In roadside environment, it is critical to reduce airborne particulate pollution for the commuters' health. Urban road vegetation would form a barrier between traffic emissions and adjacent areas, but whether roadside vegetation barrier can reduce nearby particulate pollution remains uncertain. Combined with the existing research, the influence mechanism of vegetation on particulate pollution was expounded. The effects of key characteristics of roadside vegetation composition design on particle distribution and diffusion in street canyon and open road environments were discussed respectively. The individual plant traits and leaf morphology that helps to reduce the particle concentration were summarized. The coupling effect of other factors affecting particle concentration was analyzed. Additionally, the recommendations for vegetation barrier design in different road environments are proposed, and the research trends in vegetation community design and leaf morphology are raised. It is hoped that the research results would be used to optimize the roadside vegetation planning and improve the air quality in nearby environment.