Abstract: In order to enrich the mechanical base data of bamboo/poplar laminated composites(BPLC)and broaden its application, the impact performance of the BPLC in perpendicular(R direction)and parallel(T direction)to the laminated direction were examined using the falling weight impact method. Results indicated that the impact toughness, impact process and fracture modes of BPLC were different in these two directions. When BPLC was impacted in the R direction, the impact time was longer than that in the T direction(17.21ms and 11.37ms), absorbing more energy(R direction 524.42 J, T direction 403.56 J)and representing higher impact toughness(R direction 24.16 J/cm², T direction 18.64 J/cm²). In the R direction, the composite was impacted by the perpendicular and parallel stress waves. The crack propagation process extended, leading to bending and shearing fracture which consumed more energy. Thus, the impact toughness in the R direction was better than that in the T direction. However, in the T direction, the main stress wave was in perpendicular direction, corresponding to perpendicular shear fracture. Most failures occurred in the portions of bamboo and the interface between bamboo and poplar, which determined the impact toughness of BPLC.