In an attempt to improve the phylogenetic resolution in clades of the genus Blumea beyond what could be achieved with sequence data from plastid regions (trnL-F, psbA-trnH) and ITS, the 5S-NTS (non-transcribed spacer) was sequenced as it has been reported to show higher levels of variation than the former regions. 5S-NTS yields a tree less resolved than ITS and the plastid regions; the latter markers, moreover, provided more resolution at deeper nodes. When combined with ITS and plastid sequences, 5S-NTS adds very little resolution. The results indicate that previously published, morphology-based sectional classifications of the genus are highly unnatural. The three varieties of B. hieraciifolia belong to different clades and should be treated as different species.