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Brown's peony

Scientific Name: Paeonia brownii

Family: Paeoniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Brown's Peony (Paeonia brownii)

Paeonia brownii, commonly known as Brown's Peony or Western Peony, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the use of the root in tinctures, suggesting the presence of chemical compounds that may warrant caution.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the use of the root as a laxative, suggesting physiological effects that may warrant caution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Paeonia brownii Douglas ex Hook.
  • Common Names: Brown's Peony, Western Peony, Mountain Peony, Native Peony
  • Family: Paeoniaceae (Peony Family)
  • Paeonia brownii is a dicot.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the western United States, including California.
  • Found in dry meadows and shrub-steppe habitats.
  • Observed in locations such as Chelan County, the South Loop Road near Steens Mountain, and the Sawtooth National Forest.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous perennial, growing to approximately 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in) in height.
  • Flowers from June to July.
  • Flowers are hermaphrodite.
  • Has dark green, broadly dissected foliage.
  • Produces large and distinctive seeds.
  • The plant emerges showing two cotyledons from the seed, followed by the first true leaves.
  • Petals can be brown or orange, typically numbering 5 to 6.

Ecological Role

  • One of only two peony species native to the Western Hemisphere.
  • Flowers are primarily pollinated by Vespid wasps (e.g., queen hornets).

Traditional Uses

  • The root has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including cardiac and febrifuge applications.
  • Native Americans (Costanoan) used a decoction of the plant as a laxative.
  • The root is used to relieve muscle tension and stimulate uterine muscles.

Further Information

  • Pacific Northwest Wildflowers: https://wildflowers.org/ (Note: Replace with the actual URL if known)
  • USDA Plants Database
  • CalPhotos
  • Oregon Flora Project Atlas
  • E-Flora
  • PNW Herbaria Specimens
  • Dave's Garden