Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Garden Peony |
| Scientific Name | Paeonia officinalis |
| MainColor | White |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Cultivated |
| Season Found | June (May - Jun) |
| ImageUrl | Paeonia-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Abbots Langley |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 03 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
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
Mildly_Toxic
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.