Abstract:hrough a critical study of the descriptions of Fangfeng in the ancient Chinese herbals, it may be concluded that the chief botanical source of this drug was Saposhnikovia divaricata. besides, the roots of Peucedanum ledebourielloides and P. wawrii may also be used. The root of Glehnia littoralis may be used as an substitute and called Shifangfeng. The difference in geographical sources of Fangfeng in ancient and present times is also discussed.