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.

Brown's Peony

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Paeonia brownii

Last reviewed: August 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.

Toxicity unknown

Brown's Peony (Paeonia brownii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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