Brown's Peony
Paeonia brownii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Brown's Peony (Paeonia brownii) is a native Pacific Northwest wildflower that blooms in late spring with distinctive dark red flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in partial sun and attracts native bees and beetles.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Brown's Peony as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Brown's peony is a compact native wildflower with attractive divided foliage and unique maroon to brownish-red flowers in late spring. This drought-tolerant perennial goes dormant in summer, disappearing completely until the following spring when new shoots emerge.
Growing Brown's Peony
Grow Brown's Peony in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Brown's Peony takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Goes completely dormant and disappears in summer
- Flowers are unusual reddish-purple color that may seem wild
- Requires specific woodland conditions
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the May-June bloom period. The plant provides early season nectar when few other natives are flowering.
Common questions
- When does Brown's Peony bloom?
- Brown's Peony typically blooms from May through June in its native range.
- Where is Brown's Peony native?
- Brown's Peony is native to Washington state and other parts of the Pacific Northwest region.
- What pollinators visit Brown's Peony?
- Brown's Peony attracts native bees and beetles, which serve as its primary pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Brown's Peony prefer?
- This native peony grows best in partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens.
- Is Brown's Peony toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Brown's Peony as toxic to livestock.
- Is Brown's Peony HOA-friendly?
- Brown's Peony takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Brown's Peony? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz