The peony is a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only
genus in the family Paeoniaceae.
Peonies are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America. They have
compound, deeply lobed leaves and large, often fragrant flowers, in
colors ranging from purple and pink to red, white or yellow, in late
spring and early summer.
Peonies are popular garden plants in temperate regions.
Etymology: The peony is named after Paeon, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. When Asclepius became jealous of his pupil, Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower.