Abstract: 【Objective】 The objective of our study was to determine the effects of light quality and genotype on flavonoid accumulation of Cyclocarya paliurus leaves, and thereby provide some basis for its directional cultivation on plantations. 【Methods】 Using current-year seedlings of four C. paliurus families(Muchuan 31#, Anji 1#, Jinzhongshan 6# and 7#)as materials, four LED light-quality groups(white, blue, red and green light)were set under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity in an artificial climate chamber to determine the effects of light on their leaf flavonoid content(total flavonoids, isoquercitrin, kaempferol and quercetin)and enzymes activities(PAL, C4H, 4CL and CHS)for biosynthesis. 【Results】 Both light quality and genotype significantly affected the leaf flavonoid content and enzymes activities for biosynthesis, and a significant interaction of light quality and genotype was observed(P < 0.05). Overall, compared with white and red light treatments, short-wave blue and green light treatments resulted in much higher leaf flavonoid contents. The highest contents of total flavonoids and isoquercitrin were observed under the blue light treatment for the C. paliurus family of Anji 1#, whereas the highest contents of kaempferol and quercetin were observed under blue light treatment for the C. paliurus families of Jinzhongshan 6# and 7#. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that leaf total flavonoid content was significantly correlated with the enzyme activities for biosynthesis that were studied. 【Conclusion】 The results indicated that leaf flavonoid content and enzyme activities for biosynthesis in C. paliurus were significantly modified by light quality and genotype. Blue light had a better positive effect on flavonoid accumulation in C. paliurus leaves, which would provide a reference for the light management in the directional cultivation on plantations.