Abstract:Specimens collected from ten populations of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or P. lactiflora Pall. var.trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern grown in six plantation sites (provinces) in China were studied for the purpose ofidentifying the traditional Chinese herbs namely Chuanbaishao, Bobaishao, Hangbaishao, Hezebaishao, Donghai- baishao, and Hanchengbaishao. Morphologically, Chuanbaishao population with pink flowers was identified as P. lactiflora, while that with white flowers was P. lactiflora var. trichocarpa. As for Hangbaishao from Zhejiang Province，all colections from populations with whether red or pink，or white flowers were recognized as var. trichocarpa．The rest were referred to P lactiflora．The diagnostic anatomical features ofthe roots are described,a key for morphological identification of the plants iS provided.
