Paeonia emodi

Physical Characteristics

Paeonia emodi is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to W. Nepal.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[105, 146].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Blood purifier Cathartic Cholagogue Emetic Uterine tonic The tubers are a useful medicine for the treatment of hysteria, convulsions, colic, uterine diseases and obstructions of the bile duct[61, 272]. They are given to children as a blood purifier[240]. The seeds are cathartic and emetic[240, 272]. An infusion of the dried flowers is useful in the treatment of diarrhoea[240]. A tea made from the dried crushed petals of various peony species has been used as a cough remedy, and as a treatment for haemorrhoids and varicose veins[250].

Known Hazards

None known