Brown's Peony
Paeonia brownii
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Brown's Peony fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.