[Objective] The relationship between the root tensile properties and its responses to their chemical contents was discussed in order to enrich the mechanical properties of soil consolidation by root system and provide theoretical support for ecological restoration and plant protection in mining areas.[Methods] The tensile of straight roots and lateral roots of Artemisia ordosica in the Shendong coal mine area with diameters from 1~4 mm were measured with TY8000 servo power machine, and measure the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin of each diameter grade.[Results] ① The anti-tension force of straight roots and lateral roots of Artemisia ordosica were positively correlated with the diameter as a power function, the anti-tension strengths and Young modulus were negatively correlated with root diameter as a power function. ② The contents of cellulose hemicellulose and lignin of straight roots and lateral roots present a significant difference,the average chemical content is:hemicellulose (31.69%,32.18%) > lignin (28.42%,25.30%) > cellulose (15.50%,15.35%). ③ The contents of cellulose of straight roots were negatively correlated with the diameter,the hemicellulose content and lignin content of straight roots were positively correlated with the diameter, the contents of cellulose of lateral roots were negatively correlated with the diameter, the hemicellulose content and lignin content was unchanged with the diameter. ④ The anti-tension strengths and Young modulus of straight roots present a positively correlated with the contents of cellulose (p<0.01), but present a negatively correlation with hemicellulose content and lignin content (p<0.01). The anti-tension strengths and Young modulus of lateral roots present a positively correlated with the contents of cellulose (p<0.01), but not with hemicellulose content and lignin content.[Conclusion] The root tensile properties of Artemisia ordosica have a certain correlation with the chemical contents, the contents of cellulose is key factors affecting the mechanical properties of the root materials of shrubs.