Paeonia obovata, commonly known as Woodland Peony, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to the understory of temperate deciduous forests in East Asia, including regions of China, Korea, Japan, and Siberia. It typically grows to a height of 30–70 cm. The plant features a clump-forming habit with attractive, deeply lobed leaves, and its lower leaves are composed of no more than nine leaflets or segments. Woodland Peony is particularly noted for its large, solitary flowers that bloom in May and June, which can be white, pink, or purple-red, and are moderately showy. The flowers give way to dehiscent seed pods that split open in September to reveal attractive seeds with a fleshy, blue-black outer coat that is appealing to ants, which aids in seed dispersal.

Woodland Peony is valued for its ornamental flowers and foliage, as well as its adaptability to shade gardens. It is often used in woodland plantings, shaded borders, and naturalized areas. This species is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to peony blight (Botrytis) and should be monitored for this condition. Additionally, it is important to avoid planting too deeply, as this can prevent flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0