Racemed Milkwort

(Polygala polygama)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Homer D. House. 1918. Wildflowers of New York.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Racemed Milkwort (Polygala polygama Walt.)

Identification: Flowers pink, pealike, occurring singly on distinct flower stalks, not compacted into a head. Leaves elongate, narrow, alternate on the stem (not whorled). Plant often heavily leafy. Plant 4 to 12 inches in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to Maine in the east, southward Florida and Texas.

Habitat: Racemed Milkwort is found in sandy woods and open, sandy fields.

Flowering period: June to July.

Similar Species: The rose colored flowers in open racemes and the alternate leaves should identify Racemed Milkwort.

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