The Milkworts
What are they?
In the Eastern USA, the milkworts are all small, herbaceous plants with often very brightly-colored flowers in tight, terminal heads.
Where are they found?
Generally found in open, grassy, species-rich communities. Some species favor damp ground whilst others may be found in drier, sandy soils.
Identification
Flower color easily identifies some species, but others need closer attention to the structure of the flower spike and to the leaves.
Orange Milkwort Polygala lutea
Locally common in damp, open ground in pine barren habitats. Flowers June to September.
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Cross-leaved Milkwort Polygala cruciata
Found in a variety of damp habitats and wetland edge. Flowers July to October.
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Whorled Milkwort Polygala verticillata
A scarce plant of dry, sandy field edges and, occasionally, sandy edges of saltmarshes. Flowers June to September.
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Purple Milkwort Polygala sanguinea
In New Jersey this is mostly a plant of the northern half of the state, but there are a few Cape May records from damp, open areas in grassy meadows and powerline cuts. Flowers June to September.
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Nuttall's Milkwort Polygala nuttallii
Usually found in open, sandy ground and most often in drier locations. Flowers July to October. A tiny plant which is easily overlooked amongst other vegetation.
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Racemed Milkwort Polygala polygama
A rare species of dry soil in the north of Cape May County. Flowers June to July. A tiny plant which is easily overlooked amongst other vegetation.
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