Objective: Based on an to investigation and identification of commercial samples to find out the original species and resources of Xue Lianhua.
Method: Botanical and macroscopical identification.
Result: The main original species of the plant are Saussurea involucrata, S. medusa, S. gossypiphora, S. polylada, S. laniceps, S. tridactyla, S. gnaphaloides, S. kingii, S. obvallata, S. tangutica, S. globosa, S. longifolia, Soroseris erysimoides, So. glomerata and So. umbrella.
Conclusion: The flower and stem of S. involucrata and S. polylada and the whole herb of S. medusa and S. gossypiphora are used as Xue Lianhua in most areas of China.