Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Garden Peony
MainColor	White
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	June
ImageUrl	Paeonia-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A showy perennial with glossy, divided leaves and large, often fragrant double flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Widely grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.

Distribution

Native to southern Europe and introduced to much of Europe, including the UK. Common in gardens but not usually found wild in Britain.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Historically valued in traditional medicine for treating spasms, epilepsy, menstrual problems, and coughs. Roots and seeds were once used as a sedative.

Edibility

Not edible — roots and seeds in particular are toxic.

Human Toxicity

Can cause stomach upset if ingested. Prolonged or high-dose medicinal use is unsafe. Avoid giving to pets.

Pet Toxicity

Toxic to pets (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy)

Active Compounds

Contains paeoniflorin (a glycoside), tannins, and volatile oils.