Whorled Milkwort
(Polygala verticillata)
Whorled Milkwort (Polygala verticillata)
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pellaea (Jason Hollinger)
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
pellaea (Jason Hollinger)
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: pellaea (Jason Hollinger) | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Nonenmac | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Polygala_verticillata_(1017749992).jpg | Notes: Photo of ''[[Polypodium scouleri]]'' [[Regional Parks Botanic Garden]], Berkeley, California, taken April 2007 by [[User:Stan Shebs]] {{Stan Shebs photo}} |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Polygala verticillata, commonly known as Whorled Milkwort, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including prairies, open woodlands, and forest edges primarily in the Eastern USA. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters) and a width of 0.5 feet (0.2 meters). This plant has a delicate appearance with narrow leaves arranged in whorls along the stem. The small, greenish to pink flowers bloom in the summer and fall and are not particularly showy, but they add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall aesthetic.
Whorled Milkwort is valued for its adaptability and can be used in wildflower gardens, as a ground cover, or for naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in full sun conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. While not commonly used in formal garden designs, it is appreciated for its contribution to biodiversity and as a food source for pollinators. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Whorled Milkwort is valued for its adaptability and can be used in wildflower gardens, as a ground cover, or for naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in full sun conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. While not commonly used in formal garden designs, it is appreciated for its contribution to biodiversity and as a food source for pollinators. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.25-0.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Prairies, open woodlands, and forest edges primarily in the Eastern USA
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Polygala verticillata , Polygala verticillata var. verticillata , Polygala pretzii , Sexilia verticillata
GBIF Accepted Name: Polygala verticillata L.