Look for a forked or human-shaped root
Check for tan to light brown skin on the root
Notice a thick main root with smaller branch-like roots
Look for a crown or neck where stems were attached
Check for wrinkled, knobby surface texture
Look for ring-like growth marks on the root
Observe a pale yellowish-white interior when cut
Smell for a mild earthy scent
Compare leaf shape if the plant is growing: compound leaves with several leaflets
Look for a single stem with a cluster of leaves near the top
Check for red berries on mature plants
Verify the plant grows in shaded woodland areas
Confirm the root is firm, not soft or mushy