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.