The problem of HF propagation and scattering in a turbulent ionosphere with an anisotropic and inhomogeneous background is studied in this paper. By constructing the asymptotic form of the dyadic Green's function of the wave equation in an anisotropic and stratified ionosphere, the integral representation expressing the fluctuation of the HF field caused by ionospheric irregularities is derived. In the case of vertical sounding, the spectra of phase and amplitude fluctuation of reflected waves are obtained. Numerical calculations are also performed to reveal some effects of background anisotropy on HF scattering.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union