Polygala mariana

maryland milkwort
Family

Polygalaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Attachment

petiolate

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

linear, spatulate

Growth Form

forb

Flower Color

pink, purple, white, yellow

Flower Month

April - October

Height (meters)

0.2 - 0.4

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

annual

Growing Season

Warm season


Wetland Class

FACW

Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism

7

Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

6

Field Characters

Sometimes confused with P. sanguinea but can be readily separated by its pedicles which at anthesis are about 2 mm long or occasionally longer and the wings are rarely more than 4.5 mm long.

Natural History

Found in low, moist open pinelands, savannas, and prairies, and on seepage slopes in much of Louisiana and southeastern Texas.

Habitat

Low moist open pinelands and savannas and on seepage slopes, dry or sandy soils in coastal regions, and wet open habitats.