Brown's Peony

Paeonia brownii

Physical Characteristics

Paeonia brownii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - California to Nevada and Washington.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root. A liquorice flavour[105, 161].

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Cardiac Febrifuge Laxative Pectoral Poultice TB The root is cardiac, febrifuge, laxative and pectoral[257]. A decoction has been used by some native North American Indian tribes in the treatment of pneumonia, tuberculosis, VD, nausea, indigestion, coughs, diarrhoea and kidney troubles[207, 257]. A decoction of the sun-dried roots has been used to help people put on weight[257]. A decoction of the root has been used as a liniment on swellings[257]. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash for sore eyes[257]. A powder of the dried and ground root can be used as a dressing on cuts, wounds, burns and sores[257]. A poultice of the crushed roots has been used to treat boils, deep cuts and wounds[257]. A cold infusion of the seeds has been used as a cough medicine[257]. A tea made from the dried crushed petals of various peony species has been used as a cough remedy, and as a treatment for haemorrhoids and varicose veins[250].

Known Hazards

None known