Paeonia caucasica
Paeonia caucasicafam. Paeoniaceae
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Pl. CFDB — Paeonia caucasica
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IOverview
Overview
Paeonia caucasica, a perennial from the Paeoniaceae family, is native to the North Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. This plant thrives in light to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of about 0.6 meters and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it a versatile addition to gardens in temperate climates. Paeonia caucasica is known for its edible flowers, which can be used in culinary applications, and its ornamental value, appreciated for its beauty in gardens. The plant is also cultivated for its oil, which can be used in various applications, including crafting and dyeing. Ethnobotanical traditions suggest that Paeonia species, including P. caucasica, are used to support immune function and to provide calming effects, though these uses should be approached with caution and without medical recommendations.
Quick answers
What is Paeonia caucasica?
Paeonia caucasica, a perennial from the Paeoniaceae family, is native to the North Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. This plant thrives in light to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Paeonia caucasica used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Paeonia caucasica
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use contextTraditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
- Paeonia species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function, with Paeonia lactiflora being a well-documented example. This suggests that Paeonia caucasica may also be beneficial for immune health.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves compounds such as paeonol which has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, potentially enhancing the body's response to pathogens.
▲ ModerateImmune support → - Traditional-use note: Paeonia caucasica appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
▲ ModerateStress & anxiety →
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Paeonia caucasica support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Paeonia caucasica thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial grows to about 0.6 meters tall and can be propagated through division of the roots or by seed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Paeonia caucasica for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Skip in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip plant, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Amend soil if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip from its nursery pot to the garden bed, ensuring roots are spread out.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and regular watering. Fertilize in early spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged stems after flowering to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CraftingDyeoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Paeoniaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Paeoniaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
Native to
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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