Garden Peony, Common Peony, Chinese Peony
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Saxifragales, Family: Paeoniaceae, Genus: Paeonia, Species: Paeonia lactiflora · Paeoniaceae (Peony family) · Compound (biternate or deeply incised); Deciduous
Species
Paeonia lactiflora
Leaf Type
Compound (biternate or deeply incised); Deciduous
Family
Paeoniaceae (Peony family)
Shape
Palmate-lobed or ternate, with individual segments being elliptical to lanceolate and often further divided into secondary lobes.
Size
Total leaf spread approximately 6-10 inches across. Individual leaflets/segments are 2-4 inches long, aligning with a healthy mature specimen.
Margin
Entire along the lobes, but the leaf is deeply divided/cleft, giving it a coarse, multi-fingered appearance.
Arrangement
Alternate on the stem, though they appear in a bushy, clump-forming habit from the base.
Rarity
Very Common; a staple of temperate perennial gardens worldwide.
Color & Pattern
Deep emerald green with a semi-glossy finish. The stems and petioles often show a reddish or burgundy tint, which is a classic trait of many lactiflora cultivars.
Venation Pattern
Palmate at the base floral transition leading to pinnate venation within the individual lobes. Veins are slightly recessed, giving the surface a textured look.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and slightly leathery on the upper surface; the underside is typically matte and lighter in color.
Description
The Garden Peony is a long-lived herbaceous perennial known for its large, fragrant, and showy blooms. The leaves emerge as reddish shoots in early spring, maturing into the lush green foliage seen here. The plant forms a dense mound and produces heavy flowers that often require staking. In autumn, the foliage may turn yellow or purple before dying back to the ground for winter.
Key Features
Red-tinted petioles, deeply lobed ternate leaves with a smooth waxy sheen, and a clump-forming habit emerging from tuberous roots.
Habitat
Found in temperate regions; prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with consistent moisture. Thrives in full sun to light dappled shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Central and Eastern Asia (China, Siberia, Tibet). Widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate gardens throughout North America and Europe.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears to be in Good to Excellent condition. There is no evidence of Botrytis blight (gray mold) or powdery mildew, which are common peony ailments. No significant insect chewing is visible.
Interesting Facts
Peonies are known as the 'King of Flowers' in China and are symbols of prosperity and honor. Some herbaceous peony plants have been known to live for over 50 years in the same garden spot.
Medicinal & Uses
The root (Moutan) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat inflammation and pain. Ornamentally, it is one of the most popular cut flowers and garden perennials in the world.
Ecological Role
Provides a significant pollen source for bees and ants; ants are famously attracted to the nectar on the flower buds and help protect the plant from other nectar-thieving insects.
Similar Species
Paeonia officinalis (European Peony) has narrower leaf segments; Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony) has woody stems that do not die back to the ground.
Foraging Tips
Identify in early spring by the bright red 'eyes' or shoots emerging from the soil. Look for the previous year's dried, hollow stalks nearby. While not a typical foraging plant for food, the petals can be used in salads or as garnishes if grown organically.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic; contains the glycoside paeonol. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea) in humans, dogs, cats, and horses.