Today's nature post features the Peony! These beautiful flowers belong to the family Paeoniaceae in the lone genus Paeonia which includes between 25 and 40 species. Peony plants are native to cold and temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere which includes Europe, Asia, and western North America. The name Peony originates from the tale of the Greek God Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, who became jealous of his pupil, Paeon, and turned the student into the Peony flower. Paeon would use the Peony flowers in the healing of battle wounds the Gods would accumulate. They are so popular now that they have become the state flower of Indiana, the floral symbol for China, and is known as the symbolic flower for the 12th wedding anniversary. Peony plants can grow to impressive sizes depending on the type with some growing into shrubs as tall as 11 ft. The large blossoms of the Peony plant come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, or a purple and can grow as large as a cabbage. Incredibly, these plants have been known to live up to a hundred years. Peony are often connect with masculine energies and the element of fire. Although it was once believed that a goddess of the moon created the flower to mirror the moon's light throughout the night. Their large, beautiful petals are thought to bring prosperity, good fortune, and success in business. However, their seeds were thought to bring negativity. The roots of this plant are also seen as charms for good luck when worn as a necklace and the dried root of a Peony was often combined with flint and coral then worn by women to protect them from incubi during their slumber. In a similar way, their roots were hung over cradles to protect young children from mischievous fairies. The Peony is strongly associated with the powers of protection. Known to guard one against evils when worn or protecting ones garden from storms or evil when grown within. It has even been used in exorcisms. If collecting roots for metaphysical reasons, it is important to gather them at night. The peony can sometimes be referred to as either the red peony or the white peony. This is not due to the flowers color, but refers to the color of the roots after being processed. The Peony roots are used for many medicinal reasons from treating gout, fever, and respiratory tract illnesses to easing menstrual cramps, treating hepatitis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. When made into an oil or cream, this plant also aids in healing cracked skin.