What is the difference between Fengdan and tree peony stems?

Fengdan and tree peony have similar flower shapes and colors. Fengdan, together with white peony root, chrysanthemum, and poria, is known as one of the four famous medicines of Anhui, and is also one of China's 34 precious medicinal materials. The tree peony is hailed as the king of flowers, and there is a rich body of cultural and painting works about it. So, what is the difference between Fengdan and tree peony?

1. Differences in the flower stems

Fengdan flower stems are straight with few branches and long distances between buds; by autumn the stems become rather hollow and peel easily. Tree peony flower stems are curved with many branches and short distances between buds; the branches do not peel easily and are relatively smooth.

2. Differences in the leaves

Once the leaves have unfurled, observe them: Fengdan leaves are not forked; tree peony leaves basically divide into three forks.

3. Differences in the root system

The root system of double-flowered ornamental tree peonies is very well developed, like an octopus, with divided roots in all directions. The larger the plant, the more developed and lush the root system. Fengdan's root system is not well developed; it generally has only one main root with a few fine fibrous roots, showing obvious fleshy-root characteristics. Even if the plant is relatively large, there are very few divided roots, and it only grows downward. So when buying bare-root tree peonies, you can focus on checking the root system to see whether it is well developed.

4. Differences in the flowers

Double-flowered tree peony flowers are relatively large, with many petals, very rich varieties, and diverse and varied colors, giving excellent ornamental value. Fengdan, however, generally blooms white flowers, with a touch of pink when they first open and becoming whiter the longer they bloom; the flowers are smaller, single-flowered, and not very ornamental. In addition, double-flowered tree peonies rarely set seed after blooming, and some set only relatively few even if they do, while Fengdan sets seed very easily.

5. Differences in seed setting

Fengdan sets seeds, meaning it blooms and bears fruit; tree peonies generally do not set seeds, and the better they bloom the less they set seed, meaning they only bloom and do not bear fruit.

The difference between tree peony and Fengdan is still fairly obvious. Fengdan costs less to cultivate than tree peony, so everyone must learn to tell them apart when buying.