Balkan Peony - Kosovo

Paeonia peregrina - The Balkan peony, one of about 40 species, is a member of the Paeonia genus, the only genus in the Paeoniaceae family. It prefers broad-leafed, pine, and mixed forest in altitudes no higher than 1,500 meters. The cup-shaped flowers are 10 to 14 centimeters in diameter and are formed by 7 to 10 red petals. The Balkan peony is a herbaceous perennial; herbaceous defines a plant without an extended wooden stem above ground, perennials are plants living longer than 2 years.

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The country of Yugoslavia was divided into six constitute republics with Serbia containing two autonomous entities: Kosovo and Vojvodina. Ethnic conflict, nationalism, and a desire for expanded self-rule began to splinter Yugoslavia. With the death of Yugoslav President Josip Tito in 1980 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia broke away from Yugoslavia. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but is only a partially recognized country.
 

Marsh Marigold - Romania

Caltha palustris - The marsh marigold is a perennial and flowers from March through September. It is usually the first flower to bloom in announcing the arrival of spring. It is common in the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. The flowers produce a generous amount of nectar to attract birds and insects. The marsh marigold is poisonous if ingested and can cause dermatitis through prolonged handling with bare hands. Each of the 1,700 species in the Ranunculaceae family is poisonous.

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The Kingdom of Romania came into existence in 1881, after the Turkish defeat in the Russo-Turkish War. Carol I was proclaimed king and established a dynasty lasting until 1947. Romania entered World War I on the Allied side and was rewarded with Transylvania, Bessarabia, and Bukovina. The brief period between the two world wars was referred to as the “Greater Romania” era. This period lasted until 1940, when Romania had to cede its recent gains to Bulgaria, Hungary, and the Soviet Union.

Monk's Hood - Northern Ireland

The Government Act of 1921 partitioned Northern Ireland from Southern Ireland. When the Irish Free State was created in 1922, the six counties making up Northern Ireland were retained by the United Kingdom. The Northern Ireland Act of 1998 provided for a devolved legislative assembly for the region.

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Aconitum napellus - Monk’s hood, also known as wolf’s bane and queen of poisons, grows throughout the mountain meadows of the Northern Hemisphere. The entire plant, especially the root, contain toxins with aconitine being the most dangerous. The poison derived from the monk’s hood plant has been used since ancient times for coating spears and arrows. Despite the danger of accidental ingestion or incorrect handling, the strikingly beautiful flowers of monk’s hood makes it a popular ornamental choice for gardeners.