Objective To establish the characters and microscopic identification of Achyranthes aspera from three different basal origins. Methods Based on the taxonomic identification of plants, the Achyranthes aspera from different basal origins was identified and the collected Achyranthes aspera was comparatively analyzed using characters and microscopic study methods. Results It was found that the three Achyranthes aspera species could be distinguished by cross-sectional microscopic features, and powder microscopic features were not clearly distinguished. Conclusion The different basal elements of Achyranthes aspera can be identified by characters and microscopy, and the careful study of both traits and microscopy will provide a basis for the revision and improvement of relevant standards.