Paeoniaceae

Paeoniaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Saxifragales. It contains a single genus, Paeonia, which comprises roughly 30 to 40 species and is widely cultivated for ornamental flowers. The natural range extends across temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and western North America.

Species in Paeoniaceae are perennial and exhibit both herbaceous and woody forms. Herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter, while tree peonies have persistent woody stems. Leaves are typically compound with lobed leaflets. Flowers are large and often very showy, usually arranged singly or in small inflorescences, with numerous petals in many cultivars and a prominent central cluster of stamens. Colors span white, pink, red, and bicolors. Fruits are follicles containing seeds and are rarely used ornamentally.

Within classification, Paeoniaceae is placed in Saxifragales. The genus Paeonia is the only genus in the family, accounting for most of its diversity.

Wild species are native to temperate areas of China, Central Asia, Mongolia, parts of Europe, and western North America. In cultivation they are grown for garden performance, cut flowers, and ornamental use. Peonies have a long horticultural history and are commonly propagated by division of plants or, for tree peonies, from selected rootstocks and grafting.

Several species and cultivars are used in traditional medicine, particularly roots used in Chinese medicine, producing compounds such as paeoniflorin and paeonol.