Large-flowered Yellow Peony

Large-flowered Yellow Peony

　　The Large-flowered Yellow Peony

　　The Large-flowered Yellow Peony is a deciduous shrub of the genus Paeonia in the Ranunculaceae family. Its leaves are biternate, exhibiting a beautiful bronze color. The flowers (2 to) 3–4 bloom at the branch tips or leaf axils, with yellow petals, filaments, and anthers. The flowering period is in May, and the fruiting period occurs around August to September.

　　It prefers sunlight and warm conditions, does not tolerate poor soils, and is sensitive to heat. It is a plant species unique to Tibet, found only in Milin and Nyingchi (it is currently uncertain whether populations in Zayü, Bomi, and Longzi belong to this species). It grows along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley and on forested mountain slopes at elevations of approximately 2,900 to 3,200 meters. It differs from Paeonia delavayi (Yunnan Peony) by its taller plant stature, prominently large flowers, and fewer carpels, making it an extremely valuable ornamental and breeding material for peonies. Tibet’s Nyingchi also produces Paeonia delavayi f. superba, which is distinguished by its shorter plant height, red filaments, and 3–5 carpels, and is less commonly seen than the Large-flowered Yellow Peony.

　　f. superba, differing from this species by its shorter plant height, red filaments, and 3–5 carpels, and is less commonly seen than the Large-flowered Yellow Peony.