English: Osti's peony; Tree Peony.
Region: east Asia, China, Shaanxi, Heenan.
Habitat: deciduous broad-leaved forests, thickets on slopes; elevations of 800 to 1600 metres; prefers deep rich soil, neutral or slightly alkaline; doing well in sun or light shade, prefers part shade; intolerant of waterlogged or too dry soil; lime tolerant; frost tolerant; prefers long hot summers; requires an airy position because it is very subject to fungi, honey fungus.
Ecology: inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Content: paeoniflorin.
Use: ornamental; Chinese medicine; flowers, cooked or parboiled and sweetened for a teatime delicacy.
BotanyShrub; Deciduous; 150 cm tall; young branches are brittle and very subject to wind damage.
Pollination: by insects; self-fertile