We used fractionation with cadmium (Cd) treatment to investigate the subcellular distribution of Cd in different organs of Artemisia selengensis. With 30 mg·kg^─1 Cd, Cd content was 2 to 3 times higher in leaves than in stems and roots; however, because of the smaller proportion of leaf biomass to total plant biomass, the amount of Cd in leaves was much less than that in stems or roots. Under the stress of this Cd concentration, the subcellular distribution ratio of Cd in leaves was 16:5:1 for cell walls, cytosole, and organelles. The retention of Cd in the cell walls is a major defense mechanism of leaves. The Cd content in cell walls and cytosole increased significantly with increasing additional Cd²⁺, but Cd content in organelles was still low. The stress of long-term Cd exposure or high Cd concentration causes serious harm or even death to a plant. A large amount of Cd is deposited in root vacuoles, for a detoxification effect for Cd stress.