Abstract: Objective The aim of this study is to establish ornamental judge model of willow based on leaf and branch characteristics and judge ornamental value of willow clones rapidly. Methods Taking one-year-old willow clone seedlings adapted to Beijing area as the object, their ornamental value were evaluated based on thirteen characteristics relevant to leaf and branch by establishing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) structural model of willow ornamental value. According to the ornamental characteristics of willow, the score criteria were established combined with expert advice. The judgment matrix and consistency test were conducted. The weight of index was determined with respect to the overall target. The willow trait scores were multiplied by the corresponding weights to obtain its composite score. The willow clones were clustered based on the comprehensive score and graded according to clustering result. Results In criteria layer of the model, the leaves were weighted as 0.75, branches were weighted as 0.25. The order of factor layers according to their weight relative to the target layer is: mature leaf color F2 (0.2559) > leaf shape F3 (0.1527) > young leaf color F1 (0.1273) > lateral branch color F11 (0.0802) > twigs color F10 (0.0740) > leaf density F4 (0.0667) > leaf length F6 (0.0526) > leaf area F5 (0.0471) > trunk color F12 (0.0392) > branching angle F9 (0.0315) > leaf width F7 (0.0299) > branching amount F13 (0.0253) > stipule F8 (0.0179). The mature leaf color, leaf shape, young leaf color, lateral branches color and twigs color are the major factors affecting willow ornamental value. According to AHP composite score and clustering results, the 20 willow clones were divided into four levels: GradeⅠincludes S. Chaenomeloides var. iegata, SH31, S.erioclada, S.matsudana, S.babylonica, S.×Jiangsuensis CL.‘799’, S.×aureo-pendula, with the highest ornamental value; GradeⅡ includes S. argyracea, S. dasyclados, bamboo willow, S. cheilophila, with high ornamental value; GradeⅢ includes S. capitata, DQ1, S. matsudanaf. lobato-glandulosa, S.×chulbeozhv, G7, S. koreensis, S. integra, with medium ornamental value; GradeⅣ includes S. cheilophila, S. viminalis, with lower ornamental value. Conclusion Analytic hierarchy process can judge willow ornamental value effectively from the aspects of leaf and branch characteristics. It can provide a reference for further breeding of willow and landscaping applications.