In order to accurately describe the lateral behavior of semi-rigid mortise-tenon frame under horizontal load, a simplified analysis model with elastic rod-spring element is proposed, which can comprehensively consider the semi-rigid effect of mortise-tenon joint and rocking column effect. The global stiffness matrix and lateral stiffness expression of the frame are obtained by direct stiffness method and static condensation method respectively. The proposed model is verified by comparing the calculated values with the low cyclic loading test results. The wood elastic modulus, mortise-tenon stiffness, column height and vertical load were selected as analytical parameters. The parameter results show that the lateral stiffness of the frame with consideration of rocking column is significantly greater than that without consideration. The influence of elastic modulus on the lateral stiffness is very small; The influence of rocking column on the lateral stiffness is gradually reduced with the increase of joint stiffness; The higher the column height, the smaller the column lateral stiffness. The vertical load can significantly improve the lateral performance of the frame. According to the results of parameter analysis, a practical calculation method based on rigid rod-spring element is further proposed. The calculation error is stable at about 10%, which can meet the requirements of engineering accuracy.