Object To define the molecular characters of differentiating Bupleurum chinense DC., B. scorzonerifolium Willd. from their allied species B. marginatum Wall. ex DC., B. smithii Wolff var. parvifolium Shan et Y.Li. and B. longiradiatum Turoz. Methods General DNA was isolated from fresh leaves of Bupleurum L. species by CTAB. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to identify them. Results Five Bupleurum L. species can be identified by primer OPA-1(5'-CAGGCCCTTC-3'), OPD-8 (5'-GTGTGCCCCA-3'), OPD-11 (5'-AGCGCCATTG-3'). Conclusion The method of RAPD can be used to identify the Bupleurum L. species and its allied species.