Abstract: In order to investigate variations in leaf functional traits among understory shrubs within different Pinus yunnanensis forests and to gain insights into how these shrubs adapt to stand degradation, we aim to establish a scientific foundation for the regeneration and restoration of central Yunnan's Pinus yunnanensis forests. We conducted a study involving Pinus yunnanensis and three common understory shrub species. Our analysis focused on six leaf traits in order to elucidate the ecological strategies employed by understory plants in response to changing habitat conditions within degraded stands. Our findings can be summarized as follows. Significant differences were observed in leaf area (LA), leaf thickness (LT), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf density (LD), and leaf dry weight (LW) among different plant species (P<0.05). Apart from LA and LD, significant differences were also detected in the other leaf traits between degraded and control stands (P<0.05). This suggests that both plant species and the stage of degradation, as well as their interaction, have a substantial impact on the leaf functional traits of Pinus yunnanensis stands. Plants exhibited various functional trait adjustments in response to environmental changes within degraded stands. Specifically, Pinus yunnanensis displayed a decrease in LT and an increase in LD in its needles, Myrica rubra exhibited increases in LT, LW, LDMC, LD, and a decrease in SLA, Camellia oleifera showed an increase in LT and LW, along with a decrease in LA and SLA, while Pyrus calleryana displayed an increase in LT and LDMC, along with a decrease in LA and LW. These observations provide a comprehensive understanding of the adaptation strategies employed by understory plants in the face of stand degradation in Pinus yunnanensis forests. This knowledge serves as a crucial foundation for selecting potential native species during the ecological restoration process of Pinus yunnanensis forests.