DESCRIPTION : There are two genera and 34 species herbs and soft shrubs that are called peony.

A green, juicy stem grows from the knobby rootstock to about 3 feet high. The leaves are ternate or bi-ternate. They have large ovate to lanceolate leaflets.

This plant flowers in May. The flowers ar large, solitary, and resemble a rose flower.

CULTIVATION : Peonies grow in almost any soil, in sun or shade. They do best in deep rich loam, well trenched and manured. Make sure the "eyes" or growing tips on roots are planted exactly 1 1/2 inches below soil level. Avoid moving peonies after planting, as they hate transplanting. Hardy zones 2-8.

Propagation is easiest by root division.

PART OF THE PLANT USED : The roots are used dried and powdered. Clean the roots carefully in cold water with a brush. Do not soak. Spread the clean roots to dry for ten or more days. They must be dry to the core and brittle.

PLANT ANALYSIS : Cyanin, arginine, benzoic acid, calcium-oxalate, peonide, paeonol, resinic acid, tannin.

MEDICINAL USE : No longer used medicinally.

MEDICINAL ACTION : Paeonia is considered antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, and tonic.

DOSAGE : CAUTION : The entire plant is poisonous, flowers especially so. Do not use this plant.

MAGICKAL USES : The roots and seeds are considered magickal.

Wear the seeds either strung or put a few loose seeds in your pocket to guard body spirit and soul.

Put cut branches in your home to ward off evil spirits

HISTORY : Peony is said to be named either for the Greek god of healing, Paeon, or for the physician Paeos, who cured Pluto and other gods of wounds received during the Trojan War with this plant.

Claudius Aelianus roman author in the first century "it groweth upon high rocks...which opening in the summer solstice, doth yield in the night time a certain fairy, as it were, sparkling brightness and light."

LORE : This plant is thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from moonbeams.

Peony was said to shine at night, protecting shepherds and their flocks.

It is said to protect harvests, drive away evil spirits and avert storms.

Gerard claims Josephus said "to pluck it up by the roots will cause danger to he that touches it, therefore a string must be fastened to it in the night and a hungry dog tied thereto, who being allured by the smell of roasted flesh set towards him may pluck it up by the roots."

Plant peonies in the garden to protect it against evil and storms.

Necklaces were made of the seeds or roots and hung around a child's neck to guard it from mischievous fairies and imps.

The roots worn with coral and flint it said to keep away the incubus.

It has been used in exorcisms

The root was carried to cure "lunacy". The seeds placed on a "lunatic" were said to cure almost instantly.

Gather roots or seeds only at night, when its seeds are said to shine with an eerie glow. The root of peony is sometimes substituted for mandrake.

Carve peony roots into small beads that are called "piney beads." String them to wear for protection against evil.

Add the seeds to wine for a remedy for nightmares.