Description: The nodding flower heads consist of five purplish sepals, five to ten maroon petals with yellow edges, and many scraggly yellow stamens. Two to five pistils develop into pod-like fruits that push through the stamens.

Habitat: Dry slopes and forest openings.

Medicinal uses: Northwestern Native Americans made tea from the roots to treat lung problems.

Comments: The unusual look of this early bloomer can intrigue even the mildly interested observer. The large flowers are surprisingly inconspicuous, blending in to their own foliage. The genus name (Paeonia) comes from "Paeon," physician to the gods in Greek mythology.