AbstractIn order to characterize arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal resources in the rhizosphere of tree-peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), we collected soil and root samples, and isolated 35 species in five genera of AM fungi from the main tree-peony cultivation areas, Heze and Luoyang of China. Glomus showed the highest relative abundance, followed by Acaulospora. There were differences in species richness, spore density and species diversity of AM fungi between the two regions. Spore density in the rhizospheric soil of tree-peony grown in Heze Zhaolou Tree-peony Garden was highest, while in soil of the Luoyang Cuoli Tree-peony Nursery it was lowest. The species richness in Heze Zhaolou Tree-peony Garden was lowest. Species diversity in the rhizospheric soil of tree-peony grown in Heze Tree-peony Nursery was significantly higher than in other sam-pling sites. Glomus geosporum was the dominant species in Heze Zhaolou Tree-peony Garden and Luoyang Wangcheng Garden, while G. constrictum was the dominant species in Heze Tree-peony Nursery, Heze Zhaolou Tree-peony Garden, Luoyang Tuqiao Seedling Nursery and Luoyang Tree-peony Garden. The results suggest that AM fungal diversity is rich in the main tree-peony cultivation areas.