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Paeonia californica
Paeonia californica Nutt.
California Peony
Paeoniaceae (Peony Family)
Synonym(s): Paeonia brownii ssp. californica
USDA Symbol: paca2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
California Peony is a 30 in. perennial with 5-30 branched stems per plant. Large, drooping maroon flowers occur at the top of the branches. Each flower has 5-6 petals and numerous stamens.
This plant can be difficult to cultivate. Its swollen roots will rot if watered in the summer.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 30 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Monterey to San Diego, Cos., CA
Native Habitat: Dry, brushy places below 4000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Description: Various extremely well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This plant can be difficult to cultivate. Its swollen roots will rot if watered in the summer.
Propagation
Description: Propagation by seed is easiest.Seed Treatment: No treatment is necessary, but scarification may improve germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Paeonia californica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Paeonia californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Paeonia californica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-21Research By: TWC Staff