What Is the Difference Between Asparagus Root and Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber? A Quick Guide to Tell Them Apart

Asparagus root and dwarf lilyturf tuber are both traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and everyone is familiar with their names. Some people assume they are the same medicinal herb, just called by different names, but in fact they are different. Below we explain the differences between asparagus root and dwarf lilyturf tuber.

Difference one: different species

Asparagus root is a perennial herb of the genus Asparagus in the lily family, while dwarf lilyturf tuber is a perennial evergreen herb of the genus Ophiopogon in the lily family.

Difference two: different roots

The roots of asparagus root swell into a spindle shape in the middle or near the end; the swollen part is 3-5 cm long and 1-2 cm thick, yellow-white to pale yellow-brown. The roots of dwarf lilyturf tuber are thicker, and in the middle or near the end often swell into elliptical or spindle-shaped small tuberous roots; the small tuberous roots are 1-1.5 cm long, or a little longer, 5-10 mm wide, and light brown-yellow.

Difference three: different stems

The stems of asparagus root are smooth, often curved or twisted, up to 1-2 m long, and the branches have ridges or narrow wings. The stems of dwarf lilyturf tuber are very short, with slender underground stolons 1-2 mm in diameter and membranous sheaths at the nodes.

Difference four: different leaves

The leaves of asparagus root are slightly sickle-shaped, 0.5-8 cm long and about 1-2 mm wide, with thorns on the stems. The leaves of dwarf lilyturf tuber are grass-like, 10-50 cm long and 1.5-3.5 mm wide, with 3-7 veins and fine serrations along the edges.

Difference five: different flowers and fruits

The flowers of asparagus root usually grow in pairs in the leaf axils and are pale green; the berries are spherical, 6-7 mm in diameter, and red when ripe. The flowers of dwarf lilyturf tuber are solitary or paired in the axils of the bracts and are white or pale purple; the seeds are spherical, 7-8 mm in diameter, and dark blue.

Difference six: different effects

The dried tuberous roots of asparagus root can be used as medicine; they are sweet and bitter in taste and cold in nature, and have the effects of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, and clearing the lungs and promoting fluid production. They are often used for dry cough due to lung dryness, paroxysmal cough with sticky phlegm, soreness and pain of the waist and knees, bone-steaming tidal fever, internal heat with wasting and thirsting, damage to body fluids due to febrile disease, dry throat and thirst, and constipation due to intestinal dryness. The dried tuberous roots of dwarf lilyturf tuber can be used as medicine; they are sweet and slightly bitter in taste and slightly cold in nature, and have the effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, benefiting the stomach and promoting fluid production, and clearing the heart and relieving restlessness. They are used for dry cough due to lung dryness, lung abscess, yin deficiency and consumptive cough, thirst due to damage to body fluids, wasting and thirsting, vexation and insomnia, sore throat, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and blood-heat vomiting and epistaxis.