Family: Paeoniaceae
Author: Maxim.
Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans 9:29. 1859 (Prim. fl. amur.)
Year: 1859
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Paeonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: China to Russian Far East and Japan
Description
The Chinese peony, scientifically known as Paeonia obovata, is a captivating plant native to a wide geographic range that includes regions from China to the Russian Far East and Japan. Described by the author Maxim. in 1859 in the publication “Mémoires de l’Académie Impériale des Sciences de Saint-Pétersbourg Divers Savans” (Volume 9, Page 29), the Chinese peony has secured its place in botanical history and horticultural enthusiasm.
This perennial plant belongs to the Paeoniaceae family, known for its splendid and often fragrant blooms. The Chinese peony exemplifies this family’s defining characteristics with its broad, lobed leaves and large, showy flowers that range in color from shades of white and pink to deep reds. Typically blooming in late spring, the blossoms of Paeonia obovata serve as a stunning display in gardens and natural landscapes alike.
The hardiness and adaptability of the Chinese peony to various climates and soils underpins its expansive geographic presence. This resilience, coupled with its ornamental beauty, makes it a favored choice among gardeners and landscapers seeking to incorporate elegant and rich blooms into their plantings. Through centuries, this peony has been cultivated not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its historical and cultural significance across its native regions.
The blend of scientific intrigue and horticultural value in Paeonia obovata underscores its notable role within the Paeoniaceae family and signifies its continued cultivation and appreciation in gardens and botanical collections around the world.
Common Names
Eng: chinese peony
Swe: lackpion
En: Chinese peony, Japanese forest peony, Japanese Woodland Peony
Zh: Cao shao yao, 草芍药
Fi: Amurinpioni
Ko: Sanhambagkkot, 산작약
Ru: Пион обратнояйцевидный
Es: Japonska potonika
Sv: Lackpion
Zh-hant: 草芍藥
Vi: Thảo thược dược
Synonyms
Distribution
- Amur (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Japan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Nevinska (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Maria Suhostavtzeva (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2021 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7316524)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:711834-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paeonia obovata Maxim.)