How to Identify Sanguisorba officinalis

1. Blades

The basal leaves of Sanguisorba officinalis are pinnate compound leaves with 4-6 pairs of leaflets, which are ovate or oblong-ovate, with rounded apex, cordate to shallow cordate base, serrated edges, and green on both sides. Stipules are membranous and brown. There are fewer stem leaves, which are oblong to oblong-lanceolate, with a slightly cordate to round base. Stipules are herbaceous and semi-ovate.

2. Flowers

The flowers of the plant are spike-shaped inflorescences that are elliptical, ovoid or cylindrical and erect. The bracts are membranous, lanceolate, gradually pointed at the apex and then to a tail tip. There are 4 sepals, which are purple-red in color, elliptical to broadly ovate, and have soft hairs on the back. The flowering and fruiting period is from July to October.