In order to investigate the effect of litters on the water storage in the upper reaches of Chishui River, we measured water holding capacity and water loss of 27 major tree species in the study area. The results showed that the amount of litters was 0.15 -4.50 t/ hm², natural moisture content was 10.23% - 137.66%, the maximum water holding rate was 3 122.83 - 9 555.80 g/ (kg·h), the maximum water holding depth was 0.04 - 1.70 mm, effective water interception depth was 0.02 - 1.27 mm, the maximum rate of water loss was 209.52 - 2 423.21 g/ ( kg·h), moisture content was 85.02% - 256.18% after water loss for 24 h, and the maximum water loss depth was 0.01 -0.43 mm. Moreover, the rates of water holding and water loss of litters were higher in the earlier stage, declined quickly and became stable eventually. Several major factors contributing to water storage capacity of litters were determined as the amount of litters, the maximum water holding depth, effective water interception depth, the maximum water loss depth, leaf life stage and leaf texture. At last, litters were divided into three main functional groups according to their capacities of water holding, water loss and the leaf characteristics. Leaf life phase could be an indicator to evaluate the water-storing capacity of litters.