The difference between Polygonatum multiflorum and Polygonatum sibiricum

1. Differences in stems

The rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema is relatively thick, usually in the form of contiguous plants or nodules, rarely cylindrical, and the stem can reach up to 1 meter in height. The rhizome of Polygonatum is cylindrical, with swollen nodules, so the internodes are thick at one end and thin at the other. The stem height is about 50-90 cm, and sometimes can reach more than 1 meter.

2. Difference of blades

The leaves of Polygonatum cyrtonema are alternate, elliptical or ovate-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, about 10-18 cm long and 2-7 cm wide. The leaves of Polygonatum sibiricum are whorled, linear-lanceolate, and smaller than the former, about 8-15 cm long and 6-16 mm wide.

3. Difference in color

The multi-flowered Polygonatum has an umbel inflorescence and the flowers are yellow-green in color. The color of Polygonatum sibiricum flower is milky white to light yellow.