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What is the difference between Paeonia delavayi and dahlia? A quick guide to tell them apart

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Leaf differences: Paeonia delavayi has compound leaves that are broadly ovate or ovate, about 15 to 20 cm long; dahlia leaves are 1- to 3-pinnatisect, with ovate or oblong-rounded lobes. Flower differences: Paeonia delavayi flowers grow at the branch tips or in the leaf axils, 6 to 8 cm in diameter, red or reddish-purple; dahlia has capitula (flower heads), about 6 to 12 cm, in white or purple.

1. Leaf differences

Paeonia delavayi leaves are compound, with a broadly ovate or ovate outline, 15 to 20 cm long, pinnately parted, with lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate lobes about 0.7 to 2 cm wide, and petioles about 4 to 8.5 cm long.

Dahlia leaves are 1- to 3-pinnatisect, the upper leaves sometimes not divided, with ovate or oblong-ovate lobes; the leaves are hairless on both sides and grayish-green beneath.

2. Flower differences

Each Paeonia delavayi plant usually bears 2 to 5 flowers, growing at the branch tips or in the leaf axils, 6 to 8 cm in diameter, with 9 to 12 petals, usually red or reddish-purple.

Dahlia has capitula (flower heads) on long peduncles, usually nodding, about 6 to 12 cm wide, with ovate-elliptic involucral bracts and 1 layer of ray florets, in white, red or purple.

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