1、 Leaf difference

Stone lotus is a basal leaf, with rosette shaped leaves, spoon shaped oblong leaves, about 3.5 to 6 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm wide. Cauline leaves alternate, in a wide inverted needle or inverted egg shape, 2.5 to 3 cm long and 4 to 10 mm wide. Apex tapering

The leaves of Saussurea involucrata are obovate, wide and plump. The top of the leaves is blunt or slightly pointed. The leaves are about 5 to 8 cm wide, about 3 to 4.5 cm wide and about 0.3 to 0.8 cm thick. The ventral surface of the leaves is flat or slightly concave, and the leaves are gray green

2、 Flower difference

The inflorescence of stone lotus is paniculate or subcorymbose, with 5 petals, red, lanceolate or oval

The inflorescences of Saussurea involucrata can be as long as 6 to 10 cm, with 9 to 17 flowers on each inflorescence