To screen plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) with ACC deaminase activity and verify their ef‐ fects on forage growth under low temperature conditions,a total of 821 PGPB strains were used to identify the ACC (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid) deaminase activity in DF and ADF medium. These PGPB strains were all isolated from the dominant forage species in alpine grassland of the Qilian Mountains. 16S rRNA gene sequences coupled with phylogenetic analysis were used to determine the taxonomic status of ACC deaminase producing bacte‐ ria. Moreover,the growth-promoting effects of 4 strains with high enzyme activity on the growth of Elymus nutans seedlings were verified by a seedling sand culture experiment under low-temperature stress. A total of 11 strains with high ACC deaminase activity were identified and divided into 5 genera. The inoculation of ACC deaminase strains could increase the stem height,stem diameter,stem dry weight and root dry weight. It also affected the root de‐ velopment,inhibited the decrease of chlorophyll content. Moreover,the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD),per‐ oxidase (POD),and catalase (CAT) in the seedlings were enhanced. These ACC deaminase producing bacteria can effectively promote the growth of E. nutans at low temperature and enhance the stress resistance. These bacteria have potential for the further development of biological fertilizer suitable for alpine grassland.