The investigation of 35 wild sample stands,located in the main distribution area of Huperzia serrata in China with a total area of 71 300m² in combination with the studies of more than 470 specimens of Huperzia serrata stored in 12 specimen houses as well as the existing documents, show that the main distribution areas of H. serrata are in the central and southern sub-tropical zones,with a total area of 2 600 000 km² and an actual distribution area of some 390 000 km². H. serrata is suitable in moist and shady areas located in evergreen broad-leaved forests in the central sub-tropical zone and the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests in the southern sub-tropical zone and its secondary biosystem. The field biomass investigation of H.serrata makes it possible to obtain the distribution data of varied areas. Combined with the systemic analyses of direct sampling results,and with indirect reasoning data and the assessment of environmental parameter,we determined that the natural storage capacity of H.serrata in China is 4 656.6t.Bassed on this figure,with manpower considered,the theoretical exploitation capacity is 1 604t.But taking into account of the current price of 30～40 yuan/kg,the commercial exploitation capacity can not exceed 200t.Because of the scattering status,and in more cases,the relative concentrated distribution areas are in the natural reserves and scenic spots,large-scale exploitation of H.serrata is not feasible.To evade the resource shortage of H.serrata, we must rely on other scientific and suitable approaches.The article also provides some new thinking and approaches to assess storage capacity and exploitation capatity of small plants.