Paeonia brownii, commonly known as Brown’s peony, is a herbaceous perennial native to the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. It is typically found in dry pine forests, sagebrush flats, and aspen stands at elevations ranging from 656 to 9843 feet. This species reaches a modest height of 12 to 18 inches and spreads about the same. Brown’s peony is characterized by its steely-gray, fleshy leaves and small, nodding maroon flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are unique and have a subtle charm. The plant has a thick rootstock that stores nutrients, allowing it to survive the dry summer conditions of its native habitat.

Despite its understated appearance, Brown’s peony can be a fascinating addition to native plant gardens and xeriscapes due to its drought tolerance and historical medicinal uses. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires little water once established, making it suitable for rock gardens or dry borders. However, it is rarely cultivated, partly because of its less conspicuous flowers and the challenge of growing it outside its natural setting. Gardeners interested in native plants or historical medicinal flora might find it a rewarding challenge. Brown’s peony was used by Indigenous peoples to treat lung illnesses and other ailments, though it is not commonly used in modern herbal medicine.CC BY-SA 4.0