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Superoxide dismutase (oxide dismutase) is an enzyme synthesized via the expression of SOD-related genes. It is the first line of defense against oxygen free radicals, and it widely exists in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. However, the <i>SOD</i> gene family of woody plant <i>Liriodendron chinense</i> has not been studied. To reveal the potential role of <i>SOD</i> genes, we systematically identified and analyzed the <i>SOD</i> gene family of <i>L. chinense</i>, and investigated the transcriptional responses of <i>LcSOD</i> genes to several abiotic stresses, including cold, heat, and drought. A total of eight <i>SOD</i> genes were identified, namely, five Cu/Zn-SODs, two Fe-SODs, and one Mn-SOD, and they were divided into two subgroups according to phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, and conserved motifs. <i>Cis</i>-acting element analysis reveals various hormones and stress respond as <i>cis</i>-acting elements in the promoters of <i>LcSODs</i>. Gene expression analysis shows that most <i>LcSOD</i> genes were in response to abiotic stresses at the transcriptional level. These results help in clarifying the function of <i>LcSOD</i> genes under abiotic stresses, and provide potential targets for the improvement in abiotic stress tolerance in the endangered <i>L. chinense</i>.