Lead (Pb) is one of the non essential and toxic heavy metals which can cause oxidative stress in plants. The effects of Pb(NO_3)_2 toxicity on growth and some biochemical parameters of record cultivars of Helianthus annuus L. were studied under hydroponic condition. Different treatments of Pb(NO_3)_2 [control (0), 200, 400, 600 and 800 :M] were used in order to consider changes in dry weight, proline and Pb accumulation in roots and shoots; Total chlorophyll, enzyme activity (catalase and peroxidase) and K^+, Ca^(2+) amounts of leaves. Compared with the control, Pb treatment caused a significant decrease in roots and shoots dry weight, leaves chlorophyll, catalase activity and K^+, Ca^(2+) amounts. In contrast, a significant increase in proline and Pb accumulation of roots and shoots and peroxidase activity of leaves was observed in Pb treatments.