MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 21 
divided, but because of the variability and hybrid character 
of the plants, seeds are rarely used, except to produce new 
varieties. It is best to sow the seeds immediately after 
maturity, in sandy soil, about two inches deep. Soaking 
in water previous to planting is advisable to facilitate germ- 
ination. Upon appearance of the seedlings above ground 
shading of lath or brush should be provided and the young 
lants allowed to remain in the seed-beds for at least a year. 
ropagation by root division should be accomplished in the 
fall after the tops have fully matured. The roots should 
be dug up and placed in a shady place for a few days. Then 
wo may be cut in pieces containing at least three buds. 
each. 
P. albiflora and P. officinalis are the most important of 
the herbaceous species. P. albiflora is a native of northern 
Asia and withstands a large degree of cold. It was known 
to the Chinese previous to the sixth century, having been 
used by them for medicinal purposes, food, and later for 
ornamentation. It is readily distinguishable from the other 
species by bearing more than one flower upon the stem. A 
number of valuable varieties have been introduced, but its 
chief value lies in the wonderful results obtained from cross- 
ing with P. peregrina, P. arietina, and particularly P. 
officinalis. 
P. officinalis is native of southern Europe and is appar- 
ently the species which secured for the genus its name 
Paeonia. A physician named Paeon was supposed to have 
used the roots of the plant in curing the wounds of Mars 
during the Trojan War. A good many legends concerning 
its properties have been handed down from the ancients, 
ascribing miraculous faculties to its use and presence. Even 
late in the nineteenth century the feeling prevailed 
among the peasants of Europe that evil spirits would be 
kept away by the presence of a peony plant near a house, 
which may explain to a certain extent the planting of one 
or two peonies at each cottage door. 
Other species of herbaceous peonies of some ornamental 
value and deserving of mention are the following: 
P. paradoza, a native of Ile de Levant, France, quite late 
in blooming and producing small flowers on very short 
peduncles. 
P. anomala, a Siberian species Bigs enormous roots 
which are eaten by the natives. The flowers are large, crim- 
son, single. 
P. tenuifolia, native of Ukraine, Russia, characterized by 
its linear leaves. 
