chlorophyll content of alfalfa under the heat stress were lower than those of the control,while MDA content and soluble sugar content under heat stress were higher compared with the control.Through the comprehensive evaluation of 10 germplasm materials,three alfalfa varieties(WL-319HQ,WL-656HQ and WL-354)with high heat tolerance and another three alfalfa varieties(Sanditi,WL-712 and Voctoria)with high temperature sensitivity were identified,which provided useful germplasm for further study.