Abstract: This paper describes factors in seed germination of Oplopanax elatus Nakai. The water permeability of seeds was good enough to support seed germination. The water extracts of the seed coat and endosperm had some germination inhibitors, and the inhibitory effect of the extracts from endosperm was stronger than that from the seed coat. The embryos were not fully differentiated (in the cardioid stage) and were in deep dormancy when seeds matured. The seeds must be stratified under warm conditions to complete differentiation and development of the embryos, then under cold conditions to complete the physiological ripeness. The development of embryos in different seeds within a seed lot were not synchronous. By changing the temperature stratification for 7 months, only a few seeds were able to germinate, but after 17 months, most of the seeds were able to germinate. Influenced by annual climate conditions, the yield and germination rate of seeds collected in different years varies greatly. The seeds can be stored for a long time; the germination ability of seeds stored for 2 years was still high.