Peony – 5/24/10

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/24/10

Observation Time: 8:25 a.m.

Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd.

Common Name: Peony

Scientific Name: Paeonia spp.

Comments: Long ago, some observant gardener noticed that ants on peony buds always meant the flowers would open soon. And so a bit of folk wisdom was born: Peonies cannot open until ants eat away the seal that keeps the buds closed. But it isn’t true. The thing the ants are eating is nectar, not glue, and what this does for the peony is make sure there are plenty of ants around to eat any soft-bodied insects that might like to eat peonies.

More Information: Wikipedia